In the increasingly digital age, online fraud seems to be running rampant, and one particular demographic stands out as being especially vulnerable: senior citizens. Unlike younger generations who grew up surrounded by technology, seniors often struggle to use new tech. On top of this, seniors are generally more likely to be trusting of others and are, unfortunately, often lonely and seeking connection with others or experiencing cognitive decline, which makes them easier targets for online fraud. If you believe that a senior citizen in your life has fallen victim to online fraud, a private investigator may be able to help.
Knowing what to look for is the first step in determining if someone is being scammed. Unusual financial activity, such as large withdrawals or transfers, is usually a sign of suspicious activity. Sudden secrecy about online activity is also a good sign that something is off. It’s important to note that sudden secrecy can be sparked by several events, such as mistrust of the person inquiring (misguided or otherwise), embarrassment about their activity, shame about falling prey to online fraud, and much more. Emotional distress is another common sign that someone is suffering from the consequences of online scammers.
Private investigators can play an important role in addressing online fraud for people of any age, including seniors. They can perform background checks and surveillance on suspected scammers, in addition to using digital forensics techniques to track the source of fraudulent activity or reveal evidence of wrongdoing.
If you believe a senior citizen or anyone else in your life is a victim of online fraud, reach out to us at Charlotte Private Investigator for the assistance you need.