Latest podcast shares tips on avoiding scams
LEISURE WORLD DIRECT
Today’s episode of the Leisure World Direct podcast features GRF Security Director Victor Rocha, who shares tips on how to identify and avoid scams.
Each year, millions of seniors fall victim to some type of financial fraud or confidence scheme, including romance, lottery and sweepstakes scams, including Leisure World residents. Rocha has heard from many residents who have unknowingly fallen for sophisticated scams. Understanding red flags is crucial for recognizing a scam before it’s too late.
Criminals often gain their targets’ trust and may communicate with them directly online, over the phone, and/or through the mail. Once successful, scammers often keep a scheme going because of the prospect of significant financial gain.
Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite, according to the FBI. They also usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit—all of which make them attractive to scammers.
Additionally, seniors may be less inclined to report fraud because they don’t know how, or they may be too ashamed at having been scammed. They might also be concerned that their relatives will lose confidence in their abilities to manage their own financial affairs. And when an elderly victim does report a crime, they may be unable to supply detailed information to investigators.
The LW Direct podcast features the GRF executive director and executive manager of Mutual Services, hosted by the GRF communications director.
New episodes are released every other week. Listen online at www.lwsb.com/podcast and on all major audio streaming platforms.
