Fraud targeting older adults remains a big problem, according to the latest report from the North Carolina Consumer Fraud Taskforce. Americans lost some $3.2 billion as victims of fraudulent activity last year.

Givens Communities recognizes the ongoing threat, especially to seniors and particularly with online scams, and provides advice to avoid financial loss or identity theft. A few quick tips:

• Don’t answer calls from phone numbers or emails you don’t recognize.
• Beware of anyone who asks you to send money immediately, no matter what the reason.
• Don’t share information about yourself or your family with anyone you don’t know.

If you have a senior scam to report, contact the N.C. Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM.