A Louis Harris Survey conducted recently for the National Consumers League found that 92 percent of adults in the United States reported receiving fraudulent telephone offers. In addition, AARP estimates that more than half of telemarketing fraud victims are 50 or older. In the words of some convicted felons Seniors tend to be more trusting, more easily intimidated and more respectful of authority.
Seniors are home more often and are more likely to be isolated from family and friends.
Seniors are less likely to hang up since many believe it to be rude. If swindled, they are too embarrassed to admit it or report it. Seniors have assets and many are less experienced with financial matters. Seniors may have difficulty identifying fraudulent calls. Many seniors mistakenly believe that fraud will not happen to them.