FTC reports to Congress on its work to protect older adults from fraud

The Federal Trade Commission, the US agency that handles consumer protection, has sent Congress a new report on how it protects older adults. The FTC says this is a top priority. The report covers the past year and focuses on fraud and other problems that hit older people.

What the report covers

The FTC says it uses a multi-faceted approach, which simply means more than one tool. The agency names three of them.

• Law enforcement, meaning action against those behind fraud
• Consumer education, meaning tips to help people spot trouble
• Coordination with partners, meaning teamwork with other groups

Who it affects

Older adults are the focus, but the effects reach further. If you have parents or grandparents, you are part of the picture. Families often are the ones who spot a strange call, text or bill first. Free guidance from the FTC can help in those moments.

What is not known yet

The full report was not available in the material we reviewed. That means details are missing. We do not know which cases the FTC highlights, what results it reports, or which partners it works with. The agency's summary only describes the approach in general terms.

What to do

Watch for new FTC warnings and consumer tips, and share them with older relatives. The agency's consumer alerts are free. A short conversation about common scams can help before anyone is put on the spot.