Stressful Life Events May Increase Our Susceptibility to Fraud Economic Security and Work
Stressful Life Events May Increase Our Susceptibility to Fraud
An AARP National Fraud Frontiers Report
Technology and business sophistication have moved scam operations from the hands of small-time crooks into a booming, multibillion-dollar transnational industry. As a result, scam artists are now able to reach millions of targets within minutes. This AARP survey examines rates of encounters and financial loss from 26 types of scams that are prevalent in the U.S. It also looks at whether various risk factors and protective factors influence fraud susceptibility. The survey reached over 9,000 Americans ages 18+, including 1,085 fraud victims, making it one of the largest studies AARP has done on consumer fraud. Notably, the survey respondents were not informed that the 26 scams encounters were "scams." Instead, they were described as "scenarios that are seen in the marketplace." Those indicating that they were exposed to one or more of the 26 scams met the initial screening criteria and were asked an additional set of questions. Additionally, those who indicated that they spent money as a result of the scenario were classified as having experienced a financial loss from a scam. The survey found that an estimated nine in 10 Americans (229 million people) encountered a fraud attempt in the past year and that one in six (33 million people) lost money to a scam. Although anyone can experience a scam — regardless of education, age, race, or ethnicity —the study uncovered specific environmental and emotional factors that were common among fraud victims (e.g., more stressful life events, less social/family support, stronger emotional responses, and exposure to more scam encounters). Together, these dominant risk factors increase our susceptibility to scammers' tactics that focus on our emotional triggers, recent challenges, and sense of isolation to achieve their theft. The implications of these findings suggest new approaches to informing the public about ways to prevent fraud. In addition to this national report, two additional reports (i.e., focusing on Black/African American adults and Hispanic/Latino adults) were also conducted. To view them, click the links below. Methodology
Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish between October 26, 2020 and November 17, 2020 by NORC at the University of Chicago using their AmeriSpeak Panel, a probability-based panel designed to be representative of the U.S. general population. A total of 3,280 interviews, including oversamples of 739 Black/African American respondents and 704 Hispanic/Latino respondents, were completed. Among the total sample, 1,085 experienced a financial loss from a scam and 2,195 did not experience financial loss from a scam. Fraud Susceptibility Reports
Total Population Infographics African American/Black Infographics Hispanic/Latino Infographics For questions, please contact Alicia Williams at . For media inquiries, contact External Relations at . Suggested citation: Shadel, Doug, PhD; Alicia Williams, PhD; Karla Pak, PhD; and Lona Choi-Allum, PhD. A Moment's Notice: Recognizing the Stressful Life Events, Emotions and Actions that Make Us Susceptible to Scams. An AARP National Fraud Frontiers Report. Washington, DC: October 2021. Search AARP Research
Enter a keyword below to find answers to your AARP Research questions. NEWS ALERTS: Sign up for a monthly newsletter of the latest AARP Research. Subscribe Older Workers Women Work and the Road to Resilience
Midcareer and older women workers experienced widespread job disruptions during the coronavirus pandemic. Social Media
Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.