Fraud Risk Factors in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): DeLiema Marguerite, Gao Siyu, Langton Lynn, Brannock M Daniel
Primary Institution: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Hypothesis
Older adults may be more susceptible to scams due to specific characteristics and behaviors.
Conclusion
Self-reported victimization is not a perfect measure of actual fraud victimization, and certain behaviors can increase the risk of being scammed.
Supporting Evidence
- Behaviors that increase fraud exposure are linked to more self-reported fraud incidents.
- Identifying as non-Hispanic White and being more active online are protective factors.
- Being female and reporting less social engagement are significant for observed incidents only.
- Fraud prevention programs should focus on increasing social engagement.
Takeaway
Older people can be tricked by scams, especially if they do things like answer unknown calls or buy lottery tickets. We need to help them stay safe.
Methodology
Survey of law enforcement-identified victims of mass marketing scams, with data on observed incidents provided by the US Postal Inspection Service.
Limitations
Self-reported victimization may not accurately reflect actual fraud incidents.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 74.7, with a focus on law enforcement-identified victims of scams.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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