Financial scams targeting older adults are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. To combat this, R.O.S.E. (Resources Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly) is working to educate seniors on how to identify and avoid fraud. Brian Watson, a Community Outreach Specialist for R.O.S.E. and a retired IRS Special Agent, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the most common scams affecting seniors today and the work his organization is doing to raise awareness.
Watson, who now delivers interactive presentations and produces a newsletter and radio show, highlights trends such as crypto ATM scams, tech support fraud, and "pig butchering" romance schemes. Emphasizing caution, he advises seniors to slow down, avoid clicking suspicious links, and consult a trusted friend or family member before making financial decisions. Through outreach and education, R.O.S.E. aims to empower seniors to protect themselves against financial exploitation.