Looking Out for Fraud

Health care related fraud siphons off billions of dollars that could provide much needed services. Fraud can occur in both community and facility health care settings.

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  

  • Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Information
     

• Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Unit

  • Investigates long-term care facility complaints related to Medicaid Fraud, Abuse and/or Neglect.

  • To report Medicaid Fraud, Abuse or Neglect, call 1-888-557-9503. 

• Office of the Illinois Attorney General

  • Investigates health care insurance complaints.

  • Health Care Hotline: 1-877-305-5145, 1-800-964-3013 (TTY).

• Illinois Department of Public Health

  • Hearing Aid Consumer Protection Program offers protection from fraudulent dispensary practices.

  • Consumer complaints and inquiries: 1-800-545-2200, 1-800-547-0466 (TTY).

Elders are the principle target of con artists, sweepstake fraud schemes, and home repair fraud operators. By some estimates, older persons account for 90% of all fraud victims. Seniors are thought to lose tens of billions of dollars to fraud every year.

Crime and Consumer Fraud

• Illinois Department on Aging

  • Provides free brochures on how to prevent fraud and avoid being the victim of con games. Contact the Senior HelpLine.

• Office of the Illinois Attorney General

  • Investigates consumer fraud and crime against the elderly, and provides information on types of fraud and how to prevent them.

  • Consumer Fraud Hotline: 1-800-386-5438; 1-800-964-3013 (TTY).
    

• National Fraud Information Center
  

  • Fights telemarketing fraud by improving prevention and enforcement.

  • Hotline:1-800-876-7060 (toll–free nationwide)

• U.S. Postal Service

  • Provides information on types of fraud and how to prevent them.

  • Postal Crime Hotline: 1-800-654-8896.

For more information on preventing fraud, contact the Senior HelpLine.