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How To!

How To Protect Your Parents From Fraud

Feb 25, 2025
Kathy Stokes, Director of fraud prevention programs at AARP, shares her expertise on protecting older adults from fraud. She recounts a chilling scam involving a fake Microsoft employee, illustrating the vulnerability of seniors. Kathy emphasizes the importance of open communication about cyber threats and offers practical strategies for families to educate their loved ones. She encourages involving seniors in fraud prevention discussions to empower them and suggests actionable measures like freezing credit and using AARP's Fraud Watch Network for support.
45:26

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Discussing scams in a non-specific manner fosters comfort and openness, empowering older adults to recognize and resist potential fraud.
  • Implementing proactive safety measures like credit freezing and recognizing red flags can significantly enhance protection against online scams.

Deep dives

Understanding the Risks of Scams

Many individuals are unaware of the sophisticated methods scammers use to target victims, especially the elderly. These criminals often employ tactics like social engineering to manipulate their targets into compliance, creating scenarios that seem legitimate and urgent. The emotional state of potential victims, especially older adults, can be exploited when they are placed in distressing situations that induce fear or panic. This can lead to irrational decisions, such as providing sensitive information or making large financial transactions in haste.

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