Your vigilance as a consumer is crucial in reporting fraudulent activities, enabling authorities to take swift action and protect others from financial exploitation.

    Seniors: A Prime Target
Older adults are especially vulnerable to scams due to their trusting nature, financial stability, and access to home equity. Fraudsters often pose as caring acquaintances, building trust before exploiting it for financial gain.

To combat these deceptive practices, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation offers free resources, including the *Protect Yourself from Fraud* booklet, providing essential guidance to safeguard consumers.

    Stay Informed, Stay Protected
Fraudsters continuously adapt their tactics to exploit unsuspecting individuals.

Common schemes include:

     Telephone Scams

• Imposter Calls: Fraudsters impersonate financial institutions, claiming overdue payments and threatening consequences.

• Social Security & IRS Scams: Calls falsely claim compromised Social Security numbers or IRS debts, demanding immediate payment.-

• Debt Relief Scams: Scammers promise financial relief but require upfront fees.

• Grandparent Scams: Criminals pose as distressed loved ones, urgently requesting money.

       Phishing & Identity Theft

• Dumpster Divers: Fraudsters search for discarded documents containing personal information

• Online Threats: Secure passwords and PINs, updating them regularly.

• Copycat Sites: Beware of fraudulent emails or websites designed to steal your account credentials.

     Tips to Prevent Financial Fraud

• Government agencies never request payments via phone.** Official notices are always in writing.

• Avoid sharing personal information** with unknown callers.

• Shred sensitive documents** before disposal.

• Seek financial relief only from verified institutions. Scammers exploit distress with false "relief opportunities.

• Regularly monitor financial statements** to detect unauthorized transactions.