Scammers are pulling double shifts these days, and guess who they’ve got in their sights? You. Older people are their favorite targets because they assume you’ll trust too easily or maybe they think you’re not caught up on all the sneaky new tricks, like fake IRS calls or bogus “you’ve won a prize” emails.
But you’re a lot sharper than they give you credit for. All it takes is knowing their playbook, and you can shut them down before they even get started. Below are some of the scams these crooks love to run on seniors and exactly how to sniff them out before they drain your wallet or mess with your peace of mind.
1. The Grandparent Scam
This one tugs at the heartstrings. A scammer calls pretending to be your grandchild (or sometimes a friend of theirs), claiming they’re in trouble and begging you to wire money quickly. Some of the “trouble” they claim
- Saying they lost their wallet while traveling and need cash to get home.
- Pretending they’ve been mugged and are in the hospital.
- Claiming they’re stranded because their car broke down or they we in an accident.
- Saying they need urgent bail money after a misunderstanding with the police.
- Even saying they’re stuck at an airport because of sudden flight fees or visa issues.
How to avoid it: Take a breath. Hang up and call your grandchild directly on their known number. Nine times out of ten, you’ll find them safe at home.
2. Medicare and Health Insurance Scams
Scammers use the abundance of paperwork around health care to steal your info. They pretend to be Medicare reps or insurance agents to ask for personal details.
Examples they might use:
- Offering “free” medical equipment if you give them your Medicare number.
- Calling to “verify” your Medicare information.
- Pretending you qualify for a new plan but need personal details to enroll.
- Claiming you owe a balance to keep your benefits active.
How to avoid it: Medicare will never call out of the blue and ask for personal details. If someone says they’re from Medicare, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.
3. Tech Support Scams
Scammers pretend to be computer techs, usually warning of a virus, with the goal of getting remote access to your computer (and your bank accounts).
Examples they might use:
- Pop-up messages saying “Your computer is infected, call this number now.”
- Fake Microsoft or Apple reps asking for remote access.
- Charging you for unnecessary “virus protection software.”
How to avoid it: Slam that pop-up shut, don’t click a single sketchy link, and for heaven’s sake, don’t hand over control of your computer to a stranger. If your machine actually needs fixing, call a real-deal local repair shop you trust.
4. Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams
These trick you into thinking you’ve won big: money, cars, game or show tickets… but you need to pay first. That’s the catch. Real sweepstakes don’t make winners pay to receive their prize.
Examples they might use:
- “Congratulations, you’ve won the lottery. Just pay taxes upfront!”
- Asking for bank info to “deposit” your winnings.
- Mailing a fake check and asking you to send money back before it bounces.
- Claiming you’ve won a free vacation but must pay booking fees.
How to avoid it: If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Toss that letter, delete that email, hang up the phone, and don’t send money to strangers.
5. Online Shopping and Fake Websites
From “miracle” health products to discounted name-brand clothing, scammers set up phony sites or trick ads to steal money or personal info.
Examples they might use:
- That “too good to be true” shoe or handbag deal? Yep, it’s fake.
- Social media ads for products that never show up? Scam city.
- Websites that look real but spell Walmart with two L’s? Don’t fall for it.
- Anyone asking you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or Zelle? Instant red flag.
How to avoid it: Stick with retailers you actually know, or double-check reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau. And use a credit card with fraud protection, not a debit card that doesn’t have any defenses.
6. Romance Scams
Scammers know loneliness is powerful, and they’ll milk it. They’ll set up fake dating profiles or chat you up on social media, shower you with compliments, and then (surprise) they suddenly need money.
Examples they might use:
- Claiming they’re overseas and need money to fly and visit you.
- Saying they’re stuck due to a sudden medical emergency.
- Asking for help with “business expenses” until they can pay you back.
How to avoid it: If someone you barely know online is saying “I love you” or asking you to cover their “emergency,” that’s your cue to hit pause. Run it by a friend or family member before you send a dime. Love doesn’t come with a price tag.
7. Charity Scams
Fraudsters love to crawl out of the woodwork after disasters or around the holidays.
They’ll tug on your heartstrings with:
- Calls to “help hurricane victims.”
- Charities with names just one letter off from the real ones.
- Pressure to give cash right now.
- Emails with sketchy links that swipe your credit card info.
- Strangers knocking on your door without a legit ID.
How to avoid it: Donate directly through the official website of a charity you know is real. Don’t hand over money just because someone cold-calls you with a sob story.
8. Investment and “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Offers
If someone promises you “guaranteed” returns or a get-rich-quick opportunity, let me be clear: it’s a scam. Nobody gives away easy money. These crooks want your savings, not your success.
Examples they might use:
- Promises of doubling your money in a few months.
- Invitations to “exclusive” investment clubs or seminars.
- Crypto or gold investment pitches with no clear explanation of risk.
- Stock tips claiming to have “insider information.”
- Pressure to invest quickly before the “opportunity disappears.”How to avoid it: If the deal sounds like a dream, that’s because it is. Talk to a licensed financial advisor, or better yet, walk away. Your retirement fund isn’t play money.
By Admin –