SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – The Bradenton Police Department’s Elder Fraud Unit is warning senior citizens about the growing threat of financial scams targeting older adults, offering a free resource guide to help residents identify and avoid fraud.
The unit, formed in early 2024, focuses solely on financial crimes targeting victims aged 60 and older — a specialization detectives say is rare in law enforcement. Since its formation, the unit has investigated cases totaling more than $11.4 million in losses to Bradenton senior citizens in 2024 and 2025.
The ‘Five P’s’ of Fraud
Detectives Jim Curulla and Deana McNeal said most scams and fraud share five common elements they call “the five P’s,” which they want the public to recognize as red flags:
- Pretend — Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know.
- Problem — Scammers say there is a problem.
- Prize — Scammers say you have won a prize.
- Pressure — Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
- Pay — Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.
Cryptocurrency cases on the rise
The unit said it is seeing an increasing number of cases tied to cryptocurrency. Detectives noted that money lost through crypto transactions is often difficult or impossible to recover, though the unit has had some success in clawing back funds exchanged for cryptocurrency.
Free resource guide available
BPD has created a physical resource guide designed with senior citizens in mind, featuring larger print and font. The guide is also available for download at bradentonpd.com or bradentonpd.com/elder-fraud-unit.
Detective Curulla has served the Bradenton community for approximately 25 years, including time as a homicide detective with the Manatee Homicide Investigation Unit. Detective McNeal joined the Elder Fraud Unit after serving on patrol and in the Community Redevelopment Area unit.
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