Library of Congress Federal Credit Union

In recent years, the FBI has seen a sharp increase in elder financial exploitation (EFE) and other scams that target seniors. Fact is, adults 60 and over lose an estimated $28.3 billion to scams every year, according to AARP. Here are some of those scams and how to help protect yourself, your family and your friends.

Today’s Biggest Senior Scams

• Confidence/Romance Scams. With this scam, a person pretends to be a love interest or friendly support to gain the senior’s trust. Once they have that trust, they use it to get the victim to send them money or give them access to account logins.
• Imposter Scams (Grandchild or Government Official). Criminals call, email, or text, pretending to be someone the victim knows or an official with the government or law enforcement (IRS, local police, FBI). The scam often centers on fear or urgency, such as the threat of jail time for the victim or a loved one. Sometimes, this scam uses AI (artificial intelligence) to mimic the voice of a loved one. Imposter scams get access to the victim’s money through cryptocurrency purchases or gift cards.
• Email Phishing Scams. This scam is easy to spot but also easy to fall for. Criminals send legitimate-looking email messages from what appear to be known companies or sources. These emails request that the victim log into their account to fix an issue. Instead of visiting the correct website, the victim is taken to a fake site where their login credentials can be recorded and used later to drain the account.  
• Fake Investment Scams. This scam involves criminals posing as financial advisors offering a special 100% guaranteed investment. If the victim falls for it, the criminal gains access to sensitive investment information and funds.
• Tech Support Scams. In this scam, the criminal pretends to be from tech support at a well-known company (Microsoft, Google, etc.). They warn the victim that their computer or smartphone has been hacked or is infected with a virus. The only way to fix it is by giving them remote access to the computer. Once that happens, the criminal can easily gain access to financial accounts.
• Lottery/Sweepstakes Scams. Criminals call or email victims, claiming the person has won a contest or lottery. However, to access the winnings, the elderly person must first pay taxes and other fees with a wire transfer or gift card.

Protect Yourself and Those You Know

Follow these tips to avoid these and other elderly scams.

• Be Secretive. Information about you or your family should be kept off social media. That includes birth dates, favorite colors, maiden names, and travel destinations. These seemingly innocent bits of information can help criminals steal your identity or hack your private accounts. 
• Be Alert. Credit unions, banks, and government agencies will not ask for your personal and private information. They already have that information. If you feel unsure about a call or email, hang up or delete it. If it really is that important, you will receive an official letter or other form of legitimate communication.
• Don’t Send Anyone Money. This is especially true if the person or entity asking for or demanding cash, gift cards, balance transfers, credit card information, or access to your accounts is a stranger.
• Delete Emails or Text Messages. If you don’t recognize the person or company sending you the email or text, delete it.
• Don’t Share Usernames or Passwords. Anyone or any company that asks for this information is trying to steal your money or identity.

Don’t Keep Quiet about Scams

If you think you have been targeted by an online, over-the-phone, email, or in-person scam, report it to your local authorities and the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You’re also welcome to stop by, call, or email and talk to our professionals.

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