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Prepare for the Conversation

Why now is the time to talk about fraud

Phone showing fraud alert

Now is the time to talk about financial fraud. Addressing sensitive financial topics can be challenging, and is best handled face-to-face with care.

If you're reading this, you're already concerned. Maybe you saw a news story. Maybe your parent mentioned something that didn't sound right. Maybe you just have a feeling. Trust that instinct — here's why:

  • Over $28.3 billion is stolen from older Americans each year, with the average victim losing $35,000.
  • Fraud losses for Americans over 60 increased 43% in a single year.
  • AI has made scams dramatically harder to detect — criminals can now clone voices, create fake video, and impersonate banks and government agencies with frightening accuracy.
  • Older Americans may feel isolated or lonely, making them more vulnerable to emotionally manipulative scammers.
  • The increase in online transactions means fraudulent activities can go unnoticed for weeks or months.

Taking the time to talk about these issues can help protect your family. This guide will help you do it with respect and care.

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