Most Common Senior Scams & How to Avoid Them
Scams targeting seniors are rapidly rising, with older adults losing billions each year. Learn the top scams against seniors, warning signs to watch for, and clear steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
About this scam type
Impersonation scams target seniors by pretending to be trusted figures, including government officials, family members, tech support agents, or charities. Scammers create a sense of urgency, exploit fear or emotion, and often request unusual forms of payment such as gift cards or wire transfers. These scams are effective because they mimic authority or concern, making it difficult for victims to realize the deception.
How scammers contact victims
Phone calls remain the most common channel for senior scams, used for impersonation, tech support, and family emergency schemes. Scammers use caller ID spoofing to look official, pressuring victims to act quickly. Seniors are especially vulnerable to phone scams because of familiarity with phone calls and the difficulty of verifying a caller's true identity.
Who is most at risk
Older adults are targeted because scammers believe they have more savings and may be socially isolated. Seniors may also be more trusting of authoritative-sounding callers and less likely to recognize digital red flags, making them prime targets for fraud.
Understanding the risk level
Senior scams often lead to large financial losses, identity theft, and long-term emotional harm. Victims may lose life savings, face ongoing threats, or experience shame and isolation after being targeted. Quick action and education can significantly reduce these risks.
Most Common Senior Scams Scams
How it works: Scammers pretend to be officials from agencies like the IRS, Social Security, or Medicare. They threaten arrest, loss of benefits, or legal action if immediate payment is not made. Typically, they demand payment by gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, and push for secrecy.
Real Example
This is Agent Smith from the Internal Revenue Service. You owe back taxes and must pay immediately or we will arrest you. Purchase gift cards and read me the numbers now. Red Flag Signs:
- • Demanding immediate payment by gift card, crypto, or wire
- • Threats of arrest or legal action
- • Insistence on secrecy or not telling anyone
- • Official-sounding language with caller ID spoofing
- • Urgent, high-pressure tactics
How it works: Fraudsters call pretending to be a grandchild or family member in trouble (like in jail or in an accident). They urge secrecy and ask for money for bail, legal fees, or emergencies, often pressuring the victim to act immediately without verifying the story.
Real Example
Hi Grandma, this is Mike. I was in an accident and I am in jail. Don’t tell Mom; there is a gag order. Send $3,500 for bail to the bondsman right away. Red Flag Signs:
- • Caller claims to be a relative in urgent trouble
- • Demands secrecy (do not tell anyone)
- • Requests for large sums sent by wire, gift card, or crypto
- • Poor call quality or refusal to answer questions
- • Sense of panic or urgency
How it works: Victims see alarming pop-ups or receive calls claiming their computer is infected. The scammer directs them to call a fake tech support number, asks for remote access to the device, and then demands payment for 'repairs' or fake anti-virus services.
Real Example
Warning: Your computer is infected. Call 1-800-XXX-XXXX now to avoid data loss. Red Flag Signs:
- • Unsolicited calls or pop-ups about computer problems
- • Urgent warnings and threats about lost data
- • Requests for remote access to your device
- • Demands for payment by unusual methods
- • High-pressure tactics to act immediately
How it works: Scammers contact victims with the false news that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes. They instruct the victim to pay a fee, taxes, or provide personal information to claim the prize—but no legitimate winnings are ever received.
Real Example
Congratulations! You have been selected to receive $250,000. Click here to claim. Tax/processing fee required. Red Flag Signs:
- • Notifications about winning contests you never entered
- • Requests for payment upfront to claim winnings
- • Personal information requests before prize release
- • Official sounding emails or texts with poor grammar
- • Pressuring you to act quickly
How it works: Fraudsters connect through social media or dating sites, build an emotional relationship, and then ask for money or investment in bogus opportunities. These complex scams can last for weeks or months, often causing significant financial and emotional damage.
Real Example
I really like you. I have an investment that doubles money fast. Send $10,000 to start, I will wire back double. Red Flag Signs:
- • Quickly moving to emotional language or declarations of love
- • Requests for money for emergencies or investment schemes
- • Stories that do not add up or feel too good to be true
- • Asking to keep the relationship or transaction secret
- • Reluctance to meet in person or video call
How it works: Scammers pose as charities or health service providers, especially during disasters or health crises, asking for donations or personal information. Victims may be tricked into giving payment info, Medicare numbers, or donations to fake causes.
Red Flag Signs:
- • Unexpected requests for donations or personal information
- • Pressure to give immediately, often after disasters
- • Vague details about the organization or cause
- • Requests for payment by wire, gift card, or crypto
- • No way to independently verify the charity
Red Flags & Warning Signs
Top 5 Phrases Scammers Use
- 1 "You must pay immediately or face arrest."
Creates panic and forces hasty decisions.
- 2 "Do not tell anyone—this must stay a secret."
Prevents victims from double-checking with family or authorities.
- 3 "Pay with gift cards, crypto, or wire transfer only."
Unusual payment methods are hard to trace and often mean fraud.
- 4 "We need remote access to your device to fix the problem."
Opening up your computer can lead to more theft or malware.
- 5 "You have won, but need to pay a fee to claim your prize."
Legitimate contests never require payment to receive winnings.
Scam Warning Signs
- Urgent threats or pressure to act immediatelyScammers want you to respond before you have time to think.
- Requests for secrecy and not telling othersGenuine organizations encourage you to confirm with loved ones.
- Unusual payment methods (gift cards, crypto, wire transfers)These methods are nearly impossible to recover.
- Requests for remote access to your deviceLegitimate support never needs remote control unless you ask for it.
- Caller ID that looks official but cannot be confirmedScammers can fake caller ID numbers.
Legitimate Communications
- You can independently verify the request by calling official numbersReal organizations will let you hang up and call back.
- No legitimate agency asks for gift cards or crypto paymentsThey use secure, traceable payment options.
- Official letters or emails use correct grammar and have contact detailsFraudsters often make errors or leave out information.
- You are never threatened for asking to confirm or consult familyHonest requests allow you to involve loved ones or advisors.
- Customer service or support organizations require you to initiate contactThey do not call unsolicited to offer surprise help or ask for remote access.
How to Protect Yourself
Simple steps can make a big difference in protecting you and your loved ones from senior scams.
- 1. Never Pay with Gift Cards, Wire Transfers, or Crypto
If someone asks for payment by these methods, it is almost certainly a scam. No government agency or business will ever demand payment this way.
Keep unused gift cards in a safe spot and do not share codes with anyone who calls unexpectedly.
- 2. Always Verify Requests by Independently Contacting Agencies or Family
Hang up and look up the official number yourself before sending money or giving information, even if the caller sounds legitimate.
Save the real numbers for agencies and loved ones in your phone or a notebook.
- 3. Never Give Remote Access to Your Computer or Device
Do not let anyone control your computer unless you contacted them and trust the source. End any suspicious call or pop-up immediately.
- 4. Involve a Trusted Family Member Before Sending Money
Talk with a loved one if you feel pressured or confused. A second opinion can help spot a scam.
- 5. Enable Bank Fraud Alerts and Monitor Accounts Regularly
Set up alerts for unusual activity and check your bank and credit card statements often. Report suspicious charges right away.
- 6. Keep Software Updated and Use Strong Passwords
Update your software regularly and use a password manager to safeguard your accounts. Enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Stay one step ahead of scammers with digital protection from Lifeguard. Sign up to monitor fraud threats for you and your family.
What to Do If You're a Victim
If you think you or a loved one has been scammed, take these steps right away. Acting quickly can help limit damage and start the recovery.
- 1. Stop All Payments and Contact Your Bank or Gift Card Company (Do immediately)
Let your bank or the gift card vendor know immediately. They may be able to freeze or reverse payments. Save all records of your transaction.
- 2. Report the Scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (Do immediately)
File a report about the scam online so authorities can investigate and track patterns.
- 3. Contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov (Within 24 hours)
If the scam involved the internet, social media, or email, submit a complaint with details.
- 4. Alert the IRS or Social Security Administration (for tax/benefit scams) (Within 24 hours)
For IRS scams, call the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (800-366-4484) or email [email protected]. For Social Security, contact the SSA fraud hotline or your local office.
- 5. File a Report with Your State Attorney General and Local Police (Within 24 hours)
Your state consumer protection office and local police can help investigate, especially for large or ongoing losses.
- 6. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze on Your Credit Reports (Within 1 week)
Contact the three major credit bureaus to protect your credit from further abuse.
- 7. Contact Support Organizations for Further Help
Reach out to the DOJ National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-FRAUD-11) or AARP Fraud Watch Network for advice and support.
For more help, visit <a href="https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Fraud Watch Network</a> or call the DOJ Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look for warning signs like urgent threats, secrecy, or requests for payment by gift card or wire. If in doubt, hang up and contact the real agency or family member directly.
These payment methods are fast, hard to trace, and difficult to recover, making them favorites for criminals. No legitimate business or government agency will ask for payment this way.
Alert your bank and credit card companies immediately, and file a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Consider placing a fraud alert or freeze on your credit.
Have regular conversations about scam risks and encourage them to check with you before sending money or sharing information. Set up account alerts and keep important agency phone numbers handy.
No. Legitimate agencies like the IRS or Medicare do not contact you out of the blue to demand payment, especially by gift card, crypto, or wire transfer.
Report scams to the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov), FBI IC3 (ic3.gov), and your state attorney general’s office. If you lost money, notify your bank or card company right away.