In San Diego, seniors are grappling with a surge in financial scams, losing $108 million in 2024, with 1,300 residents over 60 averaging $80,000 each in losses, according to the FBI. High-profile victims, including doctors and lawyers, have reported $2 million stolen in just two weeks. Scams often go underreported due to victims’ embarrassment. FBI agent Michael Rod leads the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force, a pioneering collaboration with local law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, and Adult Protective Services, recovering $7.5 million for victims.

Nationwide, elder fraud caused $4.8 billion in losses last year, with California among the hardest hit. Scammers are growing bolder, employing tactics like sending couriers to collect cash from victims’ homes. One prevalent scam involves tech support or overpayment fraud, as experienced by Carlsbad resident Dale Marsh. He was nearly duped into sending $50,000 after a fraudulent Norton antivirus purchase claim but was saved by his wife’s intervention, leading to four arrests and an FBI probe into a transnational crime ring.

The task force centralizes reporting to better tackle the issue, serving as a model for other regions. To protect themselves, seniors are advised to avoid unknown calls or texts, independently verify contact numbers, and never send money or personal information to strangers. Scammers exploit fear and urgency, pressuring victims to act quickly. Rod emphasizes discussing suspicious requests with trusted contacts and resisting time-sensitive demands. As scams escalate, initiatives like the task force and individual vigilance are critical to safeguarding San Diego’s seniors from devastating financial losses.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/san-diego-seniors-lost-108-210000102.html

https://www.yahoo.com/news/heartbreaking-san-diego-seniors-lose-011151428.html