March 6th – National Slam the Scam Day

​March 6th marks National Slam the Scam Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about scams and empowering individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones from fraud. Scammers often target older adults, especially those aged 60 and above, with one in ten becoming victims of financial exploitation. According to the Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, 75% of older adults have reported encountering scam attempts aimed at stealing their personal or banking information via phone calls, mail, or online messages. Alarmingly, individuals in poor health are more likely to fall victim to these schemes.

Some of the most common scams targeting seniors include:

Investment Scams – Fraudulent investment opportunities promising high returns with little risk.
Tech Support Scams – Scammers pose as technical support agents, claiming there’s an issue with the victim’s computer or device to gain access to personal data.
Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scams – Fraudsters impersonate company executives or employees to trick individuals into transferring money or sharing sensitive information.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
There are several proactive steps you can take to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from scams:

Educate Yourself on Different Types of Scams
Awareness is key. Understanding common scams will help you recognize red flags before falling victim to fraud.

Set Up Alerts on Financial Accounts
Enable text or email notifications for bank and credit accounts. This allows you to detect any unauthorized activity early and take immediate action to stop further damage.

Monitor Your Credit Report for Fraud
You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the major credit reporting agencies. Reviewing your report regularly can help you identify signs of identity theft or fraudulent accounts opened in your name. If you find incorrect or suspicious information, file a dispute with the credit bureau immediately.

Place a Credit Freeze on Your Report
A credit freeze prevents anyone from opening new credit accounts in your name, adding an extra layer of security. Freezing your credit is a simple process and can be done through major credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

Final Thoughts
Falling for a scam is nothing to be ashamed of—scammers are highly skilled at deception and use sophisticated tactics to exploit their victims. If you or someone you know has been scammed, report it immediately to local authorities, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can help prevent scams and protect ourselves and our communities.