LAGUNA HILLS, Calif. (KABC) — Older adults and seniors in Laguna Hills are getting a crash course in how to avoid falling prey to common scams.

Gael Post attended a seminar hosted by Age Well Senior Services at the Florence Sylvester Senior Center.

“I think we’re all potential victims of scams,” Post said. “I was definitely caught in one probably 10 or 15 years ago. These people are good.”

right Federal Trade Commission, this vulnerable population lost more than $1.9 billion to fraud last year.

Post said, “They catch you and you really have to be very aware of the timing so you know when you see it.”

However, the FTC estimates that number could be closer to $62 billion because many cases go unreported.

Karen Rossi, Senior Senior Financial Abuse Specialist at the Council on Aging said, “We have the largest population of adults 65 and over in the United States here in Orange County. We are the fastest growing demographic in the country. they are also one of the richest areas.”

The senior group learned about common tactics thieves use to get your money, including tech support, sweepstakes, sweepstakes and romance scams.

Rossi said, “If you didn’t initiate the call, don’t answer.”

She said all scams have the same characteristics and start with unsolicited contact.

“He’s hoping you’ll pick up the phone,” Rossi said. “The moment you do, they’ll sell your number and you’ll keep getting phone calls, no matter how many of them you block.”

Scammers will offer you something of value and are looking for specific personal information.

Experts hope that older adults learn to recognize some of these scams.

Randall Scott also came to the seminar.

He said: “I grew up in a generation, my generation where I always answered the phone. I always answered the door. We’ve always wanted to be polite and I think that’s sometimes the downfall of some of these scammers. They know that and that’s why they prey on seniors.”

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a scam, the first thing experts suggest you do is call Adult Protective Services at (800)451-5155 and then your local law enforcement.