The Bradenton Police Department’s Elder Fraud Unit is issuing a strong warning to our Suncoast community. Since the unit was formed in early 2024, they have investigated over $11.4 million in financial losses targeting seniors aged 60 and older. The unit, led by Detectives Jim Curulla and Deana McNeal, is seeing a sharp rise in sophisticated scams, particularly those involving cryptocurrency where the stolen funds are almost impossible to recover.
To help residents protect themselves, the detectives have created an easy-to-remember system called the “Five P’s.” Scammers often use these tactics: they Pretend to be someone you know, create a fake Problem, offer a Prize you never earned, apply intense Pressure to act immediately, and demand a specific form of Pay, often gift cards or cryptocurrency. Recognizing these red flags is the first and most powerful line of defense for seniors across Bradenton, Sarasota, and the entire Suncoast region.
The department has made a free resource guide available in large print to help families have these important conversations. You can download or request the guide at bradentonpd.com/elder-fraud-unit. Talk to your parents, your grandparents, or your neighbors. A short conversation could save their life savings. Have you ever been targeted by a phone or online scam? Share your story in the comments below.
