Red Flags of Fraud: Upcoming Events Help Michigan Seniors Stay Safe and Supported
Jake Newby
| 4 min read
Jake Newby is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue...
Key Takeaways
- Scammer tactics are becoming increasingly believable as scammers leverage AI to create personalized, highly believable phishing, voice cloning and deepfake scams.
- Fraud schemes targeting seniors are often underreported because victims may feel too embarrassed or fearful to speak to law enforcement.
- Even though money is what scammers are after, fraud can impact far more than your finances.
- For many victims, scams can lead to stress, anxiety, embarrassment and isolation.
As technology evolves, unfortunately so do scammers.
Phone calls sound like legitimate banks, text messages claim there’s suspicious activity on an account and emails that appears to come from trusted companies ask you to “verify” personal information.
These tactics are becoming increasingly believable as scammers leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to create highly sophisticated, personalized and believable phishing, voice cloning and deepfake scams to steal billions of dollars annually.
Scammers even have the ability to quickly launch fraud campaigns on a massive scale or zero in on specific people using data gathered from social media or other platforms, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
Older adults are often the target of these types of scams. And fraud schemes targeting seniors are often underreported because victims may feel embarrassed or fearful, according to the FBI.
That’s why the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Michigan and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan are partnering once again on a statewide educational series called “Red Flags of Fraud,” designed to help Michigan seniors recognize scams, protect personal information and stay connected to trusted resources.
Why fraud prevention matters
Even though money is what scammers are after, fraud can impact far more than your finances.
For many victims, scams can lead to stress, anxiety, embarrassment and isolation. Scammers often use urgency, fear or emotional manipulation to pressure people into acting quickly before they have time to verify information or talk with loved ones.
“Fraud doesn’t just impact someone financially, it can take a serious emotional toll as well,” says Lisa Frohnapfel, President and CEO of the BBB of Michigan. “Through this partnership, we’re not only helping people recognize scams, but also providing support and resources for those who have already been affected.” Many scams today arrive through everyday technology people use regularly, including smartphones, email and social media. Some fraudsters pose as government agencies, utility companies, healthcare providers or even family members in need of urgent help.”
While scams are increasingly sophisticated, there are often warning signs people can watch for. Here are a few common red flags of fraud:
- Requests for gift cards or wire transfers
- Pressure to act immediately
- Demands for sensitive information
- Messages that seem too good to be true
Experts also encourage consumers to slow down before responding to unexpected requests involving money or personal information. Taking a moment to independently verify a phone number, discuss the situation with a trusted family member or contact a legitimate organization directly can help prevent fraud before it happens.
Supporting seniors beyond scam awareness
The “Red Flags of Fraud” series is also focused on overall well-being.
In addition to fraud prevention education, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will share practical wellness information relevant to older adults, including fall prevention strategies and healthy aging tips.
“At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the well-being of older adults is central to our mission,” said Joshua Meeks, vice president of Medicare Advantage. “By joining forces with the Better Business Bureau, we’re ensuring seniors have the information and support they need to protect themselves from fraud and make informed decisions about their health. We’re proud to be a part of these events, which empower seniors to stay healthy, connected and secure in today’s world.”
The events are intended not only for seniors, but also for caregivers, family members and anyone interested in learning more about fraud prevention and healthy aging.
Upcoming “Red Flags of Fraud” events
The following community events are free and open to the public:
June 3 | Noon to 1 p.m.
- Delta Township Enrichment Center
- 4538 Elizabeth Rd., Lansing, MI 48917
June 8 | 10-11 a.m.
- Ann Arbor Community Center
- 1320 Baldwin Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
July 22 | 2-3 p.m.
- Loose Senior Center
- 707 N. Bridge St., Linden, MI 48451
Aug. 6 | 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Clinton Township Senior Center
- 40730 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038
Aug. 18 | 10-11 a.m.
- Flushing Area Senior Center
- 106 Elm St., Flushing, MI 48433
Aug. 26 | 10:45-11:45 a.m.
- Port Huron Senior Center
- 600 Grand River Ave., Port Huron, MI 48060
For more information or to register for an upcoming event, visit bbb.org/local/0372/miprograms/rsvp or contact Troy Baker at troyb@mi.bbb.org.
Photo credit: Getty Images
