Smart Senior Series Seminar Explores the Psychology Behind Today’s Scams

Free Arlington seminar will help older adults recognize how con artists use urgency, fear, trust and technology to manipulate their victims

ARLINGTON, TX, UNITED STATES, September 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Scams are becoming more sophisticated, and understanding what a scammer says may not be enough to avoid becoming a victim. An upcoming Smart Senior Series seminar will take a closer look at why scams work and the psychological tactics con artists use to influence their targets.

“The Truth About Scams: How Con-Artists Use Psychology Against You” will be held Thursday, Oct. 8 at 1:30pm, at the ACTIV Center in Arlington. The free educational seminar is presented by Senior Downsizing Experts as part of its Smart Senior Series for older adults and their families.

Rather than simply reviewing a list of current scams, the seminar will explore tactics such as urgency, panic, trust and rapport, empathy, embarrassment, shame and fear of missing out. The discussion will also address how technology and artificial intelligence are making it easier for scammers to create increasingly convincing phone calls, emails, messages and other communications.

“Scammers are very good at getting people to react emotionally before they have time to stop and think,” said Ingrid Sullivan, co-founder of Senior Downsizing Experts and the Smart Senior Series. “We want people to understand those tactics so they can recognize that moment when someone is trying to create fear, urgency or trust — and give themselves permission to stop before they act.”

The seminar will also cover warning signs that may indicate a scam, practical steps individuals can take to protect themselves and their families, and what to do when something doesn’t feel right. The conversation will go beyond financial loss to address the emotional impact scams can have on victims, including embarrassment, shame and reluctance to tell family members or report what happened.

“One of the most important messages we want people to leave with is that sophisticated scams can fool intelligent, capable people,” said John Sullivan, co-founder of Senior Downsizing Experts. “Education gives us another layer of protection. The more we understand how these tactics work, the better prepared we are to recognize them and help protect the people around us.”

The seminar is free for seniors and their guests, but space is limited. Advance registration is requested. To reserve a seat, call Senior Downsizing Experts at 817-635-1043 or visit SmartSeniorSeries.com.

About Senior Downsizing Experts

Founded by Ingrid and John Sullivan in 2011, Senior Downsizing Experts is the senior-focused division of the Sullivan & Sullivan Team at Keller Williams Lonestar DFW. The company helps older adults and their families throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area with real estate, move management and education related to downsizing and rightsizing transitions. Ingrid and John are also co-authors of The Ultimate Guide to Downsizing and founders of the Smart Senior Series.

About the Smart Senior Series

Founded in 2018 by Senior Downsizing Experts, the Smart Senior Series provides free, no-pressure educational seminars designed to help older adults and their families make informed decisions about aging. Programs address topics including housing and downsizing, financial and legal planning, health and wellness, caregiving, safety and technology. The series has educated hundreds of older adults throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area with the goal to Be Informed. Be Empowered. Be Smart.

Debbie Ford
Senior Downsizing Experts
+1 817-330-9235
email us here

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