Older Victims of Mass Marketing Scams: An Analysis of Data Seized From Scammers

Mass marketing scams are some of the most common frauds in America, and include scams perpetrated through the mail. A growing body of research indicates that older adults face a greater risk of victimization due to age-related changes in cognitive functioning and social isolation, and may be more likely to fall victim repeatedly. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of repeat mass marketing fraud (revictimization) among older adults and patterns of victimization associated with age, scam type, seasonality, and geography. We use two decades of non-public administrative data from the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). These databases were seized during law enforcement investigations of mass mailing scam organizations and contain more than 2 million unique U.S. victims and their transactions with four different fraud organizations. Victims were matched across datasets using name, address, and a change of address file. We find that revictimization rates increase with age in psychic scams. The 10,000 victims who responded the most times (between 82 and 562 times) were 78 years old on average and suffered $4,700 in total losses per person. Other significant trends emerged for lottery and sweepstakes scams. Unlike prior fraud victimization studies, inferences on victim characteristics are based on actual victim experiences with fraud rather than hypothetical scenarios or surveys where victims must self-report fraud. Findings provide valuable policy-relevant information regarding older victims and the patterns of chronic victimization.

Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellowship Survey: Fellows Selection Criteria for Training Programs

Purpose This article investigates the characteristics that trainees look for in a pediatric ophthalmology fellowship program. Methods A 14-question anonymous survey was created and sent out via the United States Postal Service to all physicians of American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. The survey addressed demographics, the interview process, and the qualities of fellowship training programs that were important factors in ranking fellowship training programs. A Likert scale was used to rate different qualities (1: not important, 9: very important) and summary statistics were reported as overall means and standard deviations. Results In total, 1,061 were mailed out with 413 returned amounting to a 38.9% response rate. The qualities with the highest mean were diversity of surgical procedures, volume of procedures/surgeries, reputation of the fellowship director, advice from mentor, emphasis on type of surgery performed, program association with an academic institution, and national reputation of program. The characteristics that ranked the lowest were presence of a Veteran's Administration hospital and presence of a county hospital. Females rated proximity to family significantly higher than males. Among responders who ranked volume of procedures/surgeries as very important, strabismus surgery was the most important. Conclusion Pediatric ophthalmologists chose fellowship training programs based on the diversity and surgical volume of procedures and the reputation of the program director.