UWAAA staff posing for a photo at this year’s Fraud Summit
Scammers are constantly evolving. And with constant advancements in Artificial Intelligence, staying at least one step ahead is more important than ever for consumers. That’s why United Way Area Agency on Aging (UWAAA) recently hosted its annual Fraud Summit in connection with Older Americans Month in May.
The free event, featuring information and advice from experts, is designed to help attendees spot scams before becoming victims of fraud and identity theft. This year’s summit was held at the Trussville Civic Center in partnership with UWAAA’s Senior Medicare Patrol and the Alabama Securities Commission.
Here are just a few key takeaways.
Scams Don’t Discriminate by Age
Every year, Older Americans Month brings issues related to seniors to the forefront of the national conversation. The 2025 theme is “Flip the Script on Aging” and encourages people to rethink outdated assumptions, including the idea that only older adults fall for scams. In reality, fraud affects every age group and is becoming increasingly pervasive.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, adults aged 18 to 59 were 34% more likely than those older than 60 to report losing money to fraud. Scammers count on impulsive and emotional reactions, not age.
That was one of many insights shared by Nick Vonderau of the Alabama Securities Commission, who works to educate people about fraud prevention.
“They want you to panic. They want you to be scared,” he said. “It is your money; you worked hard for it. Do not let someone fool you into thinking you owe them.”
His advice? Pause before acting. If something doesn’t feel quite right about an urgent phone call (or if something sounds too good to be true), hang up and call someone you trust — or contact your local law enforcement.
AI and the Rise of Sophisticated Scams
Fraud is not always obvious. Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, scammers are more sophisticated than ever. Doug Goodwin, United Way’s Vice President of Information Systems, explained how AI can now generate fake voices that mimic loved ones in distress.
“You need to be 100% certain on everything, especially when money is involved,” he said.
Doug Goodwin, United Way’s Vice president of Information Systems
Never trust an urgent financial request without verifying the source directly. While adults older than 70 were less likely to report fraud than younger adults, those who did report often lost more per incident.
Although urgency and fear are common themes of scams used to push people into quick decisions, others take a slower, more calculated path. Romance scams are a growing example. Scammers build fake relationships online, earning trust over time before making a financial request. In 2023 alone, Americans lost nearly $1.3 billion to these emotionally manipulative schemes.
Common tactics include claiming to be overseas for work or military service, refusing to meet in person and using dramatic stories, such as a medical emergency or travel crisis, to justify needing money.
One of the most consistent takeaways from the summit? Get a second opinion. If you receive an unusual email, text or phone call, talk it over with a family member, friend or someone else you trust. Taking a few extra minutes could save you thousands.
United Way Supports Older Adults in Central Alabama
The Fraud Summit is just one example of how United Way of Central Alabama supports older adults. We are a hub for senior services — delivering meals, providing in-home assistance with daily living tasks, supporting family caregivers and so much more.
