“If you know about a certain scam, you're 80% less likely to engage with it. So, please tell everybody you know.” -Kathy Stokes   Could your loved ones be vulnerable to a $9 billion wave of deception? Kathy Stokes from AARP joins our hosts Stephanie McCullough and Kevin Gaines to unravel the complexities of fraud that's sweeping the nation, hitting older adults the hardest. With victims often bearing the burden of shame, they’re challenging the stigma and equipping you with the knowledge to identify scams and shield your family.   Amidst the digital age, where swindlers lurk behind screens, this episode takes a hard look at the emotional web of online romance scams, originating from the most unexpected places like vacant Cambodian casinos. The conversation navigates through the tactics of cybercriminals as they exploit trust for financial gain.   Stephanie, Kevin, and Kathy outline the actionable steps every individual should consider, from skepticism towards unsolicited communication to the merits of credit freezes. AARP's robust network of fraud-fighting volunteers and their educational resources are just a call or click away, serving as your allies in the battle against fraudsters who target your wallet and well-being.     Key Topics: Welcome Kathy Stokes! (01:47) Financial Fraud’s Impact on Victims, Specifically Elders (02:33) Phone Scams and How to Identify Them (11:25) Protecting Seniors from Scams (18:11) Law Enforcement Response to Financial Scams (22:33) Online Safety and Cybersecurity (33:36) AARP, Getting Direct Support (42:44) Stephanie’s and Kevin’s Takeaways (47:12)     Resources: FWN@aarp.org Victim Helpline 877-908-3360 CryptoScam from Wall Street Journal (free podcast): https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/pig-butchering-a-texting-scam-with-a-crypto-twist/296e499f-ba82-46f2-ade9-5b70710d558e NPR story on crypto scam https://www.npr.org/2023/06/25/1180256165/crypto-scam-senior-victims-spirebit       If you like what you’ve been hearing, we invite you to subscribe on your favorite platform and leave us a review. Tell us what you love about this episode! Or better yet, tell us what you want to hear more of in the future. stephanie@sofiafinancial.com   You can find the transcript and more information about this episode at www.takebackretirement.com.   Follow Stephanie on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.  Follow Kevin on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.