EP: 213 - Scams: Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, financial expert Cameron Huddleston shares essential tips for recognizing and preventing scams targeting older adults. Scammers have become more sophisticated, using fear, urgency, and emotional manipulation to steal personal information, drain bank accounts, and isolate victims. From tech support and romance scams to investment schemes, these fraudsters take advantage of vulnerabilities, often leaving their victims financially and emotionally devastated. To protect yourself, watch out for red flags such as unusual payment requests (gift cards, wire transfers), pressure to act immediately, or isolation tactics. If you suspect a scam, cut off contact with the fraudster, consult someone you trust, and report it to authorities like the Federal Trade Commission or the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging's Fraud Hotline. Education and awareness are key to preventing these scams—talking to your loved ones about these tactics can help them stay safe.