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from Scams and Fraud
How to Protect Yourself
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1. Sign up for emergency alerts: Visit CalAlerts.org to sign up for alerts in your area. Consider signing up for alerts in an older loved one’s area too.
took over her computer, freezing every function. A popup window demanded that she immediately call a number to prevent further virus infection.
She called. A voice convinced her that she could help track down and nail the criminals behind the virus by using her money to buy and send gift cards that authorities would track.
“I was thinking, ‘Yeah, I’ll help the FBI get these jerks!’” says Victoria, a retired dentist. “They got $2,500 out of me before I realized I’d been had.”
Fraudsters scammed $3.4 billion from people over the age of 60 in 2023, according to the FBI’s most recent Elder Fraud Report — up 11% from the year before.
2. Make a disaster-ready plan: Create a list of contact information you may need; decide where to meet if you’re separated from loved ones; practice your plan.
3. Pack a go bag: To grab when you need to leave quickly, including important documents and items for each family member, keys, wallet, identification, phone and charger, and medication.
4. Pack a stay box: Include basic supplies for when you can’t leave home, such as food that won’t spoil, water, a flashlight, trash bags, and medication – enough for three days.
5. Help friends and neighbors: Exchange contact information with your neighbors and plan how you might work together in an emergency.
• Water
• Non-perishable food
• Medication, especially prescriptions
• list of prescriptions
• Eyeglasses
• Copies of important documents
• List of important phone numbers
• Cash
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• FIRST AID KIT
• WHISTLE, TO SIGNAL FOR HELP
• MOIST TOWELETTES, GARBAGE BAGS, AND PLASTIC
TIES FOR PERSONAL SANITATION
• PERSONAL HYGIENE ITEMS
• MANUAL CAN OPENER
• CELL PHONE CHARGER
• BACKUP BATTERY
What should older adults put in a
go bag?
Trusted connections with family, friends, caregivers, and healthcare providers are crucial to ensure older adults’ and adults with disabilities’ needs are met during emergencies. Important considerations include:
Victoria was 70 when a virus
5 Readiness Actions
• Emergency Preparedness Guide
• MyHazards
• CalAlerts
• Listos California
• Ready.gov
• Medicare: Care in an Emergency
Quick Links
The best advice, experts say, is to be constantly on your guard.
“You can never be sure who is on the other end of that phone call or email,” says Katie Carruesco, targeted outreach specialist with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. The agency’s services include workshops and one-on-one consultations tailored to older adults.
“These scammers are professional actors who sound legitimate, authoritative, and threatening,” Carruesco says. “They do not see people, only dollar signs.”
Thieves prey on older adults because they often own more assets and may have fewer digital skills than younger people, a combination making them attractive targets for fraudsters, experts say. Some older Californians may also be more isolated.
The result can be heartbreaking because of what’s at stake: retirement plans, life savings, and emotional and physical distress.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge
Common Scams
If you receive a QR code in a text message or a message on social media from a “friend,” contact that person directly before you scan the QR code to make sure it’s really them who sent it.
Never scan QR codes if they promise a special gift or profitable investment opportunity.
Thoroughly research any investment opportunity before committing your assets. Check for a license. Be cautious of any promises of high returns with low risk and avoid investments that seem too good to be true.
If your computer freezes like Victoria’s did, do not call the number on your screen. Turn off and restart your computer.
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Common scams targeting older adults, according to AARP, include shipping scams, doorstep piracy, gift cards, and charity scams. Imposter scams may feature calls from thieves pretending to be a family member in dire circumstances.
Phishing involves emails seeking personal information, passwords, or credit card numbers.
Experts are also seeing more loss to fraudulent QR codes that people scan with a cell phone camera hoping to efficiently access information on any number of subjects. But malicious QR codes steal information that should remain private.
What can older adults do to protect themselves?
Digital Safety
Phone Safety
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When the phone rings, don’t answer if you don’t know who’s calling, even if you’re afraid of missing an important call. A legitimate caller will leave a message.
Never give out personal or financial information to callers. Be particularly skeptical if someone claims to be with the government.
If you do fall for a scam, you can help bring the thieves to justice and prevent others from being conned by reporting it to authorities.
Each county’s Adult Protective Services program can take information on fraud. Find your local agency through the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
The California Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has two teams focused on fraud against older adults. The Criminal Law Unit investigates and prosecutes financial abuse against older adults as well as crimes in care facilities. Contact the OAG Hotline at 800-722-0432 or use its online fraud and abuse complaint form.
CDSS also shares how to report fraud specific to retirement, insurance, disability, auto repair, business, mail, and more.
Victoria swallowed her pride and reported her loss.
“I went to the local police department,” she recalls. “I’m sobbing like my dog just died, ‘I just can’t believe I was so stupid.’ The lieutenant pats me on the hand and says, ‘They got me, too. They’re just that good.’”
Having been through it, Victoria advises other older adults to be cautious when hearing quick action is “required.”
“Question everything,” she says. “Keep your firewalls up. Be suspicious. If you have a doubt, hang up.”
Reporting fraud
