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In this episode of The On PACE Podcast, we discuss various types of fraud and how you can recognize and protect yourself.

Types of Fraud

1. Romance Scam
2. Tech Support Scam
3. Grandparent Scam
4. Government Impersonation Scam 
5. Sweepstakes/charity/lottery scam
6. Home Repair Scam
7. TV/Radio Scam
8. Family/Caretaker/Representative Payee for use or care of adult
9. Identity has been compromised
10. Online/Email/Etc
    1. P2P contact
    2. Phishing Scams
    3. Cyberattacks (Ransomware, Maleware, Trojan, etc.)
    4. Emails

Age Groups affected and the number of cases and dollars lost by fraud

Protect Yourself 

• Recognize scam attempts and end all communication with the perpetrator.
• Search online for the contact information (name, email, phone number, addresses) and the proposed offer. Other people have likely posted information online about individuals and businesses trying to run scams.
• Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to produce fear and lure victims into immediate action. Call the police immediately if you feel there is a danger to yourself or a loved one.
• Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door services offers.
• Never give or send any personally identifiable information, money, jewelry, gift cards, checks, or wire information to unverified people or businesses.
• Make sure all computer anti-virus and security software and malware protections are up to date. Use reputable anti-virus software and firewalls.
• Disconnect from the internet and shut down your device if you see a pop-up message or locked screen. Pop-ups are regularly used by perpetrators to spread malicious software. Enable pop-up blockers to avoid accidentally clicking on a pop-up.
• Be careful what you download. Never open an email attachment from someone you don't know, and be wary of email attachments forwarded to you.
• Take precautions to protect your identity if a criminal gains access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts, and monitor your accounts and personal information for suspicious activity.

Report it!
1. Report it to your bank
2. Contact the FBI https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices

Links and sources:
FTC Explore Fraud Data - excellent resource for CURRENT fraud data
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/data-visualizations/explore-data

FBI Common Scams and Crimes
https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/elder-fraud

FTC Protecting Older Adults
https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/reports/protecting-older-consumers-2019-2020-report-federal-trade-commission/p144400_protecting_older_adults_report_2020.pdf

 State of TN Comptroller
Financial Exploitation of the Elderly in Tennessee (tn.gov)

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