Home for the Holidays Campaign Targets Financial Scams and Fraud

To help older adults stay safe this holiday season, AgeOptions is participating in Home for the Holidays, a national campaign led by the Eldercare Locator and USAging. This year’s campaign provides guidance to older adults, caregivers and families on avoiding financial scams and fraud.

Scams targeting people aged 60 and older resulted in over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 alone, according to the FBI. Although financial scams can occur throughout the year, they usually increase around the holiday season due to increased online shopping or donations. Older adults, especially those who are isolated or lonely, are particularly vulnerable.

A new Home for the Holidays brochure, Protect Your Wallet: A Guide to Avoiding Financial Scams, highlights common scams that target older adults, tips for avoiding scams and resources for reporting them. This year’s campaign empowers older adults to take control of their finances and avoid falling victim to the fraudsters that prey on them.

“We encourage older adults and their families to discuss ways to avoid getting caught up in financial scams and fraud,” said Robert Mapes, AgeOptions Director of Program and Community Support. “The Home for the Holidays brochure contains helpful information to get these important conversations started.”

“The holidays are an emotional time of year for many people, especially those who may feel lonely or isolated,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging. “Scams can be difficult to distinguish from legitimate offers. The Elder Locator can help older adults stay safe and find information they need to recognize potential scams or fraud, and, importantly, prevent or report it.”

Another resource available to adults in suburban Cook County is the Elder Risk Detector. This user-friendly tool enables adult consumers to screen themselves for common legal issues and gain assistance from Legal Aid Chicago. Find details at https://www.ageoptions.org/resources/elder-risk-detector/ 

To learn more or connect an older adult or person with disabilities or a caregiver to services:

• In suburban Cook County, connect with AgeOptions at information@ageoptions.org or (708) 383-0258.
• Elsewhere in Illinois, connect to the Illinois Senior Helpline at (800) 252-8966.
• If you live outside Illinois, connect to your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or other senior service agencies at https://eldercare.acl.gov/.

We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season!