The Psychology of Romance Scams, Practical and Clinical Interventions
Friday, July 18, 2025 • 8:30–10:30 am • 2 CEUs offered
According to the Federal Trade Commission, older adults lost nearly $240 million to romance scams in 2022. Some older adults have lost their life savings; others, with no assets, sacrifice rent money to pay the scammer.
This program will address the underlying factors that make older adults vulnerable to romance scams such as cognitive changes, unmet emotional needs and a wish to remain desirable as one ages. Clinical, ethical and practical aspects of the romance scam will be explored using case-based examples. Strategies to protect older adults from financial scams—both before or after they have occurred—will be shared.
Speakers:
- Jade Shepard, MSW, Care Manager, CJE SeniorLife
- Susan Swanson, LCSW, Manager, Counseling Services, CJE SeniorLife
- Tamara Kushnir Groman, JD, Director of Legal and Financial Client Services, CJE SeniorLife
- Peter A. Lichtenberg, PhD, ABPP, WSU Distinguished Service Professor of Psychology and Gerontology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
- Detective Michael R. Kane, #932, Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department, Community Safety Team / Chicago Initiatives, Organized Retail Crime Task Force
Time:
8:30-10:30 am
Location:
Virtual
Space is limited
