It’s time for predictions and resolutions about the future of fraud in 2023.
The nonstop scam attacks we experience from international criminals will continue. The sophistication of scammers will be greater than in 2022. Losses attributable to identity theft, internet and telephone fraud will grow. Not a very pleasant picture.
Annually, many of us commit to New Year’s resolutions (lose weight, be a nicer person, be patient with others, promote world peace). If good intentions were realized, we would live in a much better place. Sadly, though we start with a plan, by the end of January our resolutions are forgotten.
These resolutions, suggested by members of AARP Fraud Watch team, are achievable and, if adopted, make a difference in vulnerability to scams.
• Bill April (Retired IT pro from Waterbury, Vt.): I resolve that if I get a phone call, text message, or email about a problem, emergency, or prize, I will treat the notice as a scam and verify the message before I provide information or payment.
• Susan April (IT professional and government service retiree from Waterbury, Vt.) and Tom Maloney (Newport, Vt.): I resolve to not answer a phone call if I don’t recognize the caller ID or phone number; a caller who wants to talk to me will leave a message.
• Alan Baker (Retired US Air Force pilot and IBM’er from Wilmington, Vt. and…
