The Attorney General’s Office aggressively works to protect the rights of Missouri’s senior consumers. The Consumer Protection Division prosecutes those who prey on seniors and provides educational brochures and speakers for groups.
Most businesses are ethical in their dealings with Missouri seniors. However, there are some con artists who deliberately target seniors, hoping to take their money before they are exposed. Common scams against seniors are home repair fraud, door-to-door sales, travel scams and telemarketing fraud.
To reduce telemarketing calls, seniors can join the No-Call Team.
The Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit also prosecutes abuse and neglect of nursing home residents as well as health-care professionals who defraud the Medicaid program. To report possible Medicaid fraud or abuse and neglect of nursing home residents, call 1-800-286-3932 or e-mail us (Attention: Medicaid Fraud Control Unit). Please include your name, phone number and a brief description of the situation.
File a Complaint
Seniors who think they have been defrauded should call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 or fill out a consumer complaint form. Seniors also can obtain information by e-mailing us.
Resources for Seniors
- AARP lobbies for and promotes programs and issues of interest to seniors.
- Silver Haired Legislature is a formally elected, volunteer body of citizens 60 years of age and older who promote conscientious legislative advocacy for Missouri’s older adults.
- Elder Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-392-0210 (7 a.m. – Midnight)
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Hotline helps identify seniors who are being neglected, abused or exploited. The hotline quickens the pace of the investigation and assists all adults whether they live at home or in a nursing home. - Missouri Department of Heath and Senior Services provides advice and counsel to enhance seniors’ quality of life, independence and dignity.
- Missouri Senior Rx Program signs up eligible seniors for Missouri’s prescription drug programs.
- Senior Citizens Handbook provides information on laws and programs affecting Missouri’s seniors. Published by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, the handbook includes information on wills, power of attorney, financial assistance and health care.
- Nursing Home Compare provides detailed information about the past performance of every Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country.
- Missouri Lieutenant Governor’s Office: The lieutenant governor is Missouri’s official senior advocate.
- Missouri Veterans Commission: Call toll-free 1-866-838-4636 to see what benefits and services are available for eligible veterans and spouses.
- Missouri Police and Sheriffs Contacts
- Missouri Department of Insurance provides information on Medicare and Medicare supplemental Insurance.
- Missouri Bar Association provides free brochures to the public on legal matters such as probate, wills, bankruptcy and finding legal help.
- Federal Citizen Information Center: 1-800-333-4636. Provides phone numbers and general information about federal agencies and programs.
- AARP’s Consumer Protection Team provides a seminar on identity theft prevention.