List of Common Scams Aimed at Senior Citizens
List of Common Scams Aimed at Senior Citizens
Senior citizens are often targeted because scammers assume they may be more trusting, less familiar with newer technology, or more likely to have savings. Here are some of the most common scams affecting older adults today, along with the usual warning signs.
Phone and Government Impersonation Scams
Scammers pretend to be from agencies like the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or local police.
Typical claims:
“Your Social Security number has been suspended.”
“You owe taxes and will be arrested.”
“There’s fraud on your Medicare account.”
Red flags:
Threats or urgency
Demands for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
Caller ID that looks official
Real government agencies generally contact people by mail first and do not demand gift cards.
Tech Support Scams
A pop-up or caller claims your computer has a virus and says they are from companies like Microsoft or Apple.
The scammer tries to:
Gain remote access to the computer
Install malware
Convince the victim to pay for fake repairs
Red flags:
Loud warning popups
Unsolicited calls
Requests to install remote-access software
Never allow unknown callers remote access to your computer.
Grandparent or Family Emergency Scams
The scammer pretends to be a grandchild or relative:
“Grandma, I’m in jail.”
“I was in a car accident.”
“Don’t tell my parents.”
They ask for money urgently, often through wire transfer, Zelle, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
Modern versions may use AI voice cloning from social media videos.
Protection:
Call the real family member directly
Use a family “safe word”
Slow down before sending money
Romance Scams
Often begins on:
Dating sites
Online games
Messaging apps
The scammer builds emotional trust over weeks or months, then asks for:
Medical money
Travel expenses
Investment help
Emergency loans
Red flags:
Refuses video chat
Claims to be overseas
Moves conversation off-platform quickly
Requests secrecy
These are among the most financially devastating scams.
Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams
Scammers promise:
Guaranteed returns
“Safe” crypto investments
Exclusive opportunities
Common formats:
Fake trading platforms
Ponzi schemes
Celebrity endorsements
Fake investment advisors
Red flags:
Pressure to act quickly
Guaranteed profits
Requests to move retirement savings
Difficulty withdrawing money
No legitimate investment guarantees high returns with no risk.
Medicare and Health Insurance Scams
Scammers ask for Medicare numbers to:
Commit billing fraud
Order fake medical equipment
Steal identities
They may offer:
“Free braces”
“DNA testing”
“New Medicare cards”
Red flags:
Unsolicited medical offers
Requests for Medicare information
“Free” items requiring account details
Charity Scams
Especially common after:
Hurricanes
Fires
Wars
Major news events
Holidays
Scammers create fake charities or impersonate real ones like American Red Cross.
Protection:
Donate directly through official websites
Avoid pressure tactics
Research charities first
Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams
Victims are told:
“You won a prize!”
“You inherited money!”
But first they must pay:
Taxes
Fees
Shipping
“Processing costs”
Real lotteries do not require upfront payments to collect winnings.
Home Repair and Contractor Scams
Common after storms or in neighborhoods with older homeowners.
Scammers may:
Demand large upfront payments
Claim to see urgent roof or driveway damage
Do poor work or disappear entirely
Protection:
Get multiple bids
Check licensing
Never pay fully upfront
Package Delivery and Text Message Scams (“Smishing”)
Texts claim:
“Your package cannot be delivered.”
“Click here to track.”
The links steal passwords or credit card information.
Red flags:
Strange URLs
Unexpected delivery notices
Requests for payment information
Bank Fraud and Account Verification Scams
Scammers pretend to be from:
Banks
Credit card companies
Fraud departments
They try to get:
Online banking passwords
Security codes
One-time verification texts
A major warning sign:
They ask you to read back a security code sent to your phone.
Real banks generally do not ask for full passwords or verification codes over the phone.
Funeral and Obituary Scams
Scammers monitor obituaries and contact grieving families claiming:
The deceased owed money
Funeral bills are unpaid
Additional fees are required
Some steal identities from obituary details.
Common Psychological Tactics
Most scams rely on:
Fear
Urgency
Secrecy
Authority
Loneliness
Greed or hope
A good general rule:
If someone pressures you to act immediately, stop and verify independently.
Best Protective Habits for Seniors
Never send money under pressure
Be suspicious of gift-card payments
Do not click unknown links
Verify callers independently
Use two-factor authentication
Discuss major financial decisions with a trusted family member
Freeze credit if identity theft is suspected
Hang up and call back using official numbers
Useful official resources: