Scams are getting smarter, and retirees are increasingly in the crosshairs.
In this episode, Certified Retirement Counselor Mark Struthers talks about one of the fastest-growing threats to retirees: financial fraud (especially powered by AI). He shares real-world stories of people caught in sophisticated scams and explains how emotion, urgency, and technology combine to create the perfect trap.
Mark also reveals why retirees, especially in a post-pension world, are more vulnerable than ever — and what steps you can take to safeguard your money, identity, and peace of mind.
Listen in to learn practical steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your retirement from modern scams that sound more convincing than ever.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why retirees are prime targets in the new AI-driven fraud landscape.
- How “grandparent calls,” IRS imposters, and fake Medicare representatives are tricking even the most careful people.
- The three emotional cues every scam uses and how to recognize them instantly.
- Seven smart protection habits that actually work.
- What to do if you’ve been hit (who to call, what to report, and how to limit the damage).
- Why proactive planning isn’t paranoia but peace of mind.
Ideas Worth Sharing:
- “Every scam shares the same DNA: urgency, secrecy, pressure. Because if you have those things… you’re going to act on emotion.” – Mark Struthers
- “Be skeptical of voices or videos that, especially now with AI, can be faked.” – Mark Struthers
- “Why are retirees prime targets? Well, especially in the post pension world… it’s where the money is, and fortunately for the bad guys, the folks who have the money also often are not maybe the best equipped to handle those kind of emotional decisions.” – Mark Struthers
Resources:
- Work with Mark Struthers
- Subscribe to our Healthy & Wealthy newsletter and get our 2025 Tax Cheat Sheet: Subscribe here
- SchwabSafe
- LastPass
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Disclosure:
Investment advisory services are offered through Sona Financial LLC (DBA Sona Wealth Advisors, Sona Wealth, Sona Wealth Management), an investment adviser registered in the state of MN. Sona Financial only offers investment advisory services where it is appropriately registered or exempt from registration and only after clients have entered into an investment advisory agreement confirming the terms of engagement and have been provided a copy of the firm’s ADV Part 2A brochure and document.
This video or article is for educational purposes only and is not exhaustive. Nothing discussed during this show/episode should be viewed as investment advice. Diversification and/or any strategy that may be discussed does not guarantee against investment losses but is intended to help manage risk and return. If applicable, historical discussions and/or opinions are not predictive of future events. The content is presented in good faith and has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The content is not intended to be legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a legal, tax, or financial professional for information specific to your individual situation.
This content has not been reviewed by FINRA.