Ep # 141-Inside the $3.4B Senior Scam Epidemic—and How to Fight Back

A single call can flip a calm afternoon into panic: a “grandchild” in trouble, a “bank” warning of fraud, a “government agent” demanding payment. We break down how those moments are engineered—fear, urgency, and trust—and share a practical, repeatable way to shut scams down before they drain savings.

Connie Deveaux of Assisted Living Advisors returns to unpack the $3.4B senior scam surge reported to the FBI’s IC3 and why impersonation has become the attacker’s favorite tool. From fake IRS texts and USPS delivery links to AI‑cloned voices that mimic a loved one, we map the playbook scammers use to keep people on the line, isolate them, and push them into fast, untraceable payments. Connie shares a real five‑hour “jury duty” scheme that cost a tech‑savvy relative $4,000—and exactly which red flags were missed along the way.

We also get concrete about prevention. You’ll learn the pause–verify–report framework, how to confirm identities using known numbers and official .gov sites, and the household rules that make families hard targets: no gift cards or crypto for “official” payments, a two‑person check for large transfers, bank alerts, and two‑factor authentication. We talk through scripts to end high‑pressure calls, simple web hygiene for spotting spoofed sites, and why speaking up—without shame—helps neighbors avoid the same traps.

Connie announces a free scam‑awareness workshop coming to the River Vale Library this November, with deeper training on red flags and prevention strategies. Want updates or senior living guidance in Bergen County and beyond? Follow care for aging parents on Instagram, email Connie at [email protected], or call 813‑541‑8584. If this conversation helps you or someone you love, subscribe, share it with family, and leave a review to help more neighbors stay safe.

Assisted Living Advisers

Connie Deveaux

813-541-8584

[email protected]