In 2022, Financial fraud exploded into a $9 billion per year criminal enterprise and the psychological tactics being used to groom trusting elders are disturbing. Even worse is how our society tends to blame the victims, leaving them silenced by shame and embarrassment instead of showing empathy. While financial fraud affects people of all ages, elders typically lose far greater life-altering amounts when targeted by scams.

 

My guest today is a true advocate working on the front lines to support those affected and push for real change. Kathy Stokes is the director of AARP's fraud prevention programs and she joined me at FinCon 23 to have a frank discussion about the elder fraud epidemic in America. She explains the importance of awareness and knowledge around financial scams and why we desperately need greater empathy and advocacy to combat these predatory schemes.

 

Join us as we shine a light on this crisis and explore how even small acts of empathy and advocacy can help safeguard the wellbeing of those we cherish.

 

Resources mentioned:

AARP Fraud Watch Network - https://www.aarp.org/FraudWatchNetwork

AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline - 877-908-3360

Transform your money story - https://go2.money/book-deal

More on this episode - https://go2.money/scams