10 financial scams targeting seniors and how to avoid them

Do you have aging family members or friends? According to a MetLife survey, crimes against the elderly skyrocketed in the last year. Seniors lost $3 billion to criminals through home repair scams, investment scams, and other cons targeting older people.

Con artists are particularly fond of elderly widows. The scam is to find those who may be lonely or infirm, and slowly shower them with attention and small gifts in order to gain their confidence.

Elderly people are targets for criminals for a variety reasons, and as their family members and friends, it's our job to help protect them from potential scams.