The Retirement Scam Crisis: How AI, Crypto & Fraudsters Are Targeting Retirees in 2026

Hosted by Todd “MJ” Schnitt, this episode features Steve and Elizabeth Holland of The Holland Group Retirement Wealth Advisors.Financial scams are evolving at an alarming pace—and retirees are increasingly becoming the primary targets. In this eye-opening episode of Retirement Success, Steve and Elizabeth Holland reveal the latest scams affecting Americans in 2026 and explain why even intelligent, financially savvy individuals are falling victim.From AI-generated voice cloning and fake grandchild emergencies to fraudulent bank security alerts, tech support scams, cryptocurrency investment fraud, romance scams, government impersonation schemes, and Bitcoin ATM scams, the Hollands break down how these criminals manipulate emotions, exploit trust, and use urgency to steal retirement savings that took decades to build.More importantly, they share practical strategies every retiree and family should implement immediately—from creating family safe words and verifying emergency calls to protecting personal information online and recognizing the warning signs before it's too late.Whether you're approaching retirement or already retired, this episode provides essential guidance to help safeguard your financial future in today's increasingly sophisticated digital world.In this episode you'll learn:Why retirees and pre-retirees have become the #1 target for today's financial scammers.How AI voice cloning can impersonate your children or grandchildren in fake emergency calls.The psychology scammers use—fear, urgency, and emotional manipulation—to bypass logical thinking.How fake bank fraud departments convince victims to move money into "safe accounts."The warning signs of tech support scams and why you should never allow remote access to your computer.How romance scams and "wrong number" text messages lead victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.The rise of government impersonation scams involving the IRS, FBI, DEA, and other agencies.Why Bitcoin ATM scams have exploded and how criminals use them to steal retirement savings.Practical cybersecurity habits every retiree should adopt to better protect their finances.How proactive retirement planning includes protecting not only your investments—but also your financial security from modern fraud.Protecting your retirement isn't just about growing your wealth—it's also about preventing it from falling into the wrong hands. This episode offers valuable insights every family should hear.