A FRAUD AWARENESS MAIL CAMPAIGN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES RATES OF REVICTIMIZATION AMONG OLDER VICTIMS
2024

Mail Campaign Reduces Scams for Older Adults

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): DeLiema Marguerite, Brannock M Daniel, Preble Edward, Langton Lynn

Primary Institution: University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Hypothesis

Can a mailed intervention reduce revictimization rates among older adult mail fraud victims?

Conclusion

A mailed intervention significantly reduced revictimization rates among older adults targeted by scams.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older adults are disproportionately targeted by scams, costing billions annually.
  • The single letter reduced revictimization by 8.6%.
  • The multiple mailing condition reduced revictimization by 22.4%.

Takeaway

Sending letters to older people who have been scammed can help stop them from getting scammed again.

Methodology

A randomized control trial with participants assigned to treatment or control groups to assess the effectiveness of a mailed intervention.

Participant Demographics

Older adults who were known mail fraud victims.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0367

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