In a recent hearing of the Aging Committee, lawmakers convened to address the alarming rise in fraud targeting older adults, culminating in the release of the annual fraud prevention resource, \"Fighting Fraud, Scams to Watch For.\" The committee, led by Chairman Casey and Ranking Member Braun, emphasized the importance of educating seniors about prevalent scams, including grandparent, investment, government imposter, lottery, and tech support scams.

The hearing highlighted the increasing sophistication of scammers, particularly with the advent of artificial intelligence, which has made fraudulent communications more convincing. Scammers are now capable of cloning voices to deceive victims, complicating the identification of legitimate calls. This escalation in tactics has contributed to a staggering $3.4 billion in fraud losses reported by the FBI in 2023 alone.

Experts from organizations like AARP are striving to keep pace with these evolving threats, while law enforcement faces significant challenges in investigating and prosecuting fraud cases. Deputy District Attorney Scott Perillo from San Diego was invited to share insights on combating these crimes.

Additionally, the committee discussed the emotional and financial toll on victims, particularly following changes in tax laws that have adversely affected older adults. A report titled \"Scammed Then Taxed\" was referenced, detailing how the repeal of the casualty and theft loss deduction has left many scam victims facing heavy tax burdens on stolen retirement savings.

The hearing also featured personal testimony from Susan Whittaker, a victim of tech support scams, underscoring the need for continued support and resources for those affected. The committee reiterated its commitment to raising awareness and fostering collaboration across government levels to combat fraud and assist victims.