According to the FBI, seniors lost nearly $5 billion to online scams in 2024, a 32% increase from the previous year.
Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency. Be cautious of anyone who:
Demands immediate payment or secrecy about a financial transaction
Requests personal information such as Social Security numbers or banking details
Asks for payment in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
Sends emails or texts with suspicious links or grammatical errors
Claims to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare demanding money or personal data
Turning off background app activity, limiting who can use your location or mic, and blocking trackers can reduce your exposure to scams and identity theft by a huge margin.
Your devices should serve you. They shouldn’t spy on you, sell your info, or quietly manipulate what you see. The internet is a powerful tool, but it also comes with risks. Learn how to spot phishing emails, for example, you can prevent attackers from gaining a foothold in your systems. Use unique passwords for your logins and use two-factor authentication when possible.
Report the Scammers: Report the scam to your local law enforcement, the FBI, FTC, the Better Business Bureau BBB, the Social Security Administration SSA, AARP, the SEC, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau CFPB. Just which group is the right one to contact depends on just which kind of fraud was committed. The FBI, for example, is a sort of one-stop-shopping site for all manner of cybercrime, including identity theft, computer intrusions, investment fraud, phishing, and ransomware. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau responds to complaints involving financial products and services including bank accounts, credit reports, and payments made or requested.
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There’s no better time than now to act. By helping to raise valuable donations for Elders Freedom, you become part of a family dedicated to rebuilding our wounded, devoted Caregiver’s life and keeping her mission alive. Your passion, time, and generosity can give older adults the chance they deserve to hope, heal, and thrive.
