What should you be aware of to be safe?
Senior.com
February 26, 2025
By Jeff Dailey
Elderly scams are a growing concern, with scams targeting individuals aged 60 and older resulting in over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023 – a nearly 11% increase from the previous year.
Common Scams Targeting Elderlies
- Phone Scams
- Government Impersonation Scams: Scammers pose as officials from agencies like the Social Security Administration (SSA) or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), claiming issues with the victim’s accounts or benefits. They often threaten legal action or arrest to elicit personal information or payments.
- Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters pretend to be tech support representatives, claiming the victim’s computer is infected with malware. They request remote access or payment for unnecessary services.
- Mail Order Scams
- Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams: Victims receive letters claiming they’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes but must pay fees or taxes upfront to claim their prize.
- Charity Scams: Scammers send mail solicitations posing as charitable organizations, especially after natural disasters or during holidays, asking for donations.
- Email Scams
- Phishing Emails: Emails that appear to be from legitimate companies or government agencies ask recipients to verify personal information or click on malicious links.
- Romance Scams: Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media, build relationships with victims, and request money for emergencies or travel.
Steps to Take if Targeted or Victimized by Scams
- If You Receive an Attempted Scam:
- Do Not Engage: Avoid responding to unsolicited calls, emails, or letters requesting personal information or payments.
- Verify the Source: Contact the organization directly using official contact information to confirm the legitimacy of the communication.
- Report the Attempt: Notify relevant authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state’s consumer protection office.
- If You Have Been Scammed:
- Contact Financial Institutions: Inform your bank or credit card company immediately to halt transactions and monitor for fraudulent activity.
- Report to Law Enforcement: File a report with local police and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). fbi.gov
- Seek Support: Reach out to organizations like the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311) for assistance and guidance.
Preventative Measures
- Stay Informed: Regularly educate yourself about common scams targeting seniors.
- Protect Personal Information: Never share personal or financial details over the phone or online unless you know the recipient’s identity.
- Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly review bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Use Technology Wisely: Install and update computer security software and be cautious when downloading attachments or clicking links.
By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, seniors can protect themselves from elderly scams and reduce the risk of financial exploitation.
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