Understanding Elder Fraud in Pennsylvania

The statistics surrounding elder fraud in Pennsylvania are staggering and deeply concerning. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General estimates that criminals stole between $260 million and $2.1 billion from residents over the age of 60 in 2022. Comparitech, a technology research firm, reported that over 28,000 seniors lost approximately $1.63 billion during the 2022-2023 financial year, marking a 26% increase in victims compared to the previous year. This translates to an average loss of about $58,000 per victim, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and prevention.

Local Impact in Northampton County

Elder fraud is not just a distant issue; it is a pressing concern right here in Northampton County. While our office may not directly handle these cases, the impact is felt across our community, with seniors in Northampton and Lehigh County losing nearly $8 million between September 2023 and 2024 due to various scams. At our recent Joint County Conference, local FBI Agent Sean Ahern delivered an eye-opening presentation on elder fraud. He shared insights into the most prevalent scams affecting our seniors and emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activity.

Recognizing SCAM: A Helpful Acronym 

Agent Ahern introduced a simple yet effective acronym to help identify potential scams:

• S is for Sudden: Unexpected calls, emails, or pop-up ads that catch you off guard.
• C is for Contact: Scammers often have personal information about you, making their approach seem credible.
• A is for Act Now: They create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to respond immediately.
• M is for Money or Information: They will ask for sensitive information like credit card numbers or Social Security details.

The Rising Threat of Elder Fraud

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported a 14% increase in elder fraud complaints in 2023, with financial losses rising by about 11%. These statistics serve as a stark reminder that elder fraud encompasses various scams that exploit older adults' vulnerabilities through deception and intimidation. Many seniors may not fully grasp the deceptive tactics used by scammers, particularly as technology evolves. For instance, if you receive a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild needing bail money urgently, take a moment to verify their identity. Hang up and call them back using a known number instead of acting impulsively.

Common Scams Targeting Seniors 

Among the most prevalent scams are:

• Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters pose as tech support representatives, gaining access to victims' devices. In Pennsylvania alone, there were 667 reported cases, costing victims over $21 million.
• Personal Data Breaches: With 270 reported cases, these scams often involve phishing attempts disguised as legitimate communications.
• Confidence or Romance Scams: These scams have drained over $9 million from unsuspecting victims who believed they were connecting with loved ones or potential partners.

It's crucial to remain vigilant against unsolicited messages claiming missed deliveries or urgent requests for personal information.

Taking Action Against Fraud

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to elder fraud, it's essential to report it immediately. You can file a complaint with the FBI’s IC3 at ic3.gov or contact the local FBI Resident Agency in Allentown at (610) 433-6488. When reporting, gather as much information as possible about the scammer and your interactions. The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) stresses the importance of acting quickly if you suspect fraud. Resources like identitytheft.gov and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau can guide you through reporting scams and recovering from identity theft.

Protecting Yourself and Loved Ones

To safeguard against these scams, older adults should take proactive steps:

• Research any offers thoroughly before clicking links or sharing personal information.
• Resist high-pressure tactics and maintain skepticism towards urgent requests.
• Keep passwords secure and ensure antivirus software is up-to-date.
• Monitor financial accounts closely and report any suspicious activity promptly.

Finally, tell your State Senator to support like House Bill 2064, which would empower banks and financial institutions to combat elder financial exploitation more effectively. By staying informed and vigilant, we can help protect our seniors from becoming victims of these insidious scams. Together, we can create a safer community for everyone.