LINCOLN — The impact of elder financial abuse is significant. While it can involve trusted individuals like caregivers or family members, scams by strangers are also a major threat.
In 2024 alone, the Federal Trade Commission estimated that criminals stole as much as $81.5 billion from adults age 60 and over. With World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, it’s a reminder that small steps can help prevent financial exploitation.
Encourage older adults in your life to add a trusted contact to their financial accounts. This person can't make transactions but can be alerted to suspicious activity or if the account holder can’t be reached.
Freezing credit can help prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in their name. You can also reduce exposure to phone-based scams by setting up robocall and text blockers through mobile carriers or trusted apps.
Small actions like these can help strengthen financial safety at a time when scams are evolving quickly, especially schemes targeting older adults during major life events or everyday tasks. From moving scams and traffic violation text schemes to travel related fraud and Amazon imposter calls, understanding how these tactics work is the next step in protecting the people you care about.
Moving Scams:
Summer is peak moving season, and who you hire matters. Criminals often advertise low prices and provide unusually cheap estimates, sometimes without even seeing your belongings.
Once hired, they may demand a cash deposit or full payment up front, raise the price at the last minute, or hold your belongings hostage until you pay more. In some cases, they never show up at all.
To help avoid scams and find a reputable mover, get written estimates from multiple companies and research each one carefully. Check reviews and verify credentials before hiring. With so much to manage during a move, choosing the right moving company is one detail worth sweating.
Traffic Violation Scams:
After toll road scams spread last summer, a new version is surging— texts claiming you owe money for a traffic or parking violation. These messages often include an official-
looking notice offering a court date or a small fine (around $6), with a QR code for immediate payment to avoid penalties. They may mention your location or use fake case numbers to appear legitimate and create a sense of urgency.
If an unexpected message like this sparks strong emotions and demands urgency, treat it as a potential scam. Report the message as spam and avoid responding, clicking links or scanning QR codes. If you think the claim may be real, contact the court or agency directly using trusted contact information.
Travel Scams:
Summer travel season is here, and while you’re planning your next getaway, criminals are looking for ways to steal your money or personal information.
Some scams involve fake travel booking sites offering “exclusive” deals or low-cost trips. A rental car search may lead you to a copycat website with below-market prices, or a vacation rental host may ask you to pay outside the trusted platform.
As with other things, be cautious of steeply discounted offers. Avoid search terms like “cheap” which can produce more scam results. Before booking with an unfamiliar travel site, search the company’s name along with words such as “scam,” “complaint,” or “review” to learn about others’ experiences. And use a credit card to book travel for added protection.
Amazon Imposter Scams:
Criminals often impersonate major brands with large audiences, and Amazon is one of them.
In two newer tactics, scammers send text messages claiming a recent order was recalled, with a link to a fake Amazon website designed to steal account information. Or you get an email saying your Amazon Prime subscription is renewing at an unusually high price, prompting you to click a “cancel subscription” button that leads to a fake sign-in page.
If you have an Amazon account and get a communication seemingly from Amazon, sign into your account with the Amazon app or online at Amazon. com to see if there is a problem. You can report suspicious messages by emailing [email protected].
Learn how to spot and avoid scams with the AARP Fraud Watch Network™. If you suspect a scam, call the free Helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with a trained fraud specialist about what to do next. To get biweekly Watchdog Alerts with updates on new scams and how to avoid them, text “FWN” to 50757 to sign up. Message and data rates may apply. Terms apply: https://aarp.info/tcofr.
