Scammers – and their schemes — are getting more sophisticated every day. And with people’s losses to fraud continuing to rise, staying informed and alert has never been more important.
To help community members recognize and avoid scams, United Way Area Agency on Aging’s (UWAAA) Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program recently hosted its annual Fraud Summit at the Hoover Public Library.
The free event, held each year in conjunction with Older Americans Month, brought together experts from law enforcement, banking, legal services, financial assistance and fraud prevention to share practical information and resources.
“Events like the Fraud Summit give people the knowledge and confidence to better protect themselves and their families,” said Nick Derzis, Hoover Mayor and former Police Chief, who attended the summit. “When organizations come together to share trusted information and support, it strengthens the entire community.”
According to statistics shared during the event, adults over the age of 60 reported more than 200,000 fraud complaints in 2025, totaling $7.7 billion in losses. (And many go unreported.) The average reported loss was $38,500. While the numbers are significant, speakers stressed that awareness and education remain some of the most effective tools for preventing fraud.
“One positive takeaway is that more people are reporting fraud. If it’s not reported, you can’t stop it,” said Susan Hackney, SHIP/SMP Coordinator for United Way Area Agency on Aging.
The critical point is to protect your personal identity, your financial information, account numbers and Medicare information. Never give that information to anyone over the phone, by email or by text if you have not verified who they are or initiated the contact yourself.
Learning How Scammers Operate
In addition to Derzis and Hackney, speakers at the event included:
• Nick Vonderau, Education and Public Affairs Manager at the Alabama Securities Commission.
• Rae Bolton, Managing Attorney at Legal Services Alabama.
• Doug Horst, Program Director of Financial Stability Services at United Way of Central Alabama.
• Charlie Pierson, Financial and Housing Education Specialist at United Way of Central Alabama.
• Doug Goodwin, Vice President of Information Systems at United Way of Central Alabama.
One of the most common themes discussed throughout the summit was urgency. Scammers often create fear, excitement or confusion to pressure people into making quick decisions before they stop to think and verify information.
“Scammers want you to act before you think,” said Nick Vonderau. “Taking a moment to slow down, ask questions and verify information can make the difference between protecting your money and becoming a victim of fraud.”
One example discussed during the summit was the growing number of fraudulent text messages that appear to come from toll agencies, delivery services or financial institutions. These messages often claim immediate action is required and include links to fake websites designed to steal personal or financial information. Speakers encouraged attendees to avoid clicking unexpected links and instead contact organizations directly through verified phone numbers or websites.
Adults older than 70 were less likely to report fraud than younger adults; but those who did often lost more per incident.
Supporting Older Adults Across Central Alabama
While fraud prevention was the focus of the summit, the event also reflected UWAAA’s broader commitment to helping older adults maintain their independence, well-being and financial security. Through education, support and community partnerships, UWAAA works to connect individuals with an array of programs and services that help them stay informed and better navigate many common challenges of aging.
“We want people to leave feeling informed and empowered,” Hackney said. “If you’re worried about scams or financial loss, it affects every part of your well-being. Education is one of the best tools we have to help people protect themselves.”
To learn more about senior services, programs and volunteer opportunities, or to be screened for available support, call 1-800-AGE-LINE or visit www.uwaaa.org.
The 2026 Fraud Summit was made possible through partnerships with the Hoover Senior Center, the Senior Medicare Patrol and the Alabama Securities Commission. It was supported in part by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Alabama Department of Senior Services and a grant provided by the Alabama Council of Economic Education.