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Elder Fraud

Protect Against Elder Fraud

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Stay Aware to Protect Our Seniors from Fraud

Scammers often target older adults with schemes that seem untrustworthy. Learn how to recognize, prevent, and report elder fraud to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Online Dating:

Be careful when meeting people online.  Scammers will use stolen photos of attractive individuals or celebrities to lower your guard when first speaking with them.  In one such example, a German life coach named Raho Bornhorst, told CBS that scammers have used his images to create more than 100 fake profiles to defraud individuals.  Just between October to December 2024, Facebook took action against 1.4 billion fake accounts!  According to a survey released in February 2025 by Norton, 40% of people using dating apps have reported being targeted by a dating scam which is a 10% increase from 2024.   

Signs to beware of:

  • They profess their love quickly.
  • Claims to be overseas or out of state for business or the military.
  • Claims they need money for emergencies, hospital bills, an investment, or for travel to come see you.
Tips to protect yourself:
  • Don’t overshare with people you don’t know.
  • Watch for fast movers.  Stop and take a moment to think, “Does this sound right?”
  • Be realistic.  Why would this person need money to visit you if they are wealthy themselves?  Do they make up a reason why they can’t follow through on seeing you in person?
  • Avoid people who won’t meet in person.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask direct questions.
  • Never transfer money from your bank account to buy gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire money to an online love interest.
  • Contact your bank or family if you have any concerns.  We’re here to help!

Money Mule Scams:
If someone sends you money and for any reason asks you to send some back or to another person – STOP.  You could be unknowingly used as a money mule.  A money mule is someone fraudsters use to transfer and launder stolen money. 
Money mules are recruited through a variety of avenues:

  • Online job offers
  • Prize offers
  • An Inheritance from a family member you have never met
  • Online dating websites
  • Hobby & Interest groups
Ways to Protect Yourself from becoming a Money Mule:
  • Never provide your banking information
  • Never allow anyone access into your online banking
  • Never pay to collect a “prize” or “winnings” of greater value
  • Never send money to someone you met online even if they have sent you money in the past
If any of this has happened to you, contact your bank right away!  Also be sure to report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint. 
Other Ways to Protect Yourself from Fraud:
  • Do not pay for anything in gift cards, cryptocurrency or gold
  • If you’re unsure about a situation, AARP has a toll-free line you can call at 877-908-3360, that offers free advice as an objective party Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST
  • Do not feel the need to engage by answering unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages from strangers
  • Do not be afraid to say no over the phone if you are not comfortable with a situation
  • Trust your instincts!

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