Scam Jams and Beyond: Innovative Community Tactics to Stop Fraud

Local governments are on the front lines of public safety, yet one of the most pervasive threats—scams targeting vulnerable populations—often receives insufficient attention in municipal management strategies. While law enforcement agencies are well-versed in combating physical crimes, digital and telephonic fraud demand a different set of tools. These scams, ranging from phishing emails to impersonation calls, exploit emotional vulnerabilities and technological gaps to defraud citizens, especially older adults. As these crimes increase in sophistication, municipalities must adapt their policies, outreach, and internal coordination to protect residents effectively.

Fraud targeting vulnerable individuals is not a peripheral issue. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Americans over 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to scams in 2023 alone, marking a significant rise from previous years¹. These schemes are not only growing in frequency but also in complexity, often involving international criminal networks and advanced technology. While federal agencies can investigate cross-border fraud, local law enforcement is typically the first point of contact for victims. Municipalities must therefore treat scam prevention and response as a central component of community safety.

The psychological tactics scammers use are well-documented. They manipulate emotions such as fear, urgency, love, and trust to deceive targets into sharing personal information or transferring money. A study from the Journal of Financial Crime found that many older adults are specifically vulnerable due to cognitive decline, social isolation, and unfamiliarity with digital tools². For example, the “grandparent scam” involves a fraudster pretending to be a distressed relative in need of immediate financial help. These methods work not because the victims are careless, but because the scams are designed to bypass logical reasoning in moments of emotional stress.

The emotional and psychological aftermath of being scammed can be just as damaging as the financial loss. Victims often experience embarrassment, self-doubt, and even depression. In some cases, individuals withdraw from social activities or avoid seeking help out of shame. This isolation exacerbates existing vulnerabilities and makes them more susceptible to future scams. Researchers at the University of Southern California noted that repeated exposure to fraud can lead to long-term anxiety and a diminished sense of personal agency³. These outcomes place a burden not only on victims but also on municipal health and social services.

Municipal law enforcement agencies must adopt a multi-faceted approach to address this issue effectively. First, education campaigns should be embedded into local community engagement efforts. Traditional methods like bulletin boards and pamphlets remain valuable, especially for older populations. However, more interactive and engaging formats can increase retention and participation. For instance, “Scam Jams”—community events where residents learn about current fraud tactics—have been successfully implemented in cities like Denver and San Diego. These workshops often include role-playing scenarios, Q&A sessions with law enforcement, and materials that attendees can share with others.

Tailoring communication strategies to specific demographics is essential. Research from the Public Administration Review indicates that targeted messaging is more effective than generalized warnings⁴. Seniors may respond be