Plus, watch out for this dangerous app, three quick computer tricks, why vintage video games are making a comeback, the richest dog in the world and a weird new way to make money.
Elder fraud is exploding: Your data is making it worse
ChatGPT
I’ve got bad news: Today’s online scammers know everything about you. They’re scraping your info and everyone else’s from the web and buying the rest from data brokers and people-search sites.
📈 The stats are scary
Folks age 60-plus are the biggest target. Almost 72% of scams start with personal data grabbed online. Data brokers vacuum up your info like phone numbers, emails, past addresses, income, favorite takeout spots and then auction it off like eBay for creepers.
With this data, they use personalized weapons.
🎯 Criminals know who to target
Study this list. Here’s what these attacks look like:
- AI phone calls that sound like your grandkids.
- Medicare fraud quoting your last doctor visit.
- Calls from “your bank” that know your address.
- Investment traps tailored to your retirement income.
- Romance scams where your “lover” has the same interests.
Live in a state with higher retirement incomes?
You’re in the bull’s-eye. Texas seniors lost an average of $51,700 per complaint. My state, Arizona, had the highest elder fraud rate per capita (3.5 cases for every 1,000 seniors). Yikes.
🛡️ How to fight back
1. Freeze your credit:
Even if you’re not worried about identity theft, a credit freeze keeps crooks from opening accounts in your name.
2. Use call filtering apps:
Try tools like Hiya, Nomorobo or your carrier’s spam call protection. And never answer unknown numbers, voicemail is your friend.
Elder fraud is on the rise – These are the most common scams
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Here’s a stat that blows me away: One in every 10 seniors is a victim of identity theft each year. Americans over the age of 60 lost $3.4 billion in fraud schemes in 2023. That’s almost an 11% increase from the year before, and things are only getting worse.
Think only boomers fall for scams?
Scammers don’t just target seniors. So who’s really at risk? The answer, and some other common scam myths, will surprise you.
Up to 48%
Seniors are struggling with insomnia. Building muscle might help. Researchers looked at 24 trials with 2,045 folks 60 and over. They found strength and resistance training worked almost twice as well as just doing aerobic exercises. Turns out, mixing the two helped even less. Fun fact: People with insomnia are pretty cool. They’re up for anything.
Taking care of aging parents? Here's a simple way to keep an eye on what's happening
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Independence, safety and peace of mind. These are the most important elements for seniors living at home and their loved ones. Parents who wish to maintain their independence by living alone can be a double-edged sword. You’re happy they’re still self-sufficient, but you’re nervous about what can happen in an emergency.
Best blood pressure monitor for home use
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You are the only true advocate for your health. Monitoring your vitals at home helps track changes in your health and provides valuable data to your doctors. Tap or click here for life-saving Apple Watch features.
Using ineffective machines yields unreliable results that could impact your treatment in the future. Access to functional, reliable equipment is one of many ways tech can enhance your quality of life at home.
ADT hides a major cyber hack
How secure is your home or business? ADT just revealed a data breach but is keeping quiet about the timing and details of what was stolen. Plus, the risks of storing cash in Cash App, AI classes for seniors, and a crucial Amazon Echo security setting you should check.
The gold bar scam
There’s a scam raking in $3 billion a year in America. It’s not just targeting seniors; even tech-savvy people are getting duped.
June 29th, 2024
America’s water systems are under cyberattack from China, Russia, and Iran. Two Florida seniors lost $400,000 to a phone scam. A clothing line that blocks 5G, and EV owners have buyer’s remorse. And tips on stopping political texts. That and much more, plus all your calls and questions.
Tesla traps toddler inside after battery dies
A girl was saved from a Tesla Model Y in 100-degree weather in Arizona. Plus, two Florida seniors were scammed out of $400,000 in gold, and there’s a nationwide coffee recall. Plus, we talk to Brian Morrison, creator of Free Blockbuster — it’s like those little free libraries, but for movies.
Facebook $ scam, gas tanks vs. EVs & "grandfluencers" take charge
Plus, I’ll be helping Fred from Texas with AI-powered tips and tricks for seniors. Discover how Google Maps mistakenly led cars into the desert. The truth about where the U.S. gets its news, why cell reception is getting worse, and how to find any Wi-Fi network’s password.
Best gigs for seniors to make extra cash without a 9 to 5 job
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You may need or want to make some extra money after you’ve retired, but it can be tough to find full-time, in-person work after being away from the employment scene for a while. Not only are jobs hard to come by, but competition is stiff.
This one trick will stop phone scammers
America’s seniors shelled out more than $3 billion to phone scammers. In one minute, here’s how to save your money.
Want to make some extra cash? 15 best-paying side jobs for seniors
Retirement can be a ton of fun. After decades of grinding out long hours, you can finally sit back, kick your feet up and relax. Often, though, people can get tired of the unstructured days and the lack of cash.
In cases like these, many seniors will dip their toes into the working world. After all, the right job can teach you new skills and even fulfill you. Plus, it can bring in some much-needed money.