Seniors in Houston are learning about scams and how to protect themselves.
The Houston Police Department is taking steps to protect seniors from a rising number of scams that target their financial security. Initiatives like ‘2 Helps You’ are aimed at raising awareness among elderly citizens about different types of fraud and how to safeguard themselves. In 2024, seniors lost approximately $4.8 billion to scams, and the department is urging families to engage in conversations about financial safety. With proactive measures and community support, the goal is to help seniors avoid becoming victims of these deceitful tactics.
In Houston, the hustle and bustle of daily life can sometimes mask a growing threat that targets some of the most vulnerable members of our community: our seniors. As scams continue to rise, the police department is stepping in to help arm elderly citizens with the information they need to protect themselves. Thanks to initiatives like “2 Helps You,” seniors are now seeking guidance and awareness regarding the increasing fraud and theft issues that affect them.
With scammers becoming more sophisticated, it’s crucial for seniors to engage openly with their family members about financial safety. This topic can often feel uncomfortable, but it’s essential to tackle it proactively. Scammers often target the elderly by impersonating trusted institutions, including banks and Medicare. Many seniors may not realize they have fallen victim to fraud until they notice significant sums of money missing from their accounts.
In 2024 alone, seniors reportedly lost an astounding 4.8 billion dollars to various scams. This marks a worrying increase from previous years. The Federal Bureau of Investigation revealed that scam losses across the U.S. reached a staggering 16.6 billion dollars, indicating a 33% spike from 2023. Among these scams, investment swindles caused nearly 6 billion dollars in losses, highlighting the vulnerability of the aging population.
How can seniors safeguard themselves? A simple yet effective step is to have a trusted contact at their bank. This person can verify any unexpected calls or messages that may sound suspicious. As well, placing fraud alerts with credit bureaus can be a strong defensive measure. Including family members in this process may also serve as an added layer of security.
The journey to understanding scams need not be walked alone. Resources like IdentityTheft.gov are available to offer helpful checklists and letters tailored for those affected by fraud, guiding them toward recovery.
Every year, various scams seem to emerge or gain traction. Among the most common types targeting seniors are business email compromise scams, technology support scams, and emergency scams. The states of California, Texas, and Florida lead the way with the highest scam-related losses. Alarmingly, seniors aged 50-59 alone suffered $2.5 billion in losses in 2024, with the average loss for seniors reaching around 34,000 dollars — reflecting an 11% increase from the previous year.
With the holiday season just around the corner, family gatherings offer the perfect opportunity to chat with seniors about potential scams and preventative measures. Educating older family members about the tactics employed by criminals can make a substantial difference in helping them avoid becoming victims.
Many seniors have a caring heart and a strong willingness to help others, which makes them prime targets for scammers. Police presentations in Houston have focused on these scams, drawing attention to those impersonating authorities such as toll road agents or IRS officials. The Houston Police Department is actively working within communities to raise awareness and provide vital information to seniors.
It’s important to note that if anyone suspects they’ve fallen victim to a scam, resources are available. The National Elder Fraud Hotline is just one of the many places seniors can turn to for assistance and guidance.
Seniors deserve every opportunity to protect their hard-earned money and maintain their peace of mind. With the right information and support, the community can help keep these valuable members safe from ever-looming fraud threats. Remember, vigilance is key!
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