CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Nearly half of West Virginia adults know a family member or close friend who may have been a victim of a scam or fraud, according to new survey results from AARP-West Virginia.
State Director Gaylene Miller said the information came to no surprise. She said these scammers are smart and know what they’re doing to take advantage of vulnerable residents.
“Unfortunately, the scammers are very sophisticated, and they know what buttons to push to get people to make decisions quickly,” Miller said during a recent appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.”
Miller said they found most scammers are now using AI as one of their tools. She said most people are concerned about losing money due to unfair or fraudulent financial practices.
AARP surveyed more than 700 West Virginia voters over the age of 45 from November to December 2023 about issues such as health care, financial security, caregiving, livable communities and more.
The survey found that more than 77 percent of West Virginians agree that the state income tax on Social Security should be repealed or eliminated. About 84 percent of state residents are currently relying on or plan to rely on Social Security as a source of income as they get older.
In the last two years, ARRP said 1 out of 3 West Virginians 45 and older are not filling prescriptions because of high drug costs.
Miller said last year state lawmakers passed a bill to cap insulin co-pays at $35 for diabetics in West Virginia, but she said more needs to be done to move the needle.
“I can assure you it’s on our minds and we’re constantly looking at ways to help lower the cost of prescription drugs,” she said.
Miller said caregiving is also very important to West Virginians. About 9 in 10 state residents want to age and stay in their community. The survey found two-thirds of residents ages 45 and older are either currently providing care or have provided care in the past to an adult relative or friend.
“We are using these findings to inform our advocacy efforts and better serve our residents,” Miller said.
The Mountain State survey was conducted by ANR Market Research Consultants. To view the results, CLICK HERE.