Fraud isn’t just becoming more common, it’s becoming harder to spot. But there’s one simple step that can protect you every time: Hang up and call our office directly. We’ve had several clients fall victim to scams where criminals impersonate the IRS and demand immediate payment, often threatening arrest or jail time. These fraudsters rely on fear and urgency to keep people on the phone for hours, wearing them down until they feel overwhelmed and disoriented. During these calls, scammers may ask you to log into your computer so they can “verify” your bank account, instruct you to withdraw cash or purchase a cashier’s check, demand payment through gift cards, including VISA gift cards.
In every case, the pattern is the same: harassment followed by confusion and exhaustion. It’s in those vulnerable moments that otherwise careful people are pressured into sending money. When fear and confusion take over, thinking clearly becomes incredibly difficult, and that’s exactly what scammers are counting on. We want you to know that you’re never alone in these situations. We are always on your side, and we are always willing to help. If anyone calls you asking for payment of any kind and something doesn’t feel right, hang up and call us directly. Together, we can verify the situation and make sure your accounts stay safe. When in doubt, pause, hang up, and call us. We’re here for you.
– Jessica
I want to take a moment to talk about something that has become increasingly common and more sophisticated than many realize: fraud and identity theft. Recently, a highly intelligent and financially experienced client of mine became a victim of fraud through their local bank. It was not due to carelessness, but a reminder that today’s fraudsters are patient, convincing, and skilled at exploiting trust and urgency. In today’s environment, this can happen to anyone. When it does, the emotional impact can be just as difficult as the financial one, and there is no shame in being targeted.
Modern fraud rarely looks obvious. It often comes through emails, texts, or phone calls that appear legitimate and familiar, sometimes referencing real institutions or urgent issues that demand immediate action. Be cautious of messages that create urgency or fear, avoid clicking unexpected links or attachments, use strong unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly review account activity. Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. If you ever receive a suspicious message or notice unusual activity, please reach out. It is always easier to verify something early than to unwind a problem later. Our role extends beyond managing investments; we are here to help protect your financial life as a whole.
If you ever experience fraud or identity theft, we will help you think through next steps, coordinate with the appropriate institutions, and regain a sense of control and confidence. We are here for you, especially when things feel uncertain.
– Jason
Financial fraud targeting older adults is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country, costing seniors an estimated $28 billion each year. Scammers are getting more sophisticated, from phone calls impersonating grandchildren in distress to fake tech support alerts and even people posing as trusted professionals. Making matters worse, new AI technology has given fraudsters powerful tools to exploit people. Scammers can now clone a loved one’s voice from just a few seconds of audio, making those “grandchild in trouble” calls sound terrifyingly real. AI can also generate convincing fake emails, texts, and even video calls that are far harder to spot than the scams of a few years ago.
What makes elder fraud especially difficult is that it often goes unreported, sometimes because the victim feels embarrassed, and sometimes because a family member is the one responsible. The best defense is staying connected and having open conversations about money. If you notice a loved one making unusual financial decisions, receiving frequent calls from strangers, or suddenly wiring money or buying gift cards for unclear reasons, those can be early warning signs. A simple tip: establish a family code word that can be used to verify identity over the phone.
We encourage our clients and their families to reach out to us if something feels off. That’s what we’re here for. You can also report suspected elder fraud to Adult Protective Services or the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Fraud thrives in silence and urgency, but it weakens when families communicate and verify before acting. A quick phone call, a second opinion, or a brief pause can prevent a devastating mistake. Staying proactive and informed is one of the most meaningful ways we can protect the people we love.
– Palmer