Skip to main content

Social Media

Use these messages or create your own, and share them on social media sites

ftc.gov/PassItOn gives older adults the tools to start conversations about scams and pass on what they know. #FTC #passiton #scams

[ORGANIZATION] and #FTC say: Older adults are part of the solution, not just scam victims. ftc.gov/PassItOn #passiton #scams

[ORGANIZATION] wants you to pass on what you know about scams. Check out ftc.gov/PassItOn to learn more. #FTC #passiton #scams

What do you know about scams? More than you think. [ORGANIZATION] asks you to Pass It On: ftc.gov/PassItOn. #FTC #passiton #scams

You won! Or did you? [ORGANIZATION] says: Visit ftc.gov/PassItOn to learn how to share what you know. #prizes #scams #FTC

You got a call asking you to wire money to a friend in need. Is it real? Really real? Stop. Check it out: ftc.gov/PassItOn. #FTC #scams

[ORGANIZATION] says: Before you donate, stop. Check it out: ftc.gov/PassItOn. Then pass it on and share what you know. #FTC #scams

Press Release or Newsletter Article

Cut and paste this press release into your organization’s letterhead, and send it to your local media; or use it as a newsletter article

[YOUR ORGANIZATION] EMPOWERS CONSUMERS AGAINST SCAMS  
FTC Emphasizes Life Experience in New Campaign to Help Older Adults Help Each Other Fight Fraud

Get the logo

[City, State] – [Release Date] – [Your organization name] is promoting a new education campaign designed by the Federal Trade Commission to enlist people over 65 in the effort to recognize and report frauds and scams.

The FTC says that fraudsters generally target consumers of all ages – but they know that older people are likely to have bigger nest eggs, which makes them attractive. And, the consumer protection agency says, when older people lose money to a scam – regardless of whether it involves prizes and lotteries, imposters or identity theft – it’s usually more difficult for them to recoup their losses, making the consequences even more devastating.

Enlisting older people as part of the solution is part of a fresh approach the agency is taking to promoting fraud awareness.

“People 65 and older have lots of life experience that enables them to recognize and avoid scams,” said [name and title from the FTC]. “They also have a social network with which to share the life lessons they’ve learned. This campaign seeks to tap into their life experiences and their trusted place in the community.”

Pass It On reinforces what older people already know about some of today’s most common scams, and it gives them a short and straightforward way to share that knowledge with their family members, friends and communities. It focuses on their ability to be part of the solution instead of implying they’re part of the problem when it comes to scams.

“Older consumers are telling us they don’t want to be labeled as vulnerable victims,” said [person from your organization and title]. “They want to pass on what they know about scams – not only to their peers, but to younger generations, as well.”

The topics in the first generation of the Pass It On campaign include imposter scams, identity theft, charity fraud, health care scams, paying too much, and “you’ve won” scams.  Pass It On bookmarks and fact sheets are free, and available for bulk order or download at ftc.gov/PassItOn.

 

Return to top