Episode Description
In this episode of Aging Well, Gretchen Knowlton welcomes Courtney Hedderman, Senior Associate Director for Advocacy and Outreach at AARP Illinois, and a leading voice in fraud prevention. As scams become increasingly sophisticated and costly, Courtney shares why fraud can happen to anyone and how criminals are using technology, artificial intelligence, emotional manipulation, and impersonation tactics to target people of all ages.
Listeners will learn about the most common scams today, including imposter scams, romance scams, tech support fraud, and cryptocurrency-related schemes. Courtney explains the warning signs to watch for, why scammers create a false sense of urgency, and how simple strategies like "stop and verify" can help protect your finances and personal information.
The conversation also explores the emotional toll of fraud, including embarrassment, loss of trust, and threats to independence, particularly for older adults. Courtney shares practical steps for reporting scams, protecting loved ones, and staying informed through trusted resources. Whether you've encountered fraud yourself, are concerned about a loved one's vulnerability, or simply want to stay ahead of evolving fraud trends, this episode offers practical tools and expert insights to help you stay vigilant and safe.
Resources:
Fraud Fighting Fraudlettes YouTube Series
Report fraud:
AARP Fraud Watch Helpline: 877-908-3360
Find and Report a Scam | Better Business Bureau
Illinois Secretary of State Securities Department
Illinois Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Federal Trade Commission Fraud Reporting
Reach out to Courtney: Chedderman@aarp.org
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Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
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Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org