We've seen a sharp rise in scams over the past year, many of them more convincing, personalized, and sophisticated than ever. While older adults remain a top target, the tactics are evolving to exploit just about anyone. Today's scams are designed to catch people off guard, from AI-generated phone calls and fake tech alerts to phishing emails that appear legitimate.

In 2024 alone, global scam losses topped $1 trillion. Among adults over 60, two in five have already been victims, with average losses of $3,590. Nearly three in four know someone who's been scammed, showing how common and underreported this has become.^1,2

We've put together a resource for clients outlining the most common scams and simple steps to protect themselves and their families. We thought it might also be helpful for you, whether for your clients or your own team.

Below is a condensed version of what we've been discussing:

Online Shopping Scams

Fake sites and fraudulent sellers increasingly mimic trusted brands to steal payment details or never deliver products.³

What helps:

• Type in known URLs rather than clicking on search results
• Avoid suspicious links in texts or ads
• Use credit cards instead of debit cards for better fraud protection³

Tech Support Scams

Pop-up messages pretending to be from major tech companies claim your device is compromised, urging you to call. From there, scammers request remote access or push bogus software. These scams cost Americans $175M in 2023, with older adults five times more likely to be affected.⁴

What helps:

• Never engage with pop-ups or unknown tech support numbers
• Legitimate providers won't reach out this way or ask for access⁴

Phishing & Impersonation Scams

These scams have become more believable with AI, targeting older adults with:⁵

• Medicare scams
• "Grandchild in distress" calls
• IRS impersonators demanding payment
• Fake charities post-disaster
• Bank impersonations claiming fraud⁶

The red flags? Urgency, secrecy, and unfamiliar contact methods.

AI-Powered Scams

Scammers now use AI to clone voices, craft convincing phishing messages, and create deepfake videos to impersonate family members. It only takes a few seconds of audio—often pulled from social media—to pull off. The FBI has flagged this as a rising concern.⁷

Steps We're Encouraging Clients to Take

These are a few of the precautions we recommend:

• Consider freezing credit if new borrowing isn't needed
• Register with the Do Not Call Registry
• Add a trusted contact to investment accounts⁸
• Always confirm unusual requests before acting
• Use unique passwords and two-factor authentication
• Install antivirus tools and enable financial alerts
• Monitor bank and credit card statements
• Be cautious with what's shared online

Why We're Sharing This with You

We're sending this simply as a resource in case it's helpful for you or the families you serve. It also reflects how we approach client relationships: with education, empathy, and the long view in mind.

We'd love to connect if this sparks any ideas for joint educational efforts or if you're seeing similar concerns among your clients. We're always open to coordinating efforts that support the people we both work hard to serve.

^{1. Medicarefaq.com. May 20, 2024}

^{2. Forbes, March 18, 2025}

^{3. Keeper, January 08, 2024}

^{4. AARP, December 16, 2024}

^{5. Consumer Affairs, June 11, 2025}

^{6. National Council on Aging, February 20, 2025}

^{7. National Council On Aging, October 31, 2024}

^{8. NASAA, June 2025}