"If you know about a certain scam, you're 80% less likely to engage with it. So, please tell everybody you know." -Kathy Stokes

Could your loved ones be vulnerable to a $9 billion wave of deception? Kathy Stokes from AARP joins our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines to unravel the complexities of fraud that's sweeping the nation, hitting older adults the hardest. With victims often bearing the burden of shame, they're challenging the stigma and equipping you with the knowledge to identify scams and shield your family.

Amidst the digital age, where swindlers lurk behind screens, this episode takes a hard look at the emotional web of online romance scams, originating from the most unexpected places like vacant Cambodian casinos. The conversation navigates through the tactics of cybercriminals as they exploit trust for financial gain.

Stephanie, Kevin, and Kathy outline the actionable steps every individual should consider, from skepticism towards unsolicited communication to the merits of credit freezes. AARP's robust network of fraud-fighting volunteers and their educational resources are just a call or click away, serving as your allies in the battle against fraudsters who target your wallet and well-being.

Key Topics:

• Welcome Kathy Stokes! (03:08)
• Financial Fraud's Impact on Victims, Specifically Elders (04:57)
• Phone Scams and How to Identify Them (11:43)
• Protecting Seniors from Scams (17:30)
• Law Enforcement Response to Financial Scams (22:11)
• Online Safety and Cybersecurity (31:12)
• AARP, Getting Direct Support (43:20)
• Stephanie's and Kevin's Takeaways (47:46)

Resources:

• [email protected]
• Victim Helpline 877-908-3360
• CryptoScam from Wall Street Journal (free podcast): https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/pig-butchering-a-texting-scam-with-a-crypto-twist/296e499f-ba82-46f2-ade9-5b70710d558e
• NPR story on crypto scam https://www.npr.org/2023/06/25/1180256165/crypto-scam-senior-victims-spirebit

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You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.

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