give IT. get IT. | A Comprehensive Resource Roundup
There is no shortage of help available when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones from online fraud. The challenge is knowing where to look. We have pulled together the most useful free resources in one place, organized by category so you can find exactly what you need.
Download a full PDF guide of resources here
Read out full “Tips + Tricks” guide to help you understand how to protect yourself from scams.
All of the resources listed here are free. You should never have to pay for scam prevention help.
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center — ic3.gov
The main federal hub for reporting online fraud and cybercrime. Your report helps the FBI track trends and take action. File a complaint even if you are unsure — every report matters.
FTC Report Fraud — reportfraud.ftc.gov
The Federal Trade Commission’s complaint portal. Reports feed into a national database used by law enforcement across the country.
Maine Attorney General Consumer Protection — maine.gov/ag/consumer
Report scams directly to Maine’s AG office and find Maine-specific consumer alerts and guidance.
Identity Theft Recovery — identitytheft.gov
If your personal information has been stolen, this FTC site walks you through a step-by-step personalized recovery plan.
Elder Fraud Hotline — ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope
Call 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311), Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm ET. Staffed by specialists who can help you understand your options and connect you with local resources.
AARP Fraud Watch Network — aarp.org/money/scams-fraud
One of the best consumer fraud resources available. Includes a free helpline at 1-877-908-3360, scam tracking map, and plain-language guides to every major scam type. You do not have to be an AARP member to use it.
Eldercare Locator — eldercare.acl.gov
A federal service that connects older adults with local support resources, including financial exploitation assistance. Call 1-800-677-1116.
Maine Bankers Association Senior$afe Program — mainebankers.com/maine-banks-consumer-resources/seniorafe
Information on how Maine banks train employees to recognize and respond to elder financial exploitation, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Maine Attorney General Top Scams FAQ — maine.gov/ag/faq/top20.shtml
A plain-language breakdown of the most common scams targeting Mainers, including fake cashier’s checks, lottery fraud, and more.
Maine Bankers Association Fraud in a Box — mainebankers.com/maine-banks-consumer-resources/fraud-in-a-box
A community education toolkit on fraud prevention, available through Maine banks.
Maine Bankers Association Consumer Resources — mainebankers.com/maine-banks-consumer-resources
A hub of financial literacy and fraud prevention materials from Maine’s banking community.
Stay Safe Online — staysafeonline.org
Run by the National Cybersecurity Alliance. Beginner-friendly guides on creating strong passwords, avoiding phishing, setting up two-factor authentication, and protecting your devices.
Have I Been Pwned — haveibeenpwned.com
Enter your email address to instantly find out if it has been exposed in a known data breach. Free, fast, and requires no account.
FTC Consumer Information — Identity Theft — consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft
Step-by-step guidance on preventing and recovering from identity theft, in plain language.
General Fraud Information
USA.gov Scams and Fraud — usa.gov/scams-and-fraud
A government clearinghouse linking to fraud resources across all federal agencies.
FTC Consumer Advice — consumer.ftc.gov
Plain-language articles on hundreds of scam types, from fake tech support to romance fraud to prize scams.
IC3 Elder Fraud Page — ic3.gov/CrimeInfo/ElderFraud
The FBI’s dedicated elder fraud page with brochures, public service announcements, and guidance on what to do if you or someone you know has been targeted.
OCC Fraud Resources — occ.gov/topics/consumers-and-communities/consumer-protection/fraud-resources/types-of-consumer-fraud.html
The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s overview of common consumer bank fraud types.
If you are ever unsure whether something is a scam, call someone you trust before you act. That one step can save you from serious loss.
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