Expert advice to protect your family from elder scams [Video]

(InvestigateTV) — A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report found that scams targeting the elderly cost Americans over $3.4 billion in 2023.

Social media expert Marcy Thornhill explained that as we age, we become an easy target. We are often more emotional and quick to respond to things that are threatening. 

Thornhill said if parents or grandparents are slowing down and need more assistance long after retirement, it may be time to talk to them about going over their bank accounts together, talking about power of attorney and getting a good grasp on all their assets. Thornhill admits these are hard conversations.

“It’s hard for them to receive the information, because they now they feel like ‘I’m older, I’m vulnerable. I’m frail. I don’t like it, it’s uncomfortable. I got it,’ and really, they don’t,” she explained. “So now we have to, we have to frame the conversation so it’s not belittling. It doesn’t make them feel less than, but …