The U.S. Attorney’s office has announced the recovery of over $3 million stolen from elderly victims in San Diego. Despite this success, scammers continue to exploit seniors, with losses amounting to millions each month. U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath emphasizes the importance of prompt reporting by victims to increase the chances of recovering stolen funds.
Scammers employ various tactics to deceive older victims, often convincing them to convert their money into difficult-to-trace forms such as bitcoin, gift cards, or gold. McGrath warns seniors to be cautious and avoid responding to unsolicited emails or texts, and to never give remote access to their computers or share passwords.
“Scammers are stealing between three to six million dollars from seniors every month in San Diego County,” McGrath states. She explains that these scams can take many forms, including fraudulent claims that a victim’s bank account has been compromised or false reports of a loved one being kidnapped.
The ongoing efforts by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office to combat elder fraud highlight the need for increased awareness and preventive measures. Authorities urge the community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately.
