Financial Fraud Targets Older Adults: Avoid Becoming a Victim

This episode of Boomer Banter dives deep into the alarming rise of financial fraud targeting older adults. Join host Wendy Green and fraud expert Kathy Stokes from the AARP Fraud Watch Network as they unpack the sophisticated tactics scammers use, the emotional toll on victims, and essential steps for securing personal information. Wendy Green begins the episode by sharing her own near-miss with a copyright infringement scam, underscoring the importance of being vigilant. Kathy Stokes delves into common scams such as tech support fraud, where scammers pose as legitimate tech support to gain access to financial information. The conversation highlights the use of heightened emotional states by scammers to manipulate victims, urging everyone to pause and assess suspicious messages logically.Takeaways:Use strong passwords and two factor authentication to access online accounts. Try a password manager to create and store your unique passwords.Let calls from unknown callers go to voicemail. Criminals do not tend to leave messages.Avoid using open Wi-Fi networks without a VPN and refrain from plugging into public USB portsIf you suspect you've been a victim of fraud, report it to the police and use AARP's helpline for support (877) 908-3360We are not helpless! What we know inoculates us. What we share inoculates others.Links:Follow the AARP Fraud Watch Network on FacebookConnect with the AARP Victim Support NetworkRegister for the Virtual Fraud Prevention Summer Series - July 8: 10:00-12:00ETTell your friends to subscribe to Boomer Banter. Click on “Connect With Us” after you follow the link. You will get access to our weekly newsletter that will keep you up-to-date on all things happening in our community.Follow the podcast, and please rate and review. This helps others find us