Ever had one of those moments where you wonder if you’re the only one who still uses a flip phone? Well, don’t worry, you're not alone! But while we’re catching up with technology, scammers are getting sneakier. June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and the FBI-Boston is here to help protect our elderly loved ones from fraud. Let’s dive in and see how we can outsmart these tricksters.
Simplified Summary
June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and the FBI in Boston is reminding everyone to protect their elderly loved ones from scams. Elder abuse can happen in many ways, but financial fraud is a big problem, especially for those over 60. In New England alone, elderly victims lost nearly $90 million in 2023 due to scams.
Key Points
- Elder Fraud Losses: In the first five months of 2024, elderly people have already lost $1.6 billion to fraud, a big increase from last year.
- Common Scams: The most common scams include tech support scams, romance scams, investment scams, and government impersonation scams.
- Why the Elderly are Targeted: Scammers target older adults because they are often more trusting, have savings, own property, and may not report fraud due to embarrassment or not knowing how to.
- Rising Scam Types: Investment scams, especially those involving cryptocurrency, have increased dramatically, with a 209% rise in victims and a 419% rise in losses from 2021 to 2023.
Prevention Tips
- Be Skeptical: Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, texts, and door-to-door services.
- Avoid Quick Decisions: Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency. Take your time to verify the request.
- Protect Personal Info: Never give out personal information, money, or gift cards to unverified sources.
- Verify Contacts: Look up contact information for anyone who reaches out to you and check their legitimacy online.
- Protect Your Identity: If a scammer gains access to your information, contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts.
Reporting Fraud
If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, contact your local FBI office or report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
Final Thought
Staying safe from scams requires staying informed and cautious.
To read more, check full report here.