Elder Fraud: Protecting Yourself from Scams
Every year in the United States, scams targeting seniors lead to losses at the multi-billion-dollar level. With the holiday season approaching, it's timely to be on the lookout for two types of scams that frequently target seniors:
Gift card scams – where the unsuspecting victim is coaxed into buying gift cards and sharing their redemption codes – are popular among fraudsters. The scammer typically contacts the victim by phone, email, or social media. They instill a sense of urgency by posing as a distressed family member, a government or utility company official, or a tech support representative. They claim that a pressing issue can be instantly resolved by purchasing gift cards from popular retailers and then sharing the codes with the scammer. Once these codes are in the scammer's hands, the money is gone in a matter of minutes.
Romance Scams prey on people who feel lonely, especially during the holiday season. The absence of loved ones, memories of times gone by, and isolation intensified by colder weather can make seniors more emotionally vulnerable. As seniors increasingly venture into the digital realm of online dating, the same platforms that promise companionship also harbor dangers. Cybercriminals who pose as potential romantic partners exploit the emotional needs of their victims. They may spend weeks or months courting the targeted senior before an urgent need for a loan, a time-sensitive business opportunity, or a family emergency pops up. The fraudster will appeal to an older person's generosity and desire to be helpful, promise to pay them back and shower them with verbal affection to finance their request. Of course, it's all bogus, and the money (and relationship) disappears as soon as the funds are handed over.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, the lead FBI Special Agent for the Elder Justice Task Force in San Diego offers simple advice, "Never send money to someone you don't know."
Why are Seniors Targeted?
Several factors make older adults prime targets:
• Digital unfamiliarity: Seniors might not understand the digital implications of gift cards or that sharing the redemption code is tantamount to giving away money.
• Isolation: Living alone or being distant from family makes seniors susceptible to scams, especially when a scammer poses as a trusted person – such as a friend, government official, or utility company representative.
• Cognitive challenges: Age-related cognitive decline can hinder seniors' ability to recognize suspicious activities quickly.
• Emotional manipulation: Scammers fabricate scenarios that prompt strong emotional reactions, muddling the targeted individual's judgment. These kinds of scams aren't limited to seniors—they have targeted people of all ages.
The FBI's Role in Combating Scams
Recognizing the growing threat of such scams, especially to vulnerable groups, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has responded proactively. The FBI regularly releases information on current scamming tactics, helping to educate the public about what to watch out for. Specialized cybercrime units are dedicated to tracing and tracking digital scam operations and working diligently to shut them down.
Despite the FBI's efforts, prevention remains the best form of protection:
• Stay informed: Knowledge remains our most powerful shield. Understand the common scams and never provide personal or payment information impulsively.
• Safeguard personal information: Be cautious about sharing personal details online, as scammers can manipulate them. Don't share personal or financial data over the phone if you didn't initiate the call.
• Verify information: Always double-check any suspicious claims by contacting the alleged source directly.
• Maintain connections: Regular interactions with family and friends can help detect and prevent suspicious activities.
• Foster open communication: Talk about dubious calls or interactions you've experienced. Elder fraud victims are often embarrassed and worry about telling their adult children or caregivers when they've lost money for fear of losing access to their accounts. Make it safe to have vulnerable conversations and share information.
• Report any suspicions: If a call or transaction feels off, report it immediately. Speedy reporting can increase the chances of culprits being apprehended and serves as a warning for others. In San Diego County, the Law Enforcement Coordinator Center compiles tips and information that seniors and their loved ones report. Report the who, what, when, where, and how details of your attempted scammer to local law enforcement (police or sheriff's department) and the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at IC3.gov.
Elizabeth Cox is an FBI San Diego Citizens Academy graduate and Immediate Past President of the Alumni Association. She founded the non-profit Victim Assistance Project in 2019 and launched an elder fraud outreach initiative in 2023. The organization is committed to sharing information that prepares and prevents seniors from becoming victims of scams. More information and resources are available at SDElderFraud.com