Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a scammer
    • ex. The scammers used a fake app to steal money from people.
  2. a perpetrator
    • ex. The police caught the perpetrators who stole from the jewelry store.
  3. get away with (something)
    • ex. He thought he could get away with his crimes by lying, but the police have evidence.
  4. convict
    • ex. The police must provide evidence so the judge can convict the man.
  5. suspicious
    • ex. The man's suspicious behavior made everyone feel anxious.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Every year, many Americans, including elderly people, become victims of scammers from overseas. According to AARP, an organization for retired people, elderly Americans lose $28.3 billion (more than ¥4.4 trillion) to scammers each year. The Federal Trade Commission reported that scammers stole $48 billion (more than ¥7.4 trillion) from older adults in 2022.

Sadly, victims often cannot get back the money they lost. And perpetrators often get away with their scams. Scams have become so common, and the police and other authorities are unable to stop and convict perpetrators. Scams can be difficult to investigate, especially the ones from overseas. Overseas scammers usually quickly change the stolen money into digital money.

However, there is hope. According to the American Bankers Association, the organization is working on a new program that will stop scams. The system is expected to identify suspicious activities on bank accounts more easily. However, the group said that banks alone can’t stop scams. Banks and the government should work together to reduce these crimes.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Scams

  • In your opinion, are scams common in your country? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • Scams have become so common, and the police and other authorities are unable to stop and convict perpetrators. How does this statement make you feel? Discuss.
  • Scammers are now using advanced ways to trick people. What advanced ways do you think scammers can use (ex. dating apps, fake bank apps)? Discuss.

Victims of Scammers

  • Why do you think some people are easily tricked by scammers (ex. they trust quickly, they don’t know how to use technology)? Discuss.
  • Are you concerned about becoming a victim of scammers? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Sadly, victims often cannot get back the money they lost to scammers. What do you think victims feel? Discuss.