Senior scams are surging across California, with fraudsters using increasingly sophisticated tactics to steal money and personal information. In 2024 alone, Californians lost over $2.5 billion to cyber scams—many targeting seniors.
Common schemes include imposters posing as government officials (IRS, Medicare), tech-support scams, and fake emergencies from “grandchildren” needing money. Scammers often pressure seniors to pay via gift cards, wire transfers, or even in-person cash handoffs.
Newer threats involve AI-powered voice scams, where criminals clone a loved one’s voice to make urgent, convincing pleas for help. These tricks exploit trust and isolation—especially among older adults.
Protect yourself and loved ones:
- Never give out personal info over the phone
- Hang up and call the agency or person back on a verified number
- Discuss scams openly with family
- Report suspicious activity to local authorities or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Awareness is the best defense. Talk to your aging parents or neighbors. A simple conversation could prevent financial devastation.
Stay alert—don’t let scammers win.
Join Your SB Team on August 5th to learn more about “Warning Signs of Elder Abuse & Avoiding Senior Scams”.
Local experts Ruben Lopez, Estate Planning Attorney and Bill Prainito, a Private Mortgage Banker will equip attendees with practical tools and knowledge to recognize, prevent and respond to phone & online scam threats in today’s digital age and cover the warning signs of elder abuse.
Hosted at:
10 a.m. Grace Fisher’s Clubhouse 120 S. Hope Ave, SB in La Cumbre Plaza catty-corner to Williams Sonoma & 1 p.m. at Cody’s Cafe 4898 Hollister Avenue, SB.
For more info & to RSVP: www.YourSBTeam.com/Events