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Gwen Willis is on a mission to transform victims into informed individuals—empowering people of all ages with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their loved ones from online deception and financial fraud.
Why This Matters
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans aged 35 and older has fallen victim to scams. Many cases go unreported, especially among older adults. — Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Online defenses are struggling to keep up as digital crime surges. The rise in scams—from phishing to impersonation fraud—shows that awareness alone isn’t enough. Gwen’s work bridges the gap between information and action.
Key Statistics
Here’s what the latest data tells us:
FBI & IC3 Reports
| Year | Complaints | Total Losses | Top Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 800,944 | $10.3 billion | Phishing, Investment Fraud, Data Breaches |
| 2024 | 859,532 | $16 billion | Phishing, Extortion, Data Breaches |
| $6.5 billion lost to Investment Fraud (esp. crypto) | |||
| Nearly $5 billion was lost by individuals over 60 |
FTC 2024 Breakdown
- $12.5 billion total losses (↑25% from 2023)
- 📉 Investment scams: $5.7 billion
- 🕵️ Imposter scams: $2.95 billion
- 🧓 Elder fraud: $3.4 billion (↑14%)
- 🏛️ Government impersonation: $789 million
- ❗ Fraud reports are steady at 2.6 million, but losses spiked:
- 38% of consumers lost money in 2024 (up from 27% in 2023)
The Call to Action
Gwen’s leadership in storytelling and advocacy is more urgent than ever. Her books, workshops, and free resources offer actionable strategies to forecast, prevent, and respond to fraud—especially for vulnerable communities.
Front Stairs of the Clayton County, Georgia Courthouse
Common Scams Targeting the Elderly
Scam Types & Descriptions
- Tech Support Scams Scammers pretend to be from tech companies, claiming your computer has a virus and asking for money or remote access.
- Grandparent/Grandchild Scams Impersonate a grandchild in distress—request urgent financial help.
- Lottery/Sweepstakes Scams Claim you’ve won a prize—but require a fee to collect it.
- Romance Scams Build fake online relationships, then manipulate victims into sending money.
- Investment Scams Promise high returns for upfront payments—often too good to be true.
- Charity Scams Pose as fake charities, especially after disasters or news events.
- Home Repair Scams offer overpriced or unnecessary repairs and pressure you to act fast.
- Internet/Email Scams Use phishing or fake websites to steal info and money.
- Funeral/Cemetery Scams Target grieving families—offer fake services or plots.
- Health Scams Push fake cures or dangerous medical advice.
- Government Impersonation Scams Pose as IRS, Social Security, or other officials to demand payment or personal info.
- Social Security Scams Threaten to suspend benefits unless you share sensitive information.
What You Can Do
- ❗ Be skeptical of unsolicited calls, emails, or visits
- 🔒 Never give out personal information to strangers
- 💰 Don’t send money to people you haven’t met or verified
- 🕵️ Confirm with official sources before acting
- 📞 Hang up on suspicious calls
- 🛑 Report suspected scams to the authorities
- 📚 Educate yourself and others
- 🌐 Visit the FTC Scam Resources
10 Practical Tips to Protect Yourself Online and Off
Whether you’re shopping, banking, or connecting with loved ones, these safety tips are designed to keep your information secure and your awareness sharp.
Security Essentials
- Use Strong Passwords: Avoid birthdays, pet names, or “123456”—aim for unique combinations of letters, symbols, and numbers.
- Avoid Password Reuse: Never use the same password across accounts. A compromised one can give access to everything.
- Think Before You Click: Don’t open links from unknown email aliases. Phishing attempts often mimic real platforms.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Adds an extra layer of protection—even if your password gets stolen.
Financial Safety
- Set Banking Alerts Use spending or transaction notifications to catch suspicious activity early.
- Use Direct Logins: Always sign in to trusted websites (e.g., Amazon.com) directly—not through email links.
- Freeze Your Credit: Prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name. It’s free and reversible.
Technology Hygiene
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks: They’re convenient—but unsecured networks make you an easy target for hackers.
- Keep Your Devices Updated: New operating systems include security patches. Don’t skip updates.
On-the-Go Awareness
- Be Alert at Point of Payment: At quick-service locations, visually inspect card readers before inserting your card. If something looks odd or tampered with—pause.
