Are seniors vulnerable to loan fraud?

Fraud is scary, and the sad truth is that anyone can fall victim to it – even the most tech-savvy of us. Scammers are notoriously good at tricking people into giving them sensitive details, and with the rise of artificial intelligence, they are only adding more tools to their kit when it comes to convincing people they are legitimate entities.

Loan fraud is becoming more prevalent, largely due to the rise of online lenders who may not conduct thorough identity checks – making it easier for scammers to create fraudulent applications. However, there are some key steps you can take to protect yourself from loan fraud.

There are many different social groups that scammers target, but seniors are typically more vulnerable due to a range of factors, from a lack of education to increased cognitive difficulties. There is no shame in being a victim of fraud, as it can happen to anyone, but understanding why seniors are more at risk can better help us protect them. Let's take a look:

Cognitive decline

As humans age, we often experience some form of cognitive decline. This can affect our ability to make decisions, and in turn, can make it harder for us to detect signs of fraudulent behavior or activity. Conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s impair our memory, reasoning, and decision-making skills, which can make it easier for scammers to manipulate us.

Even without a severe mental condition, older people in general often have slower cognitive processing speeds and can struggle with complex financial transactions or stressful situations. Scammers can leverage these vulnerabilities, and often target elderly people specifically to try and gain access to their sensitive information.

Technology gap

Technology has of course advanced continuously throughout all of our lifetimes, but there is a huge gap between the level of tech we have now compared to that which our older generations used. Naturally, older people can struggle to keep up with technology and stay aware of the ever-evolving array of platforms and apps which can be used by scammers.

Fake emails, websites and fraudulent phone calls are harder to spot when you are unfamiliar with modern technology, and it can be easy to input information without thinking about the legitimacy of a website – especially if it’s impersonating a brand you know and trust. Educating seniors on the importance of multi-factor authentication and using strong passwords can help bridge this gap and keep their accounts safe.

Politeness and mannerisms

Older generations often value good manners, politeness and trust in a way which is not always replicated in the modern world, where we have instant access to billions of other people online. They may feel uncomfortable hanging up the phone or saying no to a request, even if they feel something is wrong, for fear of coming across as rude.

Scammers often exploit this trusting nature in older people and use high-pressure or scare tactics to force a decision. Psychological tactics such as creating a false sense of urgency, or pressuring seniors with emotional manipulation, can make the entire situation very uncomfortable and difficult for seniors to manage – and increases the likelihood of them parting with their money or personal information.

Education is key

By understanding the vulnerabilities that make seniors more susceptible to fraud, society can better protect its older generations. Educating them on the signs of loan fraud and working to implement protective measures on their accounts is the first step, as scammers often see older people as easy targets. Ultimately, safeguarding seniors from financial exploitation is crucial to ensuring that they can enjoy their golden years without falling victim to any type of fraud.