Beware! FBI Reports Surge In Scams Targeting Elderly Population

Sarasota, Florida – After a lifetime of hard work, retirement is meant to be a time for seniors to unwind and relax, but sadly, it’s also a time when they need to be extremely vigilant about fraud.

“He began uttering, ‘Grandpa I’m not sure what action I will take. I had a horrible vehicle accident, and there are a ton of bills,” Suncoast resident Cynthia Hough said, recounting the call her father got from a con artist.

Under the guise of his grandson, the con artist attempted to get $10,000 from him in order to keep his car.

“That would have been all of his savings and resources if that amount of money had been taken from him,” Hough remarked.

Fortunately, her father was able to identify that the caller wasn’t his grandson and he was spared from falling prey to fraud, but not everyone has been so fortunate.

Victims in Florida reported losing almost $293 million. According to victims over 60 nationwide, they lost roughly $3.4 billion, with a B, according to FBI Special Agent William Hauser.

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He claims that imitation scams are now quite popular and offers tips on how to spot them.

“Avoid transacting business with or sending money to anyone you do not directly know. That is a significant one. They must be someone you have met and personally know, whether it’s a love or business relationship, Hauser added.

In her technology lesson for seniors, Kathy Pappas of the Senior Friendship Centers reiterates this advice and highlights a few important items for them to be aware of.

“Searching for the sense of urgency, searching for the odd email address, searching for the return address, or searching for just something that seems off, like typos,” Pappas added.