For older adults, the convenience of online shopping is an enormous benefit, and at several times a year, savvy shoppers can locate sales on popular items.  Today, Amazon is kicking-off its Prime Deals Days for members.  While it’s a great time to get online and purchase some deals, it’s also important to be aware of the latest trends in online scams.

Losses due to scams continue to increase with adoption of high-speed internet.

The number of those age 65 and older in the U.S. using the internet has now reached an all-time high of 88% and the aging community is realizing the many benefits that come with the online world. The significant growth in the adoption of broadband has had an incredible impact on the older adult community. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that consumers continue to lose significant money to scams and fraud. While those 18-59 report a greater number of fraud cases, older adults have more significant financial loss associated with scams.  However, many incidences of fraud are not reported by consumers, and the total cost of fraud to all consumers is far greater than reports indicate.

Host Shirley Rooker speaks with Debra Berlyn, the executive director of the Project to Get Older Adults onLine (Project GOAL), about what the latest consumer electronics show in Las Vegas has to offer the cyber-savvy senior citizen.

Listen on federalnewsnetwork.com