We’ve got an important announcement for all our senior friends and their families! Elder fraud is a growing problem, and it's time we come together to learn how to protect ourselves. The Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments (TARCOG) is hosting a Fraud & Scam Summit on Thursday, August 8, in Huntsville. Let’s break down the details and why you should attend.
Why You Should Care
Millions of elderly Americans fall victim to scams every year, losing billions of dollars. In 2023, elder fraud reports to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) rose by 14%. Scams targeting seniors can be devastating, and many go unreported due to embarrassment or lack of knowledge on how to seek help.
What is Elder Fraud?
Elder fraud includes various scams like tech support fraud, government impersonation, investment scams, and lottery scams. Scammers often pose as officials from agencies like the Social Security Administration or Medicare to trick seniors into sharing personal information or making payments.
Key Stats:
- Losses in 2023: Over $3.4 billion.
- Average Loss per Victim: $33,915.
- Most Reported Scams: Tech support, investment scams, and government impersonation.
- Cryptocurrency Scams: Over 12,000 victims aged 60+ reported scams involving cryptocurrency.
About the Summit
TARCOG’s summit will cover:
- Cyber security
- Financial scams
- Consumer fraud
- Legal implications of fraud
Who Will Be There?
Exhibitors from state programs, community partners, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses will provide educational information and resources. This is a great opportunity to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, August 8
- Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Location: Bob Harrison Wellness and Advocacy Center, 6156 Pulaski Pike, Huntsville
- Registration: Starts at 9 a.m. Call 256-830-0818 to register (limited to 150 seats).
Why Attend?
Learn from experts, get valuable resources, and understand how to detect and prevent scams. Empower yourself and your family with the knowledge to stay safe.
Final Thoughts
Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but by staying informed and vigilant, we can outsmart them. Join the TARCOG summit and take a stand against elder fraud. Let’s protect our community together!
Stay safe and scam-free, Scamstallers! To read more, find original article here