The Big Con: Outsmarting the 5 Sneakiest Financial Scams

In this episode, we're talking about the top scams you're likely to see in retirement and how you can avoid them.

Did you know that more than $28 BILLION—that's a billion with a B—is stolen from those aged 60 and older each year?

So, how do you avoid becoming a depressing statistic if you're in retirement or approaching retirement? Today, we will talk to an expert on banking for retirees. He's seen it all, and he's ready to talk to us about what you're likely to see—and how to avoid falling victim.

Host Stacy Johnson is joined by financial journalist Miranda Marquit. Listening in and sometimes contributing is producer Aaron Freeman. Our special guest is Tony Brancato, the Head of Product at Charlie, a company that focuses on 62+ banking.

Before we start, remember this isn't financial advice. So make sure to do your research and consult your own experts before acting on anything you learn here. Additionally, we need to acknowledge our advertising relationship with Charlie. Even though they are one of our partners, it doesn't affect our opinions.

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Scam and fraud can be anywhere — what you need to know

Scams are plentiful and fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated. It's important to be vigilant. Our guest talks about some of the most common scams and what you need to know about avoiding them. Plus, he'll share some tools available for those over the age of 62 with the help of the banking product Charlie. In the meantime, check out our resources and further information about scams and frauds:

• FOMO, Fraud, and Financial Ruin: Lessons From the Crypto Craze
• Avoid These 14 Holiday Scams and Frauds
• How to Tell If Fraudsters Have Opened Bank Accounts in Your Name
• 7 Ways to Protect Your Retirement From Investment Fraud
• Don't Fall for These 5 Types of Costly Small-Business Scams
• Free Program Uses AI to Spot Scams Before They Trap You
• How to Avoid Mail Delivery Phishing Scams
• 7 Text Message Scams to Avoid and Report Immediately
• 8 Job Scams and 10 Signs to Watch For

Money tips, tricks and resources for financial freedom

If you want non-scammy help with various aspects of your finances, we've got you covered. Check out our website for money tips and resources:

• How to Raise Your Credit Score Without Getting Ripped Off
• Debt Consolidation vs. Debt Settlement: 5 Things You Need To Know
• 7 Ways to Get Your FICO Credit Score for Free
• How to Save on Shopping Using Credit Card Perks
• How I Slashed $25,000 in Credit Card Debt to Zero
• 5 Tips to Deal With Debt When Interest Rates Are Rising
• Good vs. Bad Debt: A Quick Guide to Borrowing Wisely for Financial Success
• The Right Advisor Can Double Your Retirement Savings: 4 Tips to Find One
• 5 Tips to Reduce Your Retirement Savings Anxiety
• 5 Fast Ways to Turbocharge Your Retirement Savings
• 9 Safe and Smart Investments for Retirees
• Your Guide to Alternative Investments
• The Investing Combo Linked to a Better Retirement Lifestyle

Meet this week's guest, Tony Brancato

Tony Brancato is the Head of Product at Charlie, the new standard for 62+ banking.

Tony has developed digital products in the healthcare, media, and fintech industries for over 20 years.

He held product leadership positions at several media companies, including Patch.com, Time Inc., and most recently, served as VP Product and Audience Development at The New York Times.

Tony also served in a senior product role at Amazon, as General Manager, Advertising at IMDB.com, Chief Product Officer at Renew Health, and Executive Vice President, Platform at Olive, the automation and intelligence company working to bridge the divide in healthcare.

Tony is the founder of The Influence Project, a data-driven cultural preservation initiative, and a lecturer at UCLA.

He is a graduate of Brown University.

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About the hosts

Stacy Johnson founded Money Talks News in 1991. He's a CPA, and he has also earned licenses in stocks, commodities, options principal, mutual funds, life insurance, securities supervisor and real estate.

Miranda Marquit, MBA, is a financial expert, writer and speaker. She's been covering personal finance and investing topics for almost 20 years. When not writing and podcasting, she enjoys travel, reading and the outdoors.

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