THIS IS NOT ME! Hosts Leigh and Angie dive into financial scams, sharing Thelma’s story to uncover how scammers use psychology to target even the most cautious people.

#elderfraud #giftcardscam #Thelma #38%prepared #38pctprepared #38percentprepared

Key Points:

• A $5 software add-on led to an elaborate scam.
• Scammers use psychology to manipulate victims.
• Politeness makes it hard to stop scams.
• Victims often feel too ashamed to report them.

Alarming Stats:

• FBI reports $3.5B lost to scams in 2023.
• Elder fraud victims lose $33,915 on average.
• 81% of victims feel anger, 36% feel shame.
• 24% never tell anyone about their experience.

Safety Tips:

1. Avoid email links; go directly to bank websites.
2. Hang up on suspicious calls, then call your bank.
3. Set family consultation requirements for large transactions.
4. Don’t be afraid to be “rude” to protect yourself.
5. Talk fraud prevention with family.
6. Set transaction limits on accounts.
7. Check local consumer resources through the police.

Resources/Credits:

Gift Card Scams

Gift Card Scams/Federal Trade Commission Consumer advice

Elder Fraud Conversation We Need