Pennsylvania Scam and Fraud Laws: Where to Report, Your Right to Sue (2026)

Pennsylvania's consumer protection law, the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (UTPCPL), lets a person who bought or leased goods or services primarily for personal, family or household purposes, and lost money or property because of a deceptive practice, sue for actual damages or $100, whichever is greater. A court may, in its discretion, award up to three times the actual damages, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees. That right turns on a purchase: a victim who simply sent money to an impostor and bought nothing may not fit it.

Complaints about scams and deceptive businesses go to the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection, which offers voluntary mediation but says it "cannot act as your private attorney." Pennsylvania also makes financial exploitation of a person 60 or older a crime when it is committed by someone in a position of trust, such as a relative or caregiver. Two bills that would add bank holds on suspected elder exploitation and rules for crypto kiosks were still pending as of October 2, 2026.

Information last verified on October 2, 2026. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This guide covers Pennsylvania state law: the UTPCPL (73 P.S. section 201-1 and following), Pennsylvania complaint offices, Pennsylvania protections for older adults, Pennsylvania scam-related laws, and Pennsylvania court limits and deadlines for suing. Federal refund and reporting rights are summarized briefly and covered in depth on our national guides. Out of scope: criminal defense, and the law of other states (if the scammer or business is elsewhere, that state's law may also matter).

First steps if you were scammed in Pennsylvania

Contact the bank, card issuer, payment app, wire company or crypto exchange that moved your money right away; that company is usually the one that can stop or reverse a payment. Your federal rights depend on how you paid. Our guide on how to get money back after a scam walks through each payment method, and the Zelle and payment app guide covers app transfers. If your bank already said no, see what to do when a bank refuses a scam refund.

Then report the scam. Most scams go to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and online crime to the FBI's IC3; our where to report a scam guide lists every federal channel. The Pennsylvania offices below are in addition to those, not instead of them.

Where to report a scam in Pennsylvania

The state has also announced a centralized consumer protection hotline, 1-866-PACOMPLAINT, along with pa.gov/consumer and consumer@pa.gov, according to a Department of Banking and Securities press release.

What an Attorney General complaint can and cannot do

The Bureau's complaint form is direct about its limits: "The Attorney General cannot act as your private attorney. As a law enforcement agency, the primary function of the Office of Attorney General is to represent the public at large by enforcing laws prohibiting unfair or deceptive practices." The Bureau "provides a mediation service to consumers where an attempt may be made to mediate your individual consumer complaint if it falls within the jurisdiction of the office."

The form adds that "Participation in the mediation process is voluntary and we cannot compel a business to cooperate," and that the Bureau cannot mediate a matter that is already, or has been, the subject of legal action. What you write is shared with the business you complain about and may be shared with or referred to other law enforcement or regulatory agencies. The form asks whether you are 60 or older.

If mediation fails, the form says you "may be advised to seek relief either through a private attorney or through Magisterial District Court." Against an anonymous scammer, mediation has no one to talk to; the complaint still helps the office see patterns, but your payment company is the faster route to money.

Pennsylvania's consumer protection law: can you sue?

Yes, in the right case. Section 9.2(a) of the UTPCPL (73 P.S. section 201-9.2(a)) creates the private lawsuit:

"Any person who purchases or leases goods or services primarily for personal, family or household purposes and thereby suffers any ascertainable loss of money or property, real or personal, as a result of the use or employment by any person of a method, act or practice declared unlawful by section 3 of this act, may bring a private action to recover actual damages or one hundred dollars ($100), whichever is greater. The court may, in its discretion, award up to three times the actual damages sustained, but not less than one hundred dollars ($100), and may provide such additional relief as it deems necessary or proper. The court may award to the plaintiff, in addition to other relief provided in this section, costs and reasonable attorney fees."

Who can sue

Read the first sentence closely, because each part is a condition. You must have purchased or leased goods or services, primarily for personal, family or household purposes; you must have suffered an ascertainable loss of money or property; and the loss must result from a practice the act declares unlawful. The act has no defined term "consumer" for this purpose; the purchase-or-lease clause does that work.

That matters for scam victims. Someone who paid a dishonest contractor, bought from a fake online store, or signed up for a deceptive service bought something. Someone who sent money to a fake "bank fraud department," a romance scammer or a fake investment platform may not have purchased goods or services at all. Whether a pure impostor scam fits section 9.2 is a legal question this guide does not answer; a Pennsylvania lawyer can tell you whether your facts do.

What counts as an unlawful practice

Section 3 of the act declares unlawful the practices listed in section 2(4), clauses (i) through (xxi). The last is a catch-all: "Engaging in any other fraudulent or deceptive conduct which creates a likelihood of confusion or of misunderstanding." Another clause covers phone sales: it is unlawful to make "solicitations for sales of goods or services over the telephone without first clearly, affirmatively and expressly stating: (A) the identity of the seller; (B) that the purpose of the call is to sell goods or services" along with the other disclosures the clause lists.

What you can recover

• Actual damages or $100, whichever is greater. The $100 floor applies even when your provable loss is smaller.
• Up to three times actual damages, at the court's discretion. The text says the court "may" award it. It is a ceiling a judge can choose to apply, not automatic tripling.
• Costs and reasonable attorney fees, at the court's discretion. The court "may" award them to the plaintiff; fees are not guaranteed.
• Other relief the court "deems necessary or proper."

The section 9.2 text does not require a pre-suit demand letter.

The deadline

The UTPCPL does not state its own limitation period. In Gabriel v. O'Hara, 368 Pa. Super. 383, 534 A.2d 488 (1987), the Pennsylvania Superior Court held "that the UTPCPL is governed by a six-year statute of limitations," reasoning that the act "creates a civil action which is separate and distinct from appellants' other causes of action and for which the legislature provided no limitations period." The trial court in that case had applied the two-year fraud deadline, and the Superior Court reversed.

That is a 1987 appellate decision, so confirm with a Pennsylvania lawyer how the deadline applies to your dates, and do not wait: a common-law fraud claim filed alongside it has only two years (see below).

The honest limit

A UTPCPL case needs a defendant you can identify, serve and collect from. That often works against a Pennsylvania business, a contractor or a seller with a real address. It usually does not work against an anonymous scammer who called from a spoofed number or vanished with crypto, and a judgment does not help if nobody can be found to pay it. Our guide on when a lawyer helps after a scam covers how to tell the difference.

Protections for older adults in Pennsylvania

Exploitation by someone in a position of trust is a crime. Under 18 Pa.C.S. section 3922.1, "A person in a position of trust who commits the offense of financial exploitation of an older adult or care-dependent person shall be subject to the criminal penalties" the section provides. An older adult is someone at least 60. A "position of trust" includes relatives, joint tenants, fiduciaries and agents under a power of attorney, paid caregivers, people who live with the older adult or provide some component of home care on a continuing basis (including an unpaid neighbor or friend who has access to the older adult through that relationship), and current or former intimate partners. Grading runs from a first-degree misdemeanor up to a first-degree felony depending on the amount: for example, a third-degree felony when the amount exceeds $2,000 but is less than $100,000, and a first-degree felony at $500,000 or more or for a course of conduct harming two or more victims. The Attorney General may prosecute when the amount exceeds $20,000, and district attorneys also have authority.

A stranger scam is charged under other laws. Section 3922.1 does not reach a stranger who cons an older adult by phone or online. Those cases can be charged under other laws, such as theft by deception (18 Pa.C.S. section 3922) or deceptive or fraudulent business practices (18 Pa.C.S. section 4107). Section 4107 says: "Where a person commits an offense under subsection (a) and the victim of the offense is 60 years of age or older, the grading of the offense shall be one grade higher than specified in paragraph (1)."

Anyone may report. Under the Older Adults Protective Services Act, "Any person having reasonable cause to believe that an older adult is in need of protective services may report such information to the agency which is the local provider of protective services" (35 P.S. section 10225.302(a)). The act's definition of exploitation includes taking an older adult's resources with consent "obtained through misrepresentation, coercion or threats of force." The Department of Aging's Elder Abuse Helpline, 1-800-490-8505, is staffed around the clock, and reports can be anonymous. Protective services exist to protect an older adult who needs them; a report is not a way to recover money already sent.

Higher penalties in state enforcement. When the Attorney General or a district attorney sues over a willful UTPCPL violation and the victim is 60 or older, the civil penalty can be up to $3,000 per violation (section 8(b)). That penalty is paid to the Commonwealth, not to the victim. Separately, in a case the state brings, section 4.1 lets the court direct a defendant to "restore to any person in interest any moneys or property" acquired through the violation.

Bank holds: a bill, not yet law. Senate Bill 738, which would amend the Older Adults Protective Services Act to let financial institutions hold transactions they suspect are financial exploitation, passed the Senate 47-2 on September 30, 2026 and was referred to the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee the same day. As passed by the Senate, a hold could not last more than seven business days unless extended (by up to 15 more business days on a written request from the protective services agency, law enforcement or the department, or at the institution's discretion). It is not law unless the House passes it and the Governor signs it. If you are worried about a parent's account, tell the bank directly that you suspect a scam.

For fraud against anyone 60 or older, the federal DOJ National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311) can also help you report; see our elder fraud guide.

Pennsylvania scam laws on the books

Three-day right to cancel home and phone sales

Pennsylvania's cancellation right covers sales that come from a phone call to your home, not only a visit. Under UTPCPL section 7(a), when goods or services with a sale price of $25 or more are sold "as a result of, or in connection with, a contact with or call on the buyer or resident at his residence either in person or by telephone," the buyer "may avoid the contract or sale by notifying, in writing, the seller within three full business days following the day on which the contract or sale was made and by returning or holding available for return to the seller, in its original condition, any merchandise received under the contract or sale." The contract must also be in the language used in the sales presentation, as well as English.

Notarios and immigration help

A Pennsylvania notary public commission does not authorize a notary to act as an immigration consultant or an expert on immigration matters, to represent a person in an immigration proceeding, or to be paid for those activities (57 Pa.C.S. section 325). A notary may not use the term "notario" or "notario publico," and a notary who advertises notarial services must state, prominently and in each language used, "I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this Commonwealth. I am not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities," or an alternate statement the department authorizes or requires. See our guide to notario fraud.

Crypto ATMs (virtual currency kiosks)

Under Act 7 of 2025, Pennsylvania licenses virtual currency transmission. According to the Department of Banking and Securities, Governor Shapiro signed Senate Bill 202 on June 27, 2025, and the law "ensures that the transmission of virtual currency is treated the same as traditional money transmission under Pennsylvania's Money Transmitter Act," so businesses that transfer virtual currency for a fee must meet the same licensing standards as other money transmitters. The department's announcement does not address kiosks specifically.

A kiosk-specific bill, Senate Bill 1015, would set "regulation and reporting requirements for qualifying virtual currency kiosk operators." Its last recorded action is referral to the Senate Communications and Technology Committee on September 17, 2025. It is not law. A House bill on virtual currency kiosks, House Bill 2643, was reported from committee and laid on the table on September 8, 2026; it is not law either. If a stranger told you to feed cash into a crypto ATM, see our crypto and investment scams guide, and complain about a licensed money transmitter to the Department of Banking and Securities.

Suing a scammer or a business in Pennsylvania

Magisterial district court. Outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's small-claims-level court is the magisterial district court. In Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Municipal Court hears civil claims where the sum demanded does not exceed $12,000, exclusive of interest and costs (42 Pa.C.S. section 1123(a)(4)). Magisterial district judges hear civil claims "wherein the sum demanded does not exceed $12,000, exclusive of interest and costs" (42 Pa.C.S. section 1515(a)(3)). That is the usual place for a modest claim against a business or individual you can identify and serve, and it is the court the Attorney General's complaint form names when mediation fails.

Deadlines. Under 42 Pa.C.S. section 5524(7), an action to recover damages for injury to person or property "founded on negligent, intentional, or otherwise tortious conduct," including "deceit or fraud," must be brought within two years. A UTPCPL claim has the six-year period the Superior Court applied in Gabriel (above). Our research did not cover whether a discovery rule delays when either clock starts, so ask a Pennsylvania lawyer how the deadlines apply to your dates. Our Pennsylvania statute of limitations guide covers other civil deadlines.

Who you can actually reach. Lawsuits work against people and businesses with a name, an address and assets. A scammer who hid behind a fake identity, a spoofed caller ID or an overseas account is usually not reachable through a Pennsylvania court. In those cases the payment company, a fast report to law enforcement, and protecting your identity are where your effort pays off. If a scammer has your personal details, see what to do when a scammer has your information.

Related guides

• Scams and fraud: your rights and where to start
• How to get money back after a scam
• Where to report a scam
• Phishing, smishing and vishing
• Government impersonation scams
• Elder fraud
• Pennsylvania identity theft laws
• Pennsylvania debt collection laws
• Pennsylvania statute of limitations

Last updated: October 2, 2026.

This article is general legal information, not legal advice. For your specific situation, contact your payment company, the Pennsylvania office named above, or a lawyer licensed in Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue a scammer in Pennsylvania?

Possibly, if you can identify and serve them and you purchased or leased goods or services primarily for personal, family or household purposes. The UTPCPL (73 P.S. section 201-9.2) lets such a buyer who lost money to a deceptive practice sue, but a victim who bought nothing may not fit, and an anonymous or overseas scammer is usually not reachable through a Pennsylvania court.

How much can I recover under the Pennsylvania UTPCPL?

Actual damages or $100, whichever is greater. Under section 201-9.2(a) the court may, in its discretion, award up to three times actual damages and may award costs and reasonable attorney fees; neither is automatic.

How long do I have to sue under the UTPCPL?

The act sets no deadline of its own. In Gabriel v. O'Hara (1987), the Pennsylvania Superior Court held that UTPCPL claims are governed by a six-year statute of limitations. A common-law fraud claim has two years under 42 Pa.C.S. section 5524(7).

Do I need to send a demand letter before suing under the UTPCPL?

The text of section 201-9.2 does not require a pre-suit demand or notice. A Pennsylvania lawyer can tell you whether sending one makes sense in your case.

Will the Pennsylvania Attorney General get my money back?

Do not count on it. The Bureau of Consumer Protection may try to mediate an individual complaint, but the business does not have to cooperate and the office cannot act as your private attorney. Contact your payment company first.

Who do I call if an elderly person in Pennsylvania is being scammed?

Call the Department of Aging's Elder Abuse Helpline at 1-800-490-8505, staffed 24 hours a day; reports can be anonymous. The DOJ National Elder Fraud Hotline (833-372-8311) also helps with fraud against anyone 60 or older.

Is elder financial exploitation a crime in Pennsylvania?

Yes, when committed by a person in a position of trust such as a relative, caregiver or agent under a power of attorney (18 Pa.C.S. section 3922.1). A stranger scam is charged as theft by deception or deceptive business practices, and section 4107 grades the offense one grade higher when the victim is 60 or older.

Can a Pennsylvania bank hold a transaction if it suspects elder fraud?

Senate Bill 738, which would let financial institutions hold transactions they suspect are elder financial exploitation, was still a pending bill as of October 2, 2026: it passed the Senate on September 30, 2026 and was referred to a House committee. Telling the bank directly that you suspect a scam is still worthwhile.

Does Pennsylvania regulate crypto ATMs?

Act 7 of 2025 brought virtual currency transmission under the Money Transmitter Act. A kiosk-specific bill, Senate Bill 1015, has been in a Senate committee since September 17, 2025 and is not law.

What is the small claims limit in Pennsylvania?

Magisterial district judges hear civil claims where the sum demanded does not exceed $12,000, exclusive of interest and costs (42 Pa.C.S. section 1515(a)(3)). In Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Municipal Court hears civil claims up to the same $12,000 limit (42 Pa.C.S. section 1123(a)(4)).

Can I cancel a sale made at my home or over the phone in Pennsylvania?

For a sale of $25 or more resulting from a contact at your residence in person or by telephone, UTPCPL section 7 lets you cancel by notifying the seller in writing within three full business days after the sale and returning, or holding available for return, any merchandise you received in its original condition.