We’ve all heard that scammers love targeting older adults to steal personal and financial info, right? Unfortunately, it’s getting worse. In 2022, seniors reported losing $147 million to investment scams—a whopping 213% increase from 2020! Business and government impersonation scams also saw losses more than double compared to 2020.
The tricky part? Scams keep evolving. What worked last year might not work this year, and scammers are always finding new ways to deceive. They can come in the form of unexpected checks, phone calls offering “great deals,” or emails asking for personal information to “fix” an account issue.
Tech has added new layers to these scams. Phishing attacks via text messages saw a 70% increase in 2022. These scams fool people of all ages, proving that everyone can be at risk, not just seniors. So, remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
In Pennsylvania, we’re fighting back. The Pennsylvania Department of Banking hosts Scam Jam events across the state. These events, like the one I hosted at the Exeter Community Library, provide valuable tips and feature local police and district attorneys sharing their insights. Plus, they’re fun! With games like fraud bingo and prizes, Scam Jams make learning about scams engaging.
Remember, if you think you’re being scammed, contact your local police and file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and let’s protect ourselves and our loved ones from scams!
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