A Threat We Must Face Together.

At Covenant Village, we help residents live with confidence, security, and peace of mind. Today, one of the greatest threats to that security is not physical. It is digital. Cyber scams, financial fraud, identity theft, phishing, fake investment opportunities, and impersonation schemes are increasing at an alarming rate across our nation. Criminals are more sophisticated, more convincing, and more persistent in their efforts to exploit older adults and their families. This issue is not just a concern for residents of Life Plan Communities. It is a concern for everyone: future residents on our WaitList, Family members, powers of attorney (POAs), adult children, caregivers, and trusted advisors.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and serves as an important reminder that cybersecurity is no longer an information technology issue. It is a personal safety issue. It is a financial wellness issue. And increasingly, it is a quality-of-life issue—a personal and communal Well-Being issue!

Throughout the coming months, Covenant Village will continue expanding educational resources, awareness initiatives, and support programs designed to help residents, families, and future residents recognize and respond to threats before damage occurs.

The reality is simple: Cybercrime can affect ANYONE.

The FBI reports that Americans age 60 and older lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud in 2024, a 43% increase from the previous year. Older adults filed more than 147,000 complaints, making them the most frequently impacted age group. Investment scams, technology support scams, impersonation schemes, and cryptocurrency-related fraud accounted for the largest losses.

Even more concerning, experts believe these numbers significantly understate the actual losses because many victims never report what happened due to embarrassment, confusion, or fear.

Life Plan Communities are not insulated from this growing reality!  

A reminder of this reality hit too close to home. Local law enforcement was contacted by a financial institution regarding concerns that one of our residents may have been targeted by a cyber scam. Our Leadership Team immediately collaborated with authorities to address the situation. While the circumstances were unique, the lesson was not.

Scammers are actively targeting older adults every single day—AND at all hours of the day.

They often appear trustworthy. They may claim to represent a bank, the IRS, Medicare, Social Security, a technology company, a grandchild in distress, or even law enforcement. Increasingly, they use text messages, email, social media, and artificial intelligence-generated communications to create a false sense of urgency and legitimacy. They may gain control of a resident’s computer!

Their goal is always the same: gain access to your money, personal information, or financial accounts.

What Future Residents Should Be Doing Today

If you are on the Covenant Village WaitList and planning for your future, cybersecurity should become part of your retirement planning process.

Ask yourself:

Do I have a trusted family member or advisor who can review major financial decisions with me?

Have I established a durable power of attorney?

Are my passwords secure and unique?

Am I using multi-factor authentication whenever possible?

Do I pause and verify before responding to unexpected requests involving money?

Serious financial planning now can help protect you later.

The Critical Role of Families and POAs

Family members and powers of attorney serve as an important line of defense against fraud. We encourage families to have ongoing conversations about finances, online safety, and emerging scams. Establishing trusted relationships and communication habits before a crisis occurs can significantly reduce the likelihood of financial exploitation.

ACT NOW! Families, POAs, and trusted advisors should encourage loved ones to:

Discuss significant financial transactions before acting.

Verify requests independently.

Ignore pressure tactics and “urgent” deadlines.

Never purchase gift cards as a form of payment.

Never provide passwords or account access to anyone else.

Report suspicious activity immediately.

One of the strongest protections against fraud is simply having someone trusted to call before making a major financial decision.

Our message is straightforward:

Be Aware. Be Informed. Take Action.

If something feels wrong, pause.

If something seems urgent, verify.

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Most importantly, do not face these situations alone. Reach out to Covenant Village’s Cyber Scam Response Team. With compassion and understanding, they can assist with information and support.

Cybercriminals succeed when people act in isolation. We succeed when we stay connected, communicate openly, and look out for one another. Living Longer Better AND Safer. . . Because we are Together!

Together, we can create a stronger, safer, and more informed community for current Residents, future Residents, Families, and POAs alike.

Be Aware. Be Informed. Take Action.

—Dale Melton, CEO

The Covenant Village Cyber Scam Response Team includes Kim Kling, Sr. Director of Finance & Marketing; Lauren Vanacore, Director of Resident Well-Being; Donna Kennedy, Resident Care & Services Coordinator; Todd Martin, Director of Security; and Cory Sills, Director of Technology.