In today’s digital world, scammers are increasingly targeting older adults to steal money and personal information. These scams can appear through emails, phone calls, or even unexpected in-person visits, often resulting in financial loss and emotional distress. Staying informed about common scams can help seniors and their families stay one step ahead and safeguard their finances and personal data.

Here’s a closer look at some of the most common scams targeting seniors—and how to avoid them.

Common Scams Targeting Seniors

• Lottery Scams – Scammers deceive their victims by claiming they’ve won a big prize but must first pay upfront taxes or fees to receive it. To appear credible, they often impersonate reputable sweepstakes organizations.
• Email Scams –Scammers send fraudulent emails disguised as messages from banks or government agencies. The messages warn of a “compromised account” and urge seniors to provide personal details or make payments.
• Government Scams – Scammers pretend to be representatives from IRS, Social Security, or Medicare, threatening legal action or loss of benefits unless an immediate payment is made.
• Grandparent Scams – A scammer pretends to be a distressed grandchild or relative in an emergency, requesting money for medical expenses or other urgent needs.
• Charity Scams – Scammers pose as charitable organizations, especially after disasters or during the holidays, using high-pressure tactics to collect donations from older victims.
• Tech Support Scams – Scammers convince seniors that their computer has a virus or security issue, pressuring them to provide remote access or pay for fake repairs.

How to Protect Seniors from Scams

Educating yourself and your senior loved one about common scams is the best defense against fraud. Here are key tips to stay protected:

• Protect Personal Information – Seniors should never share their Social Security number, passwords, or banking details over the phone, email, or text.
• Be wary of Pressure Tactics – Scammers try to rush the victim into making hasty decisions. Take a moment to verify their legitimacy before responding.  
• Strengthen Online Security – Use extra protections like two-factor authentication to keep your accounts safe from fraudulent activity.
• Regularly Monitor Your Finances– Closely monitor bank statements and bills for any suspicious charges, and report anything unusual right away.
• Don’t Click Unfamiliar Links– Avoid opening links or attachments from unexpected emails, texts, or social media messages.
• If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is – Be wary of unexpected lottery wins or “guaranteed” investment opportunities—especially if you never entered or signed up.
• Ask Someone You Trust – If something seems off, check with a family member or financial advisor before sharing personal info or sending money.

Scams can happen to anyone, but seniors are often targeted because scammers see them as trusting and financially stable. The good news is that knowing the common scams and how to avoid them can go a long way in keeping yourself or your senior loved one safe. If you or someone you know falls victim to a scam, don’t wait—report the scam right away to help protect others and stop the fraudulent activity.