Beware: Senior Scams on the Rise in California
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:
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Never give out personal info over the phone
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Hang up and call the agency or person back on a verified number
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Discuss scams openly with family
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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”.
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: www.YourSBTeam.com/Events
