In this episode, Joyce Petrowski dives into the intricate world of scams, reviewing the anatomy of a scam, breaking down their anatomy into three critical components: initiating contact, creating a compelling reason to act, and requesting payment. The spotlight is on charity scams, a prevalent threat, especially during the holiday season. Scammers exploit global events, natural disasters, and conflicts to prey on emotions and solicit donations. Joyce emphasizes the importance of verification in safeguarding your contributions.

Use trusted resources like IRS.gov and CharityNavigator.org to verify charities, and search by their tax ID number for accuracy. Request a tax determination letter if you have doubts about a charity’s legitimacy. Whether donating online, over the phone, or by mail, always verify the charity’s website, phone number, and address to avoid falling victim to scams. Approach unexpected contact with skepticism, question their motives, and remember that scams can happen to anyone, regardless of age or intelligence.

Key Takeaways: 

• Verify website, phone number, and address when donating to protect yourself from charity scams.
• Charity scams surge during the holidays; scammers exploit global events to solicit donations.
• Verify charities using IRS.gov and CharityNavigator.org; search by tax ID number for accuracy.
• Request the tax determination letter if unsure about a charity’s legitimacy.
• Approach unexpected contact with skepticism, question their motives, and stay informed.
• Scams can happen to anyone, so share knowledge to protect yourself and your community.

Visit www.RoseAdvocacy.org for additional resources and newsletters to safeguard against scams.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.

In this kickoff episode of “Let’s Talk About Scams” with your host Joyce Petrowski, we dive deep into the alarming statistics from 2022, revealing the surge in scams targeting our older adult population. Joyce breaks down the anatomy of scams, providing insights into their strategies, techniques, and patterns. From the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center’s elder fraud reports to real-life scam tactics, equip yourself with knowledge to be one step ahead of the fraudsters.

Remember to click on the subscribe button to stay updated on future episodes and visit our website for more resources! Stay vigilant and let’s protect our community from scams!

Key Takeaways: 1. Startling Stats: Over $3 billion lost to scams targeting the older adults in 2022 - a shocking 84% increase from 2021. 2. Spotlight on Arizona: Ranking in the top ten states for the number of victims and financial losses over the last few years. 3. Anatomy of a Scam: The three consistent components across scams are initiating contact, creating a compelling reason to act, and requesting payment. 4. Tactics Exposed: Discover how scammers use current events, voice cloning, and the trust factor to exploit unsuspecting individuals. 5. Stay Protected: Always be skeptical of unsolicited contact and remember the importance of keeping personal information confidential.

Rose Advocacy Website (https://roseadvocacy.org/) FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center - [IC3 Elder Fraud Report 2022](http://www.ic3.gov/)

Disclaimer: The information contained in this podcast is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual professional/legal advice. The podcast information was carefully compiled from vetted sources and references; however, R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly cannot guarantee that you will not fall victim to a scam.

“Let’s Talk About Scams” is your essential podcast to understanding scams targeting the older adult population. Host Joyce Petrowski, founder of R.O.S.E. Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly, and her guests share insights and practical advice to help you recognize and protect yourself from various scams, including romance, grandparents, and tech support scams.  The podcast underscores the importance of awareness and education to protect against the significant financial, emotional, and psychological impacts of scams on the older adult population as well as the family members and caregivers connected to them. By tuning into “Let’s Talk About Scams”, you will learn strategies for verifying information and protecting your assets, boosting your confidence against such deceptive practices.  Enjoy enlightening bi-weekly episodes that aim to help you protect yourself and your family from these harmful schemes.

Visit R.O.S.E. for more information: https://www.roseadvocacy.org