They say wisdom comes with age… but so do relentless scam calls, sketchy texts, and suspicious "IRS" voicemails. Fortunately, someone finally built something smart enough to fight back — and yes, it actually works.
In this issue, we’re diving into a brand-new tool designed to stop scams before they even start. Whether you’re an older adult, a caregiver, or just tired of deleting emails from "Prince Kevin of Nigeria," this one’s for you.
Scams targeting older adults are exploding in frequency and sophistication. Enter ScamCheck — an AI-powered tool from Carefull, built to analyze and block scams before they do damage.
How It Works:
ScamCheck is like having a scam detective in your pocket. Here’s how it protects you:
- Input the Suspicious Message – Users can upload a text, email, voicemail transcription, or even physical mail content into ScamCheck.
- AI + Human Expertise Kicks In – ScamCheck’s AI (trained on years of scam patterns and elder fraud data) scans the content for known scam signals.
- Instant Analysis + Guidance – Within seconds, it tells you whether it’s likely a scam — and what to do next (like ignore, report, or block).
The genius here? It helps people avoid ever engaging with a scam in the first place — which is where most of the damage starts.
Who’s Targeted:
Scammers often zero in on older adults — especially those who manage finances solo or rely on family for support. But caregivers, adult children, and even banks are affected too. If you're part of someone's support system, you're part of this story.
Real-Life Example:
Think about the dozens of scam messages you or your parents get each week — “Unpaid tolls,” “Package couldn’t be delivered,” “Click here to claim your tax refund.” It’s easy to miss a red flag when it’s buried in something that looks real.
“We are all barraged with clever scam attempts daily... but the best way to stop a scam is simply to never engage with it in the first place,” said Max Goldman, co-founder of Carefull. “That’s why we built ScamCheck.”
And early results? They’re promising. Carefull says ScamCheck is already catching phishing attempts, romance scams, tech support fraud, and more.
Why You Should Care:
Scams targeting older adults don’t just cost money — they erode trust, safety, and independence.
In the U.S. alone, elder financial fraud causes billions in annual losses. But beyond the financial hit, there’s the emotional toll: embarrassment, broken trust, even fractured family relationships when loved ones realize they’ve been tricked.
ScamCheck adds a much-needed safety net — especially for those who might not spot a cleverly crafted scam until it's too late.
Actionable Steps:
Want to stop scams in their tracks? Here’s what you can do starting today:
- Try ScamCheck – It’s available to Carefull users and partner institutions. Just upload a suspicious message and get immediate analysis.
- Talk to Older Loved Ones – Help them understand they can ask for a second opinion when something feels off.
- Encourage “Pause and Verify” – If a message feels urgent, it’s probably a scam. Pause, verify, then act.
- Use ScamCheck in Your Organization – If you're in finance, caregiving, or senior support, this tool can help protect your clients or members at scale.
- Bookmark Trusted Resources – Keep sites like GetCarefull.com, FTC.gov, and AARP Fraud Watch on hand for guidance.
Quick Tips & Updates
Quick Tip #1: Did you know? Scammers often use emotional triggers like fear, urgency, or love to cloud judgment. Recognizing this pattern is half the battle.
Pro Tip: If an email, call, or message pressures you to act immediately — it’s probably a scam. Legitimate organizations don’t rush you.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords & Definitions
- ScamCheck: An AI tool by Carefull that evaluates suspicious messages to detect scams.
- Carefull: A financial safety platform built to protect older adults and their families from fraud and financial errors.
- Elder Fraud: Financial scams that specifically target aging adults, often due to their perceived vulnerability.
- Phishing: A scam tactic that tricks people into giving personal info (like passwords or bank details) through fake messages.
- Romance Scam: A fraud tactic where scammers build fake romantic relationships to steal money.
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