If you or someone you know is a victim of fraud, contact law enforcement immediately. You can call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, file a complaint with IC3 at www.ic3.gov, or submit your tip online with the FBI’s easy-to-navigate website: tips.fbi.gov.
Founding Scam Watch: A Commitment to Elder Fraud Awareness, Prevention, and Recovery
Several years ago, I was at the Rogue Valley Mall, planning to use the Bitcoin ATM. As I approached, I noticed two elderly ladies looking confused and struggling with the machine. After offering my assistance, they hesitantly explained they were trying to purchase cryptocurrency to send to Mark Zuckerberg to claim a lottery prize they had been told they won. It took some persistence, but I finally got them to understand that they were being scammed.
This incident left a lasting impact on me. Seeing firsthand how easily our seniors can be targeted by fraudsters fueled my commitment to founding Scam Watch, a platform dedicated to raising awareness, preventing fraud, and helping victims recover.
A Personal Obligation to Act
My motivation to protect the vulnerable was further solidified by a harrowing experience last year. Outside the Pier 1 Imports in Medford, I witnessed a woman being raped while a crowd of people, including employees and customers, did nothing to help. As I intervened physically, trying to stop the assault and calling out for assistance, I was met with indifference. People ignored my pleas, even driving around me as I stood in front of cars, waving my hands and screaming for help.
The relief I felt when my wife informed me that the police were on their way was immense. This experience underscored the importance of immediate and decisive action in the face of wrongdoing. While some may criticize the presence of law enforcement, moments like these highlight their critical role in our communities.
Why Scam Watch Matters
According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) 2023 Elder Fraud Annual Report, older Americans lost over $3.4 billion to fraudsters, an almost 11% increase in reported losses from 2022. Tech support fraud was the number one crime type reported by complainants over 60, while investment scams continued to be the costliest to the senior population in terms of financial losses suffered. Florida ranked second in the nation for the number of complaints and reported losses, with seniors reporting losses of more than $90 million to investment schemes, $51,496,415 to tech support scams, and over $40 million to romance scams.
Scam Watch focuses on three key areas:
- Awareness: Educating the public about common scams and how to recognize them.
- Prevention: Providing resources and tips to help individuals protect themselves and their loved ones from fraud.
- Recovery: Offering support and guidance to those who have fallen victim to scams, helping them navigate the recovery process.
Taking Action Together
Founding Scam Watch is my way of addressing a critical issue that affects some of our most vulnerable citizens. By sharing my experiences and the stories of those impacted, I hope to inspire others to take action, whether through volunteering, spreading awareness, or simply staying informed.
We all have a role to play in protecting our community from fraud. Together, we can create a safer, more vigilant society where our seniors are protected, and fraudsters are held accountable.
If you need assistance or have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Scam Watch Hotline at 616-358-4992 or email us at sixth.bush.rice@cloak.id. You can also reach out to the FBI Tampa Field Office Public Affairs Officer Andrea Aprea at (813) 253-1028.