Protect yourself from scammers victimizing elderly Americans

Each year, millions of elderly Americans fall victim to some type of financial fraud, racking up more than $3 billion in losses annually. Criminals use a variety of methods to deceive these victims.

In each case, perpetrators try to gain their targets’ trust and may communicate with victims via computer, through the mail, in person and by phone, TV and radio. With the elderly population growing in the United States, it is likely perpetrators will find more and more victims.

Elderly individuals may encounter the following scams:

Romance: Perpetrators pose as interested romantic partners through...