FBI trying to crack down on scams aimed at the elderly

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.

"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.

However, for one Oklahoma couple, they were told they won a prize.

"She said, you all sent in a register for a sweepstakes, and your name was drawn," Kurt Phipps, scam victim said. "You got second place."

When they heard the winnings, their jaws dropped.

"She said, second place winner gets $500,000," Kurt said.

He says the woman on the phone seemed so genuine, they thought it had to be true.

"This girl was so personable," Rudessa Phipps, scam victim said. "Oh, you know, I told her, I said, well, I really won't believe it until I have the check in my hand. She's goes, you sound just like my mother."

However, when the woman's questions became personal, the couple became suspicious.

"She said, do you own or rent your home? And I said, why would you need to know that when I won this money and a check is being delivered? Why do you need to know if I own or rent or lease my home? And she said, well, I don't know. I said, okay, don't call this number again and hung up," Kurt said.

The FBI says it is crucial you report scams and attempted scams, and never be ashamed if you fall victim.

"We work to try to recover assets for people who are victims of fraud," Goodwater said. "No victims should be embarrassed. They should report when these things happen. They should report attempts of these things happening so we can look into that. It is much better that we prevent occurrence than respond to occurrence."

The FBI offers multiple resources to either report a scam, or learn tips to help identify a scam before it happens.