OKLAHOMA CITY ( KFOR ) — Despite a steady stream of warnings, many Oklahomans are still falling victim to scams, especially those age 60 and older.
In 2023 alone, nearly 1,000 Oklahomans age 60 or older were victims to fraud, losing more than $22 million to scammers.
FBI agents explain ways they can help, but also ways the victim can protect themselves from the very beginning.
LOCAL NEWS: Oklahoma’s elderly has lost more than $19M to fraud, research says
“Between 2022 and 2023, frauds targeting Americans over 60 increased 11% nationally, but that increase was 15% in Oklahoma,” said Doug Goodwater, FBI Special Agent in Charge in OKC.
In 2023, there were more than 2,400 complaints a day and more than $12 billion lost, all from Americans 60 and up.
“Potentially, it’s because people over 60 have had a lifetime to build up wealth and more assets so they’re a more attractive target that way,” Goodwater said. “It’s possible that criminals believe victims over 60 are more trusting.”
Tech Support scams are the most common type for this age group.