Seniors lose billions of dollars to scams every year. Scammers target older adults because they tend to be more trusting, may be less familiar with digital tactics, and often have savings. Knowing what to look for is your best defense.
The 8 Most Common Scams
1. The Grandparent Scam
A caller pretends to be your grandchild in trouble — arrested, in an accident, or stranded. They beg you to send money immediately and ask you not to tell anyone. Red flag: Urgency and secrecy. Always verify by calling your grandchild directly at their known phone number.2. Medicare and Health Insurance Scams
Someone calls claiming to be from Medicare, asking for your Medicare number or personal information to "update your records" or send you a new card. Red flag: Medicare will never call you unsolicited asking for personal information.3. IRS and Tax Scams
A caller claims you owe back taxes and threatens arrest or legal action unless you pay immediately, often by gift cards or wire transfer. Red flag: The IRS always contacts you by mail first. They never demand immediate payment by phone.4. Tech Support Scams
A pop-up appears on your computer saying it is infected, or someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple. They ask for remote access to your computer or payment to "fix" the problem. Red flag: Legitimate tech companies do not call you unsolicited. Never give remote access to strangers.5. Romance Scams
Someone you meet on a dating site or social media builds a relationship over weeks or months, then asks for money due to an "emergency." Red flag: Anyone who asks for money but refuses to meet in person or video call is likely a scammer.6. Lottery and Prize Scams
You receive a call, email, or letter saying you have won a lottery or prize. To claim it, you must pay taxes, fees, or provide bank information. Red flag: You cannot win a contest you did not enter. Legitimate prizes never require upfront payment.7. Charity Scams
After natural disasters or during the holidays, fake charities call asking for donations. They often have names similar to real charities. Red flag: Pressure to donate immediately. Always research charities at give.org or charitynavigator.org before donating.8. Utility Shutoff Scams
A caller claims your electricity, water, or gas will be shut off today unless you pay immediately by phone. Red flag: Utility companies send written notices before disconnection. Call the number on your actual bill to verify.Golden Rules to Protect Yourself
- ✓Never give personal information to an unsolicited caller — hang up and call the organization directly using a number you trust
- ✓Never pay by gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency — these are untraceable, which is exactly what scammers want
- ✓Do not rush — Scammers create urgency so you act before thinking. Take your time
- ✓Talk to someone you trust — Before sending money or sharing information, discuss it with a family member or friend
- ✓It is okay to hang up — You are not being rude. Protecting yourself is more important than being polite
What to Do If You Have Been Scammed
- 1.Do not be embarrassed — scammers are professionals and it can happen to anyone
- 1.Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- 1.Contact your bank or credit card company immediately
- 1.File a report with local law enforcement
- 1.Tell family and friends so they can watch for similar scams