News Archive

Protection & Security

We are committed to educating our community members about scams targeting seniors in Santa Clara County; as well as providing up-to-date information offering protection against such scams. This page offers timely data about scams reported, steps to take when targeted, and how to avoid these scams. Guidance is made available as scams are identified.

Receive updates on identified scams targeting seniors by visiting the national database: fraud.org.

Report Fraud and Losses to Keep Yourself Safe Online

You might have heard that scams mostly affect older adults, but reports to the Federal Trade Commission tell a different story. Last year, adults under 60 — our Gen X, Millennial, and Gen Z neighbors — were more likely to report losing money to fraud than people 60...

Be Alert for Financial Scams Targeting Older Adults

Scams targeting older adults are increasing. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), “In 2021 there were 92,371 older victims of fraud resulting in $1.7 billion in losses. This was a 74% increase in losses compared to 2020.” Scammers tend to target...

Protect Yourself from Scams and Find Support

Everyone has a right to safety and justice. However, it is estimated that millions of older adults, from all walks of life encounter harmful scams every year. Providing necessary supports to keep everyone safe and engaged as we age is crucial. Ageism (biases against...

FTC Warns of Scams Related to Economic Payments

Becca Kelly Slaughter, Acting Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), validates that the American Rescue Plan is now law. That means a lot of individuals will soon be getting desperately needed economic impact payments of up to fourteen hundred dollars. ...