How You Can Help a Scam Victim
Elder fraud is on the increase. According to a study by the FBI, older Americans lost $3.4 billion last year in scams. There was also a significant increase in the number of complaints filed with the FBI by elderly victims, reaching over 100,000 in 2023.
Chances are you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam. A recent newsletter by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers the following advice on what you can do to help a scam victim:
- Lead with empathy. You should respond with kindness and concern instead of criticizing or expressing disappointment.
- Let them tell their story. Talking about the experience will help both of you spot scam attempts in the future.
- Validate their story. The only person at fault here is the scammer. Tell your friend or loved one not to blame themselves.
- Take action. Encourage them to report the scam and take action to prevent identity theft.
The Seniors Trust is committed to supporting the financial stability of America’s retirees, and this includes providing important information on how to prevent Social Security scams. We also want Congress to enact The Social Security Expansion Act. It will give retirees an immediate benefits boost of about $200 per month, provide a fairer annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program.
