You’ve probably reminded your parents more than once not to answer strange calls, click on odd links, or share personal details with strangers. Now, though, they might feel too anxious to pick up the phone at all. Any unfamiliar number seems suspicious, and even real calls can make them uncomfortable.
Sadly, scammers want people to feel this kind of fear. They use pressure, threats, and tricks to make older adults act quickly, before they can think things through or ask someone for advice.
If you’re worried about your elderly parent being scammed, start by learning how these scams work. This guide covers the most common scams aimed at older adults, the warning signs to look out for, and simple steps you can take to help keep your loved one safe.
Who Do Scammers Target?
Scammers can go after anyone, but they often focus on older adults. This is sometimes because older people may have retirement savings, own their homes, or tend to trust people who seem helpful or in charge. In the latest reported data, people over 60 filed more than 201,000 fraud complaints and reported losing over $7.7 billion. On average, each victim lost more than $38,000, and over 12,400 people lost at least $100,000.
Some older adults may face higher risk, especially those who:
- Live alone
- Have recently lost a spouse or loved one
- Are living with a disability or illness
- Are less familiar with technology
Many older adults don’t report scams because they feel embarrassed or worry their family might doubt their ability to handle money. Learning about new scams and knowing the warning signs can help you keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
8 Common Scams Targeting Older Adults
Scammers are always coming up with new tricks, so it’s important to know what to look for. Some scams have been around for a long time, but others use new technology or current events to seem more believable.
Learning about scams is one of the best ways to help keep older adults safe from fraud. When you know how these scams work, it’s easier to spot warning signs and act before you lose money or personal information.
Here are eight common scams that target older adults today.
#1: Health Insurance/Health Care Scams
Since most Americans over 65 have Medicare, scammers often use this to try to gain their trust. They might pretend to be from Medicare and say there is a problem with your coverage, benefits, or account.
A caller may ask you to “verify” your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank details, or other personal information. Sometimes, scammers offer free medical equipment, genetic tests, or other health services to get your information or to file fake claims with Medicare.
Scammers often use current health concerns or changes to Medicare benefits to make their calls seem real.
#2: Romance Scams
Romance scams usually start on dating sites, social media, or messaging apps. Scammers make fake profiles to gain the trust of older adults looking for companionship.
After building a relationship for weeks or even months, the scammer says they have an emergency and asks for money. They might pretend to be:
- Someone working overseas who needs money for travel costs or visa fees
- A person serving in the military or on a remote work assignment who cannot access their own money
- Someone dealing with a medical or family emergency who needs money right away
Romance scams are more common now because online dating and social media are so popular. Studies show that older adults who feel lonely, have lost a partner, or are emotionally vulnerable may be at higher risk. That’s why it’s important to check someone’s identity before sending money or sharing personal details.
#3: Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams often go after older adults who may not feel confident using technology or know about online risks. Scammers try to scare people by saying their computer, phone, or online account has been hacked.
One common trick is a fake pop-up warning that your device has a virus. These scams also show up as emails, texts, or phone calls that seem to come from real companies. Some scammers even use AI to make their messages or calls sound real, which makes it harder to tell what is safe.
If scammers get into your device or personal information, they might install harmful software, steal private data, or get into your financial accounts.
#4: ‘Grandparent’ Scams
Grandparent scams take advantage of older adults’ care for their families. Scammers try to make things seem urgent so victims act fast without checking if the story is true.
These scams usually happen in one of these ways:
- A scammer might pretend to be a grandchild and ask, “Do you know who this is?” If the grandparent guesses a name, the scammer uses it and says they need money for an emergency like rent, car repairs, or other sudden costs.
- Sometimes, the scammer says they are calling for a grandchild who has been arrested, hurt, or is in another emergency. They say money is needed right away for bail, medical bills, or legal fees.
- Scammers sometimes use AI to copy a loved one’s voice, which makes the call sound real. They might say the grandchild is in trouble and tell the victim not to call other family members, while asking for money right away.
Scammers usually ask for payment by gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps because these are hard to trace or get back. If you get a call like this, hang up and call your family member directly using a number you trust before sending any money.
#5: Sweepstakes or Charity Scams
Charity scammers often go after older adults by using names that closely resemble real charities. They might mention recent events like natural disasters or humanitarian crises to make their requests sound real. These scammers can seem very believable and may try to rush people into donating, sometimes saying that a donor or organization will match the gift.
Sweepstakes scams are another common type of fraud that targets older adults. In these scams, someone tells you that you have won a prize, but says you must pay a fee, tax, or other charge before you can get it.
#6: Social Security Scams
Government imposter scams are very common among older adults. Scammers might call, email, or text you, pretending to be from the Social Security Administration. They often threaten to stop your benefits if you do not share personal information or send money.
Scammers may also pretend to be from the IRS or another government agency. They might say you owe taxes and threaten you with arrest, fines, or other legal trouble unless you pay right away.
To seem real, scammers often fake official phone numbers, use false caller IDs, or send messages that look like they are from a government agency.
The Social Security Administration will not threaten to stop your benefits or ask for immediate payment by phone, email, text, or social media.
#7: Peer-to-Peer Payment Scams
Peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo, Zelle, Cash App, and PayPal are now often targeted by scammers. The apps are usually secure, but scammers use them for tricks such as fake accidental transfers, purchase scams, and impersonation scams.
A common scam begins when you get an unexpected payment. The scammer says it was a mistake and asks you to return the money. But the original payment might have come from a stolen credit card or hacked account. If the transaction is reversed, you could lose the money you sent back.
#8: Phishing Emails or Texts
Phishing emails and texts often pretend to be from trusted companies like banks, delivery services, or online stores. They might:
- Ask for your personal information
- Tell you to click a link to sign in or confirm your account
- Ask you to update your payment details
If you share this information, scammers could steal your identity, get into your financial accounts, or commit other kinds of fraud.
What To Do if Your Elderly Loved One Is Being Scammed
The FBI recommends taking the following steps if you believe an older adult has been the victim of a scam:
“If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. You are also encouraged to keep original documentation, emails, faxes, and logs of all communications.”
Whenever you report a scam, no matter how much money is involved, it helps to collect as many details as you can, such as:
- The date you were contacted
- The name of the person or company involved
- The method of communication
- Any phone numbers, email addresses, websites, or other contact information used by the scammer
- The payment method used
- Where the funds were sent
- Any instructions the scammer gave you
How Do You Report Someone Scamming the Elderly?
If you suspect an older adult has been targeted by a scam, you can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Depending on the situation, you may also want to contact Adult Protective Services or local legal services. To find resources in your area, visit the Eldercare Locator or call them toll-free at 1-800-677-1116, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
3 Ways to Help Protect Older Adults from Scams
#1: Know Which Organizations Will Never Contact You to Request Personal Information
Legitimate organizations will not ask for your personal information, passwords, or payment updates by email, text, or other digital messages.
If you or someone you know gets a suspicious email or text that asks for personal information and claims to be from one of the groups below, do not reply. Call the organization directly using the number on your card or visit their official website to check if there is a real problem with your account.
- Government agencies (IRS, Social Security, Medicare, etc.)
- Banks and credit card companies
- Payment apps (PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, etc.)
- Cell phone or technology companies (Apple, Microsoft, Verizon, etc.)
- Online retailers or e-commerce sites (Amazon, Alibaba, etc.)
- Charitable organizations (World Vision, WWF, UNICEF, etc.)
If you get an email asking for your personal information:
- Do not reply.
- Do not click on links or images.
- Do not open attachments.
#2: Stop and Think: Don’t Act Immediately! Talk With a Trustworthy Loved One or Caregiver
Scammers often try to make every email, text, or phone call feel urgent. They know how to create pressure and use scare tactics to get your attention.
A legitimate company will not use these kinds of tactics.
Before you do anything, pause and think. If something feels off, let the caller know you will reach out to the company yourself using its official customer service number, not the one they give you, to check if the request is real.
If someone is bothering you by phone, email, or text, talk to a trusted family member or caregiver. Don’t wait to report anything that seems suspicious.
#3: Set Up Services to Block or Silence Potential Scam Phone Calls, Emails, and Texts
There are a few services that can help block scam phone calls, emails, and text messages. Here are some examples:
- FCC – The Federal Communications Commission is dedicated to helping consumers filter unwanted phone calls and texts.
- Spam filters – Many companies provide spam-blocking services that can be added to any computer.
Whether your loved one lives alone, in assisted living, or with you, think about setting up these services to help protect them from scams.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Protect the Elderly from Scams
How Do You Stop an Elderly Parent from Giving Money Away Online?
If you notice that your older parent is sending money to someone they met online, or if they’ve been replying to suspicious messages, try to talk with them in a calm and caring way.
Discuss common scams and suggest they check with a trusted family member before sending money. You can also help by setting up spam filters, blocking scam calls, keeping an eye on their accounts when needed, and reporting anything suspicious to the proper authorities.
What Are the Warning Signs That an Older Adult Is Being Scammed?
Watch out for warning signs such as:
- Strange bank withdrawals
- Unpaid bills even when there is enough money
- Lots of calls or messages from people you do not know
- Secretive new online relationships
- Being pushed to send money fast
If you see any of these, talk with your loved one and suggest they double-check any suspicious requests before giving out personal details or making payments.
What Should You Do If an Older Parent Refuses to Believe They’re being Scammed?
Convincing someone they are being targeted by a scam can be difficult, especially if they trust the person involved. Try not to argue or blame them. Share information about common scams, ask questions about what is happening, and suggest they talk to another trusted family member or a professional. If you think they are at risk of losing money right away, you might want to contact their bank or the authorities for help.
Can Banks Help Protect Older Adults from Scams?
Banks can often identify unusual activity on an account, block suspicious transactions, or offer advice if they suspect fraud. If you think your loved one has shared financial details or sent money to a scammer, contact their bank immediately. Quick action can help reduce financial losses and keep their accounts safe from further misuse.
How Senior Services of America Helps Protect Older Adults
At Senior Services of America, we believe care is a partnership and treat every resident with dignity, respect, and compassion. Rather than focusing on limitations, we get to know each person’s needs, strengths, and goals. This lets us build a supportive environment where residents can stay as independent as possible. Whether someone needs a little help or more complete care, our team offers personalized support that gives peace of mind to residents and their families.
We offer personalized care and support through several senior living options, such as:
If you’re worried about your loved one’s safety, whether it’s due to scams, memory changes, or living alone, Senior Services of America can help. Learn more about our communities and find the support that fits your family’s needs.
