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Financial fraud targeting older adults has long been a problem, leading to billions of dollars of losses each year. Increased isolation and loneliness from the pandemic has further aggravated the issue.
So far in 2021, the Client Risk Prevention team at RBC Wealth Management-U.S. has seen a 40% increase in reports of scams targeting older clients year over year. What’s interesting is that 68% of the victims were female.
Anyone at any age can fall victim to a scam, but there are several factors that put older women at higher risk.
In general, women live six to eight years longer than men, according to the World Health Organization. That means as more women live to old age, more women than men are in the target demographic for elder fraud
As women outlive men, they often live alone and have no companion with whom to discuss a fraudster’s request for money. For older heterosexual couples, it’s not uncommon for men to handle most of the family finances. So in some cases, when the husband dies, women who are widowed might be taking over that responsibility for the first time, and they may be insecure about the finances. Women should especially be aware of predatory donation requests.
Living alone can also lead to loneliness, and fraudsters prey on that isolation and emotion.
Given this heightened risk, wealth managers, bankers and families should do a better job of working together to help protect not only female clients, but any older adults, from further losses and future scams.
Five common scams
The first step in protecting against these scams is making sure you can spot them. Some of the most common scams that successfully target older adults include:
1. Romance scams. Initiated on dating or social media sites, scammers build a relationship for weeks or months before asking for a large sum of money. They often have a fantastic story; one of the most common story lines we’ve seen involves working on an oil rig overseas. The scammer will use the emotional and personal information they’ve gained against the victim, exploiting religious beliefs, grief and past trauma to manipulate them.
2. Sweepstakes scams. These scammers claim the victim won a lottery or sweepstakes, but must pay taxes or fees to claim the prize.
3. Grandma scams. A caller impersonates a relative, such as a grandchild. Calling in a panic, they say they’re in trouble and need help, and hand the phone to their “attorney” or “representative” before the victim can clearly recognize the voice. These callers insist on confidentiality, saying things like, “Don’t tell my parents,” and “You’re the only one who can help.”
4. Computer software or virus scams. A pop-up ad or email says the person’s computer has been hacked and demands payment. Once the victim engages, they use extreme pressure tactics for more and more funds or gift cards.
5. Government agency scams. The scammer impersonates someone from the IRS or another agency, demanding payment or a transfer of funds to avoid further penalty or jail. New scam developments
During the pandemic, scammers have gotten bolder in their attempts to target seniors. In fact, one alarming trend we’ve seen is clients being coached by scammers to lie. For example, it’s not uncommon when clients withdraw funds for the scammer, they’ll lie [to family] about what they’re using the money for because the scammers have convinced them to do so.
Additionally, scammers are now encouraging victims to move money out of investment firms to a new or local bank to avoid scrutiny. They’re coached to provide a rationale for moving the money that sounds legitimate, but they almost always come back for more. So large, unplanned withdrawals that are close together are a common indicator that something isn’t right.
Also, when victims figure out the scam and confront the caller, telling them to stop calling, the scam is not necessarily over. Recently, perpetrators have begun contacting their victims a few days after the confrontation, impersonating a government agency or a lawyer, offering to help them get their money back for a fee or help them secure the rest of their assets at a price. It might be a different person, but they are likely working with the original scammer.
How older adults can protect their finances
Though women may be more at risk, it’s important for any older adult and their families to be vigilant about protecting their finances as fraudsters become increasingly sophisticated. Because scams are only successful when the victim actually participates and hands over money, there’s usually no way to recover any of the funds.
For that reason, awareness is the first step. Be aware that there are people who impersonate government agencies, grandchildren and other people you trust. And never give out money or personal information over the phone. If you’re not sure about something, call a family member or your financial adviser. Steps to help protect your loved ones from financial fraud
If your loved one is active on social media or a dating site, advise them to video chat early in a new relationship. If they refuse, that should be a red flag.
Older adults and their trusted family members should also work out a plan for helping each other with finances. Even with healthy brain aging, we’re less likely to perceive that someone is tricking us as we age.
Families might want to have their loved one ask their financial institution to provide duplicate statements, one for the account holder and one for a loved one or trusted contact, someone their financial institution can follow up with if they have a concern about cognitive decline or suspect financial abuse. This allows others to help keep an eye on things.
Also consider asking your loved one’s phone provider to implement protections, such as spam blocking, that may help protect against scams. And partner with your financial institution to alert you of activity that could be fraudulent.
How to respond to a victim
If someone you love falls victim to financial fraud, your response can have a lasting impact on their mental health and well-being. Rather than shaming or blaming the victim, or sharing the details of the fraud with others without their permission, we recommend a response based on:
Empathy. Focus your concern on the victim’s well-being, not the money. Scams can leave a victim feeling powerless, hopeless and ashamed; it can be emotionally devastating.
Curiosity. Ask how the fraud started and about any early warning signs the victim may have seen or ignored. Helping the victim identify those signs can help stop them from talking to the scammer and avoid future scams.
Support. Keep trying if your loved one doesn’t confide in you initially. Try again another day, in another setting or with a different person. Rather than threatening to take away the victim’s independence, offer partnership and oversight.
Encourage your loved one to report the scam to the proper authorities. This can offer closure and help them move on with their lives.
Angie O’Leary is head of Wealth Planning at RBC Wealth Management-U. S.
RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.
