Top senior scams and how to avoid them
Jim Miller
Dear Savvy Senior,
My adult kids keep warning me about scams, but it’s hard to know which calls and messages are
dangerous. What scams are most commonly aimed at seniors right now?
–Almost 80
Dear Almost,
Your kids’ concerns are well founded. Financial fraud is a massive – and rapidly growing –
problem for older Americans. In 2024 alone, scams cost older adults an estimated $81.5 billion,
according to the Federal Trade Commission. That staggering figure includes both reported losses
and the many crimes that likely go unreported.
While many scams today target people of all ages, older adults are often singled out or suffer the
greatest financial harm. From urgent phone calls and alarming emails to online romance schemes
and bogus investment opportunities, scammers use high-pressure tactics, fear and emotional
manipulation to convince seniors to hand over money or sensitive personal information.
Knowing the most common scams is the first line of defense. Here’s a list of scams seniors
should watch for:
Imposter and government scams: Fraudsters pretend to be from Social Security, Medicare, the
IRS, the police, banks, or utility companies. They claim there’s a problem requiring immediate
payment or personal information and may threaten arrest or loss of benefits.
Tech support scams: Calls, emails, or pop-ups warn your computer has a virus. The scammer
offers to “fix” it but instead steals money, personal data, or access to your device.
Grandparent or family emergency scams: Callers pose as a relative—often a grandchild—in
distress and urgently request money. Some even use AI to mimic a loved one’s voice.
Investment and cryptocurrency scams: Offers for “too good to be true” investments, including
crypto or high-yield retirement schemes, often promise big returns but lead to large financial
losses.
Romance scams: Scammers build fake online relationships on social media, dating sites and
other interactive platforms, then invent emergencies or investment opportunities to get money.
Seniors have lost millions to these schemes.
Medicare scams: Calls or texts claim to be from Medicare, asking you to verify your number,
offering special plans, or warning of fraud. Medicare will not contact you this way.
Sweepstakes and lottery scams: You’re told you’ve won a prize but must pay fees or taxes
first. Real lotteries never require payment.
Charity scams: Scammers call or email, asking for donations to fake charities, often after
disasters. Always verify before giving.
Phishing and online fraud: Emails, texts, and pop-ups that look like they’re from banks,
Amazon, or PayPal try to steal passwords, account numbers, or trick you into clicking harmful
links.
Employment scams: Seniors seeking part-time work or ways to supplement their retirement
should watch out for fake job offers on LinkedIn, indeed, and other online job sites. Scammers
may promise easy income or work-from-home opportunities but ask for upfront fees, personal
information, or involve illegal tasks like package reshipping. Always verify employers and never
pay to apply.
How to Protect Yourself
Awareness and caution are your best defenses. Slow down when a call, email or text pressures
you to act immediately. That sense of urgency is a red flag. Hang up, don’t click suspicious
links, and verify any request by calling the organization directly using a number you look up
yourself, or by checking with a trusted family member.
Never send money using gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. Legitimate organizations
will not ask for payment this way. Stay informed through trusted resources like the AARP Fraud
Watch Network (aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork), the National Cybersecurity Center
(nationalcybersecuritycenter.org) and the Federal Trade Commission (consumer.ftc.gov).
Protect your accounts by setting up bank alerts, regularly checking your credit reports, and using
strong, unique passwords. Some seniors also find it helpful to have a trusted family member or
financial ally review unusual account activity. Report suspicious calls, messages or offers at
reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Being informed, cautious, and deliberate can greatly reduce your risk of fraud – giving you and
your family peace of mind.
