Detective Harold Chapman from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office recently delivered a captivating presentation on the prevalent issue of fraud and identity theft within retirement communities.
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This presentation highlighted the significance of the issue and was supported by the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov), which provided the following national statistics for 2022:
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In 2022, there were more than 88,000 victims aged 60 and above in the United States.
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Total losses amounted to $3.1 billion.
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Compared to 2021, there was an 84% increase in losses.
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The average individual loss per victim exceeded $35,000.
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Over 5,000 victims experienced losses surpassing $100,000.
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These scams take on various intricate forms, including tech support phone calls, government impersonation, sweepstakes, home repairs, and even romance scams. To protect yourself, consider the following tips:
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Be vigilant and terminate all communication with scammers.
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Conduct online searches for the proposed offer and the contact information (names, emails, phone numbers, addresses). Other individuals may have already reported scams by posting information online.
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Don’t succumb to pressure and act hastily. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to instill fear and prompt immediate action. If you feel threatened or concerned for your safety or that of a loved one, contact the police without delay.
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Exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
If you have any doubts or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
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