OKLAHOMA CITY (May 16, 2024) – Suspected incidents of fraud targeting older Oklahomans can now be reported to the Office of the Attorney General via an online senior fraud complaint form available at oag.ok.gov.
“Older Oklahomans deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and yet far too often they are targeted by unscrupulous actors,” said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. “These cases are particularly egregious and a form of senior abuse, plain and simple. The Consumer Protection Unit of the Attorney General’s Office thoroughly investigates such complaints and urges Oklahomans to keep a watchful eye for signs of elder exploitation.”
Various schemes often prey on seniors, ranging from fake lotteries to tech support scams and correspondence from individuals posing as a grandchild, a government official, or an interested romantic partner.
While suspected senior fraud should be reported through the form, Oklahomans are urged to take precautions against such scams:
- Do not give out personal information over the phone or in response to an email or other message.
- Never click on emailed links or attachments unless you verify that the email was indeed sent by someone you know. Email messages appearing to be from known contacts can be phishing attempts.
- Be wary of individuals who demand payment upfront or in specific formats (e.g., wire transfers, Venmo/CashApp/Zelle, gift cards, cryptocurrency).
- Check incoming bills for unauthorized charges.
- Take your time and reject high-pressure approaches from unknown individuals.
A report by the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center indicates that financial scams reported by individuals over age 60 reached $3.4 billion last year, marking nearly an 11 percent increase over 2022.
The senior fraud complaint form is accessible on oag.ok.gov.