Protecting Seniors from Elder Fraud and Scams

While technologies of texting, social media, and email can help seniors feel more connected to their communities, they can also be used for senior scams that defraud millions of elderly Americans every year. Fraud against seniors continues to become more sophisticated, exploiting publicly accessed information and manipulating victims into sending money or sensitive data. The FBI reports that monetary losses from elder fraud total over $3 billion annually.

Seniors can protect themselves from these scams by becoming aware of common types, learning some telltale signs, and talking to loved ones about any communication that seems even slightly suspicious. Scams that target the elderly should be reported to protect your loved one and other potential fraud victims.

Senior Fraud Prevention: Red Flags to Notice

Because prosecuting scammers and redressing financial losses is often complicated with elder scams, it is crucial to prevent the scams in the first place. Beyond money, some thieves target seniors’ identities, which allows them to apply for loans and credit cards they will max out and abandon. Identity theft can result in damaged credit and a tangle of ongoing, exhausting mitigation.

The following are some common fraud and scam types to become familiar with.

Technology-based scams

These occur when a scammer poses as tech support to “fix” an issue on the senior’s computer or smartphone. The scam is often initiated by a fraudulent email (usually with a link to click), a text, a deceptive website ad, or sometimes even a phone call. The scammer will try to get passwords or even gain direct access to the senior’s computer.

Red flag: Other-initiated communication. It is not typical for tech support to reach out to you first; normally, you would reach out to them once you notice a problem. Make sure to check that the number you are calling or website you are visiting is legitimate.

Romance-based scams

A scammer may pose as a fictional person (complete with photos) and build a relationship with their target, eventually asking them to send money for expenses, travel, hospital bills, etc. First contact is often made on social media or dating websites.

Red flag: Inability or refusal to meet. These scammers often pose as being in another state or country to excuse their ongoing online-only relationship.

Familial impersonations

Sometimes called the grandparent scam, this usually entails a phone call from a person claiming to be a grandchild, asking for money for urgent expenses such as a broken-down car. It may also be an unfamiliar daughter-in-law, nephew, or other supposed relative.

Red flag: These scammers often beg for secrecy—“please don’t tell anyone”—and put on pressure to respond immediately. If you are not sure if you know the person on the other end of the line, don’t risk responding; talk to other family members, and report the phone number to local police if you believe it was a scam attempt.

Official or business impersonations

This type of scam is becoming more common: seniors will receive a text or voicemail from someone claiming to be with the Social Security Administration, the IRS, Medicare, the local police, or another government agency. They may also claim to be from your bank, your local highway toll administration, a freight/shipping company, an insurance company, or other private business. They reach out with an urgent matter that requires your immediate attention, either sending you to a website to enter your personal details such as Social Security number or bank account, or asking you for these details over the phone. There is usually a threat attached to this matter, such as a hefty fine or a suspended driver’s license.

Red flag: Government agencies send all official communications through the US mail. Other entities should identify themselves, should clearly explain the issue at hand, should give you time and options to respond to the issue, and should not ask you for any sensitive information.

Sweepstakes scams

You may be notified via phone call, text, email, or deceptive ad that you have won a prize. Once you try to claim it, you will be asked for personal data that can be used to steal your identity or money.

Red flag: If you didn’t enter a certain contest, you cannot have won.

Seeking-help scams

For a few decades now, a popular email-based scam has been the message from a wealthy banker or aristocrat in another country. This person claims to have plenty of money, but no way to transfer it to the United States. They ask for a wire, credit card payment, or gift card to help them bridge a gap, promising a reward once they can access their foreign funds again.

Red flag: As with the sweepstakes scam, beware opportunities that come your way that seem too good to be true, and never share bank information with a person or website with which you are not familiar.

Other things to know:

• Caller ID can be manipulated to say whatever the scammer would like it to. Always double check “official” phone numbers by entering them into online search or looking up the contact info or website for the company that is supposedly calling you.
• Do not answer the phone to an unknown number. If it is a legitimate call, allow them to leave a message, and call them back (or ignore and report, if it appears to be a scam).
• Be suspicious of phone calls where you answer to a recorded message, unless it is from an expected source (such as a pharmacy where you are waiting on a prescription).
• Do not click on any pop-up ads while online.
• AI-generated photos and videos are getting harder to identify as such. Take a pause in high pressure situations and remember that these items being used as “proof” might be fake.
• Do not let yourself be rushed. Take a breath, put a caller on hold (or leave a text or email unanswered), and do a little research to confirm who you are speaking with. If in doubt, always talk to a trusted family member or friend before you respond.
• Likewise, if you are confused, and the caller/messenger cannot clarify for you, tell them you will get back to them, and do not let them pressure you into any commitments or providing information.
• In-person scams are also worth watching out for. Do not trust solicitors to provide home repair, internet, or other services, as they might take your up-front payment or information, and simply leave. They may also grossly overcharge for services delivered.
• Watch out for solicitations from charities, as well. Be sure to verify the charity and that the person in front of you actually works for them. When in doubt, take any brochures they have and go to their website on your own, later.
• Fraud and scams are still conducted through “snail mail.” Be on the lookout for suspicious offers.

Reporting Scams, Fraud, and Financial Abuse

Many seniors are hesitant to call an elder fraud hotline or even tell their family and close friends when they have been scammed. This may be due to shame or fear of losing some of their independence or control over their financial affairs.

Please do not refrain from reporting attempted or completed scams, as doing so will help authorities prevent future crimes. You can report to the following:

• Your local police non-emergency number, especially if someone showed up at your home or if you had ongoing communication through phone or text
• The FBI’s Internet Complaint Center
• The FTC
• Adult Protective Services (find your local agency here)

Your state’s Attorney General’s office likely has a fraud and scams hotline, as well.

When reporting, be ready to provide as much information as you have, including phone numbers or email addresses for the scammer, company name or website, messages you have exchanged, and details about any payments sent.

Scams targeting seniors are unfortunately common, but becoming aware of them helps fewer individuals fall victim. Share this information with your elderly loved ones, and empower them to avoid elder scams.

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