As our financial lives have moved online and become more complex, we are all at greater risk of financial fraud. However, older Americans are targeted with alarming frequency and, due to a combination of factors, are more likely to fall victim.
With so much personal information publicly available online, scammers can easily identify and exploit vulnerabilities. It's crucial to remain vigilant and aware of the potential risks that come with our online interactions.
Consider this: William Webster — former director of both the FBI and the CIA — was himself a victim of fraud. This isn't about intelligence or carelessness. It's about criminal sophistication.
The good news is that when people are aware of a specific scam, they are 80% less likely to engage with it. If they do engage, they are 40% less likely to lose money or sensitive information.
Discuss Together
Do you feel like you're a target? What would you see as a warning sign?