Key Statistics:

• $61.5 billion lost to internet crimes in 2023 (FTC Report).
• Romance scams alone accounted for $1.14 billion in losses.

Alarming Scam Statistics in the U.S. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans aged 35 and older have fallen victim to scams, with many cases going unreported. Among these, the elderly are Through
her writing, Gwen connects with readers on an emotional level. Her mission is
to empower individuals with knowledge to protect themselves and their loved
ones, transforming victims into informed individuals

Scams targeting the
elderly are prevalent and can take many forms, including tech support,
grandparent, lottery, romance, investment, charity, home repair, internet,
funeral, health, government impersonation, and Social Security scams. 

 ·      Here’s a breakdown of some common scams and how to identify them:

Common Scams Targeting the Elderly:

·      Tech Support Scams:

Scammers pretend to be from tech companies, claiming your computer has a virus or needs repair, and ask for money or access to your device. 

·      Grandparent/Grandchild Scams:

Scammers impersonate a grandchild in trouble and ask for money, often claiming an emergency. 

·      Lottery/Sweepstakes Scams:

Scammers claim you’ve won a prize but require you to pay a fee to receive it. 

·      Romance Scams:

Scammers build fake relationships online or through phone calls to gain trust and then ask for money. 

·      Investment Scams:

Scammers offer high-return investments that are too good to be true, often requiring upfront payments. 

·      Charity Scams:

Scammers pose as charities and ask for donations, sometimes using current events to gain sympathy. 

·      Home Repair Scams:

Scammers offer unnecessary or overpriced home repairs, often pressuring seniors into immediate action. 

·      Internet/Email Scams:

Scammers use phishing emails or fake websites to steal personal information or money. 

·      Funeral/Cemetery Scams:

Scammers prey on grieving families, offering fake funeral services or cemetery plots. 

·      Health Scams:

Scammers offer fake cures or medical advice, often targeting health concerns. 

·      Government Impersonation Scams:

Scammers impersonate government officials (IRS, Social Security, etc.) to steal information or money. 

·      Social Security Scams:

Scammers impersonate Social Security representatives to steal personal information or threaten to stop benefits. 

How to Protect Yourself and Others:

ü  Be skeptical of unsolicited calls, emails, or visits.

ü  Never give out personal information to strangers.

ü  Don’t send money to anyone you don’t know or trust.

ü  Verify information with official sources before acting.

ü  Hang up on suspicious calls.

ü  Report suspected scams to the authorities.

ü  Educate yourself and others about common scams.

ü  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers resources and information on scams