​Financial fraud continues to be the fastest growing form of elder abuse. As the senior population in this country increases, so do the financial crimes committed against these vulnerable and trusting individuals. Elder abuse is particularly hard to combat because it frequently goes unreported, as do financial scams—making elder financial scams a relatively “low-risk” crime. Elderly victims are often confused, afraid or embarrassed to report crimes against them so the best way to protect your older loved ones is to educate them about common scams.

​Statistics show more than 15 million U.S. residents per year have been victims of identity theft since 2010. That’s why it is more important than ever to take extra precautions to protect your personal information and reduce your risk of identity theft. In the increasingly online world we live in, consumers need to be vigilant both online and offline to not become part of the rising statistic. Below are tips to help safeguard your information.

As  the senior population in this country continues to grow, so do the financial crimes committed against them. Stealing seniors’ hard-earned money is one of the most prevalent forms of financial fraud that takes place today. Scammers are repugnant but not stupid, and they prey on the vulnerability, trusting nature and, often, the loneliness that make seniors an easy target.
​
The best way to prevent this is education about the common scams and fraud techniques used by those who target the elderly. This means not only ensuring that seniors in your life know what to watch, but also that they will come to a loved one for advice before they take action when approached by someone asking for money or personal information. Listed below are some of the most common scams currently used to victimize seniors.

​It’s more important than ever in today’s world to take precautions to protect your personal information and reduce your risk of identity theft. The tips below cover simple offline and online strategies to ensure your confidential information remains safe and secure. Don’t let con artists and thieves take advantage of you—be educated and be prepared.

​Unfortunately, there will always be scam artists out there. These people are looking to make a few bucks, sometimes much more, on trusting and unsuspecting consumers. Scams aren’t always easy to spot, even for savvy consumers, so remember to do your due diligence and if something seems too good to be true, it most likely is. Below are common consumer scams to be aware of to help ensure they don’t happen to you or someone you love.

The possibility of the average consumer becoming a victim of a data breach grows with each new advancement in the electronic age.
​
A data breach occurs when sensitive or confidential information—driver’s license numbers, medical records, Social Security numbers, bank or credit card account numbers—is stolen, copied or used by an unauthorized person.

​Americans become victims of identity theft each year, as crooks steal names, Social Security or credit card numbers and use them to commit fraud or other crimes.  That personal information is as good as gold to criminals and they will go to any means to get it.