Scams targeting older Americans are at an all-time high.
According to AARP, millions of victims are losing billions of dollars every year. There are some things that you can do to help prevent elderly family members from falling victim.
It starts by someone answering their phone. A criminal could be on the other end.
“It’s just awful that someone will take advantage in that way,” said Amy Goyer, AARP Family and Caregiving expert.
Amy Goyer is AARP’s family and caregiving expert. Her own father fell victim to a man claiming to be a veteran in need of money.
“Once I finally figured it out, I was so angry because my dad was trusting, he was nice, he was kind, he was lonely, and this was a nice guy who chatted with him,” Goyer said.
Goyer said, just like in her father’s case, these criminals usually target senior citizens.
“Partly because they are more vulnerable, they are isolated, and they are more trusting and polite. Unfortunately, they have more to lose. They don’t have much time to financially recover when they’ve been scammed,” said Goyer.
That’s why it’s so important to have regular conversations with elderly family members about scams. Explain to them that criminals often create a sense of urgency so their victims don’t have…
