Seniors Lose $4.9B to Scams Nationwide in 2024

Seniors across the United States are increasingly targeted by various scams, resulting in devastating financial losses and emotional distress. In Nebraska, social isolation has made older adults vulnerable to text message scams, with losses reaching $4.9 billion nationally in 2024, according to the FBI. Community education events like AARP’s Oak Creek Scam Jam in Wisconsin offer resources and warnings about common phone scams, including fake arrest warrants, jury duty threats, and Social Security impersonations. Missouri’s St. Charles County has alerted seniors to phishing emails impersonating the Seniors Real Estate Property Tax Relief Program, advising residents to verify email addresses, avoid clicking suspicious links, and directly contact county offices to confirm legitimacy. Florida faces a rise in utility scams where fraudsters impersonate utility company representatives to demand immediate payment or install malware, prompting companies like Florida Power and Light to issue warnings and safety tips. Across regions, experts emphasize staying connected, verifying communications, and reporting suspicious activity to reduce senior fraud vulnerability.