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As Baby Boomers approach retirement, they should be enjoying the fruits of their labor, not worrying about falling victim to financial scams.

But unfortunately, a growing threat is lurking, poised to undermine their financial well-being.

I’m talking about cyber scams and financial fraud.

These crimes are not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing trend that shows no signs of slowing down.

As fraudsters become more sophisticated, targeting retirees has evolved from mere crime into a full-blown crisis.

As a financial advisor, here’s what you need to know to protect your clients.

Baby Boomers and Fraud Losses Have Soared

Baby Boomers, with their substantial savings and a lifetime of accumulated wealth, have attracted fraudsters like moths to a flame. In 2023 alone, over 100,000 Baby Boomers reported being victims of scams, resulting in a staggering $3.4 billion in losses via the FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report¹.

The impact of these losses becomes even more pronounced when you look deeper into the data.

For instance, nearly 6,000 individuals lost more than $100,000 each – which is a devastating blow for retirees who rely on their savings to fuel their retirement.

According to the April 2024 ProtectedIncome report^2, about two-thirds of “Peak Boomers” (the youngest of the Baby Boomer generation) are financially unprepared for retirement, with many likely to face significant financial challenges based on their current assets.

·         To put this into perspective, over half of Peak Boomers - 52.5% - have assets of $250,000 or less and will lean heavily on Social Security to get by in retirement. Thus, losing $100,000 to fraud is a potentially fatal financial blow for more than 52% of Baby Boomers about to retire.

Making matters worse is that these numbers only scratch the surface. Many cases go unreported due to the embarrassment or lack of awareness that often accompanies these crimes.

For older adults, these frauds and scams do more than just deplete their finances. They can shatter their retirement dreams and cause distress.

Thus, as scammers become more sophisticated, using technology and social engineering to fool even the savviest individuals, the need for proactive measures to protect Baby Boomers has never been more urgent.

Why Are Baby Boomers More Vulnerable to Financial Scams?

Factually speaking, in the eyes of scammers, Baby Boomers are ideal targets.

Why?

Because they have the wealth (over 50% of the financial pie), a lack of digital financial literacy, and, unfortunately, vulnerabilities that make them easier to exploit - such as living longer and facing cognitive decline.

1. Lack of Technological Literacy: Baby Boomers have rapidly adopted digital tools, especially since the pandemic, with nearly half now using digital banking. In fact, Baby Boomers and seniors are the fastest-growing group for online engagement³. However, this quick shift hasn’t been matched by a rise in digital literacy. A recent study revealed that 91% of Baby Boomers feel overwhelmed by technology, especially when it comes to computers⁴. Many Boomers still struggle with online platforms or spotting phishing scams, making them easy prey for fraudsters.
2. Social Isolation: Retirement can be a lonely road. The loss of daily interactions and routine leaves many older adults isolated, making them prime targets for scams. And when you're alone, it's harder to spot financial frauds. Scammers prey on this loneliness, manipulating retirees through fake friendships or romance scams⁵. The desire for connection can lead to trusting the wrong people, with costly consequences. As isolation deepens, so does vulnerability, leaving older adults more exposed to financial exploitation.
3. Wealth, Longevity, and Cognitive Decline: Baby Boomers hold a massive chunk of America's wealth - roughly $80 trillion - built on decades of booming stocks and rising home values. But as they age, their grip on that wealth weakens. Cognitive decline is hitting Boomers faster than previous generations, making it harder for them to spot and fend off scams⁶. With longer lives, they manage finances deep into old age, just as their mental sharpness begins to fade. The pandemic exacerbated this, with scammers zeroing in on their vulnerabilities, pushing fake health offers and fraudulent calls⁷. This mix of wealth, longevity, and cognitive decline paints a big target on their backs.

This combination of risks isn’t just a concern - it’s a call to action for those who can help steer Baby Boomers through their retirement planning and protect them from financial fraud.

And yes, I’m talking about you, the financial advisor.

Financial Advisors: Helping Protect Retirees from the Growing Threat of Cyber Fraud

Cyber and financial fraud against Baby Boomers casts a dark cloud over the retirement years they've worked so hard to enjoy.

In our next installment - Part II - we’ll dive deep into the most common scams targeting retirees today. Understanding the enemy and their strategies isn’t just helpful—it’s crucial if you’re going to fight effectively.

Then, in the final segment - Part III - we’ll explore the legal tools, moral responsibilities, and trust-building strategies essential for helping your most vulnerable clients - the elderly.

Keep in mind that these insights aren’t just important - they may prove vital. So don’t miss out.

Remember, as Benjamin Franklin wisely said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Sources:

1.      2023_IC3ElderFraudReport.pdf

2.      Peak-Boomers-Econ-Impact-Study-EXEC-SUMM-ALI-RII-Shapiro-Stuttgen-EMBARGOED-Apr-18-2024-041624.pdf (protectedincome.org)

3.      PYMNTS-How-The-World-Does-Digital-May-2023.pdf

4.      91% of Gen X and Baby boomers feel overwhelmed by technology, study finds (digitalinformationworld.com)

5.      Why Are Older Adults More Vulnerable to Scams? | Psychology Today

6.      Boomers Show Greater Cognitive Decline Than Earlier Generations | Next Avenue

7.      CSN - annual_data_book_2020.pdf (ftc.gov)

 Disclosures:

This communication is general in nature and provided for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be considered or relied upon as legal, tax or investment advice or an investment recommendation, or as a substitute for legal or tax counsel. Any investment products or services named herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered an offer to buy or sell, or an investment recommendation for, any specific security, strategy or investment product or service. Always consult a qualified professional or your own independent financial professional for personalized advice or investment recommendations tailored to your specific goals, individual situation, and risk tolerance. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes only.

Information contained in the materials included is believed to be from reliable sources, but no representations or guarantees are made as to the accuracy or completeness of information.  This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice.

Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser and Broker/Dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services and securities offered through Dunham & Associates Investment Counsel, Inc.