Fraud

Mixed-methods Analysis of Consumer Fraud Reports of the Social Security Administration Impostor Scam

• June 3, 2022
• Susan Barnes
• Financial well-being, Fraud, Social Security

Contextual and Social Predictors of Scam Susceptibility and Fraud Victimization

• June 3, 2022
• Susan Barnes
• Cognition, Family dynamics, Financial well-being, Fraud

Mixed-methods Analysis of Consumer Fraud Reports of the Social Security Administration Impostor Scam

• February 4, 2022
• Susan Barnes
• Financial well-being, Fraud, Social Security

Most Americans have received fraudulent calls from impostors claiming to be officials from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Callers threaten those who respond with arrest and suspension of their bank accounts and Social Security numbers, but charges can be removed…

Contextual and Social Predictors of Scam Susceptibility and Fraud Victimization

• December 21, 2021
• Susan Barnes
• Cognition, Family dynamics, Financial well-being, Fraud

Financial fraud targeting older adults is on the rise, with annual losses totaling in the billions of dollars. Prior cross-sectional and qualitative studies have reported that negative life events and social factors, such as poor psychological well-being and loneliness, are…

Consumer Credit Events Before and After Dementia Diagnosis

• July 21, 2021
• Susan Barnes
• Administrative data link, Cognition, Financial well-being, Fraud

Anecdotal evidence suggests that changes in thinking and memory due to dementia can lead to large financial losses.  We test this using linked Medicare claims and FRBNY/Equifax CCP data.  We find that missed payments increase up to 4 years prior…

Mixed-methods Analysis of Consumer Fraud Reports of the Social Security Impostor Scam

• December 16, 2020
• Susan Barnes
• Fraud, Social Security, Social Security program communications

Despite the growing prevalence of Social Security impostor scams, there has been no academic research on this subtype of fraud. One problem is that general sample surveys do not ask respondents about the individual subtypes of government impostor scams they…

Contextual and Social Predictors of Scam Susceptibility and Fraud Victimization

• December 16, 2020
• Susan Barnes
• Financial well-being, Fraud

This study aims to identify the contextual and social predictors of elder fraud victimization. By identifying the mechanisms and timing of susceptibility, the study will inform the delivery of targeted interventions that reduce fraud vulnerability and prevent victimization.