Combating elder abuse and scams against seniors

BRIGHTON BEACH — Elder abuse — an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an adult 60 years of age and older — is on the rise, and is extremely prevalent in today’s society.

Many seniors are, of course, privy to physical and psychological elder abuse. However, financial exploitation and fraud — as well as a myriad of scams, online and otherwise, against older adults and senior citizens — also fall into that category as well.

According to the most recent statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center, in 2022, there were 88,262 complaints of fraud from people age 60 and older, resulting in $3.1 billion in losses — an alarming 82.35% increase in losses as compared to 2021.

However, knowledge is power, and the 60th Precinct’s Community Outreach Division, along with Be Proud, Inc., a non-for-profit organization, took a quantum leap forward on Monday, arming older adults and seniors with many a valuable tip to prevent them from becoming victims.

The aforementioned organizations hosted a free educational seminar on the afternoon of Jan. 22 to a crowd of nearly 100 seniors from the Brighton Beach community.

Older adults are typically less likely to be tech-savvy and more likely to be home during the day to answer phone calls or reply to emails. They also may have accrued a lifetime of savings, their own home and a promising credit score.

Scams that were discussed at the seminar included the Family Scam, Government Impostor Scam, Lottery Scam, Robocall Scam and more.  

Det. William Kwok explained the Family Scam.

“Someone will call you, disguise their voice, perhaps saying ‘I’m your grandson;…