There are more than 1 million real estate agents in America, living and working in almost every community.
And we’ve been busy teaching them how to spot and stop scams, fraud, and cybercrimes
Most real estate agents are already very familiar with the challenges of fighting scams, fraud, and cybercrime. And we know that because we’ve been training them.
So we thought. Why not enlist these professionals to go into their communities, engage and teach their most vulnerable neighbors, and hopefully get to them before the scammers can?
We’ll be equipping them with all the tools they’ll need to educate seniors and the elderly, their family and friends, and local community groups.
And we’ll be training and supporting real estate agents so not only are they up to date on the latest scams and how to fight them, but they’re also learning how to protect themselves and their clients.
It’s an irresistible opportunity for real estate agents too. Not only will they be providing an essential service to their entire community, but a chance to showcase their business, build their brand, and meet their next clients.
One simple idea, a unique community security initiative, and a win for everybody. LEARN MORE.
A SCAM EPIDEMIC
Because most fraud goes unreported, the FTC estimates that the true cost of scams and frauds on older adults is far higher than previous estimates.
A NATIONAL MOVEMENT
In an effort to combat the growing losses, the AARP has partnered with Walmart, Google, Amazon and others to launch the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center (NEFCC).
MORE THAN MONEY
In spite of the often devastating financial losses, the emotional impact can be far worse.
SENIOR SCAMS IN PERSPECTIVE
Financial fraud cost older adults up to $81.5 billion in 2024.
Adults age 60 and older are more likely to report losses of $100,000 or more due to financial fraud.
Between 2020 and 2024 the number of seniors reporting losses to scams increased sevenfold.
Those in their 70s reported losing a median of $20,000 to investment scams, compared to the median of $1,551 stolen from victims in their 20s.
Scams are more than just financial losses and can impact mental and physical health, reduce trust and self confidence, increase isolation and loneliness, and even shorten lives.
Traditional scams targeting retirees and other older persons are increasingly powered by artificial intelligence, raising the risk of those targeted becoming victims to financial losses and identity theft.
