Scams that Target Seniors--What Families and Caregivers Need to Know

As technology advances, scams have become more sophisticated — and unfortunately, senior citizens are often the primary targets. According to the FBI’s Elder Fraud Report, older adults reported more than $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 alone, with the average victim losing over $33,000. Understanding why this happens and learning how to spot the signs early can help families keep their loved ones safe.

Why Scammers Target Seniors

Scammers often view seniors as easy targets for several reasons:

• Trusting Nature: Many older adults grew up in a time when people took others at their word. This natural trust can make them more susceptible to persuasive or emotional appeals.

• Isolation and Loneliness: Seniors who live alone or have limited social contact may be more vulnerable to scammers who pose as friendly voices or new companions.

• Cognitive Decline: Even mild memory issues can make it easier for scammers to manipulate or confuse victims.

• Access to Savings: Many retirees have pensions, retirement funds, or home equity that make them appealing financial targets.

• Lack of Tech Familiarity: Scammers frequently use phone calls, text messages, and emails — methods that can be confusing for those who didn’t grow up in the digital era.

Common Scams That Target Seniors

1. Tech Support Scams: Callers pretend to be from Microsoft or another company, claiming the victim’s computer has a virus and demanding payment to fix it, but they are also getting more creative. Some scammers may even claim to be able to fix the television if the senior gives them payment information.

2. Grandparent Scams: The scammer pretends to be a grandchild in trouble and begs for money to be wired immediately. I've seen this scam happen to a resident at a facility I worked at. He was asking me to help him get Home Depot gift cards at the tune of $5000 to have the kidnappers release his grandson.

3. Romance Scams: Fraudsters create fake online dating profiles and build emotional connections before requesting money. They will often claim to be in the military or in an active war zone where they don't have access to their finances.

4. Government or Utility Scams: Scammers impersonate IRS agents, Medicare representatives, or utility companies demanding payment or personal information. One think to know for certain is that the goverment definitely doesn't have enough personnelle to call you demanding money.

5. Prize or Lottery Scams: Victims are told they’ve won a prize but must pay taxes or fees upfront to claim it.

Warning Signs Your Loved One Might Be a Victim

Families should stay alert for changes that may indicate something isn’t right:

• Sudden unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts or new credit card activity.

• Receiving unfamiliar packages or large numbers of junk mail solicitations.

• A loved one seems secretive about finances or becomes anxious when the topic comes up.

• Frequent phone calls from strangers or “new friends” online.

• Bills or expenses left unpaid despite having sufficient funds.

How Families Can Protect Seniors

1. Stay Involved: Regular check-ins — both in person and by phone — can make a big difference. A connected senior is less vulnerable.

2. Educate Gently: Talk openly about common scams. Encourage your loved one to hang up, delete, or double-check with you before sending money or sharing personal details.

3. Use Technology Wisely:

   • Install call blockers or enable “Do Not Disturb” features.

   • Set up bank alerts for large transactions.

   • Keep software updated to avoid security risks.

4. Secure Important Information: Help your loved one safeguard Social Security numbers, account logins, and credit cards.

5. Encourage Transparency: Create a “trust agreement” where they agree to discuss any major financial decisions or unfamiliar contacts with you first.

When to Act

If you believe your loved one has been scammed, act quickly:

• Contact their bank or credit card company immediately to stop payments.

• Report the scam to the FTC (ftc.gov/complaint) or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov).

• Involve local law enforcement if the scammer has personal information or has made direct contact.

Scammers prey on trust, isolation, and confusion — but with awareness and open communication, families can create a strong first line of defense. Staying informed, staying connected, and talking openly about money can go a long way in keeping your aging loved one safe from fraud.