Unfortunately, many scams target older adults because scammers know that they are more likely to have more money and are easy targets. According to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, roughly $3.4 billion in total fraud losses were reported by Americans over age 60 in 2023, up 11% from 2022. The average loss per case was nearly $34,000. Don’t fall for these 10 common senior scams.
1. Government Impersonation
Especially around tax season, seniors should be aware of government impersonation scams. The IRS will never ask for personal information over the phone or by text. Seniors should also be aware of Medicare and Social Security scams. You should never give out account information.
2. Prize Scams
There are several scams targeting older adults where someone contacts you about winning the lottery, a sweepstakes, or other types of prizes. You should never have to pay money or give out account information to claim a prize.
3. The Grandparent Scam
If someone calls you and tells you that your grandchild is in trouble, it may be a scam. Typically, the scammer will call and say that your grandchild has been in an accident and needs money for medical care. They may even pretend to be your grandchild or relative. Make sure to verify that it is your relative before giving out any information or sending any money.
4. Tech Support Scams
If you receive a message on your computer that it has a virus, beware. Clicking on this message could not only give your computer a virus, but could also be a scam. You may be asked to pay for tech support to fix the issue. This is likely to get your credit card information. Scammers may even call and say that the service is no longer available and that you will be refunded. They then say that you were refunded too much money and ask you to send money back in the form of gift cards. Make sure that you trust the provider before paying for any services online.
5. Online Marketplace Scams
Sellers often target seniors online and sell them products that they never receive. Especially if the deal is too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. Many advertisements are targeted specifically at seniors to get them to click on a fake site. Only buy from websites that you trust.
6. Romance Scam
If you meet a potential romantic partner online, you should never send them money. In romance scams, individuals will build a relationship with you and then ask that you send them money. This is almost always a scam and many Americans have lost thousands of dollars to these money mules.
7. Unpaid Tolls
Another popular scam is the unpaid tolls scam. You usually get a text or email saying that you have unpaid tolls. This is likely a phishing scam. Most toll bills are sent through the mail and have reputable websites.
8. Package Notifications
You may receive a text or email about a package that is being shipped or has a problem with delivery. It may seem like this comes from a legitimate carrier like USPS, UPS, or FedEx, but the link included will usually download malware and steal your computer’s data. Usually, the name or link provided doesn’t match the carrier’s website exactly, so be on the lookout for different spellings.
9. Financial Services Scam
If any of your financial institutions call or text you, don’t assume that it’s legitimate. Many scammers will pose as your bank, mortgage lender, or debt collection agency. The scammers may say that your account has been compromised and ask for security questions or a Social Security number to secure it.
10. Unpaid Medical Bills
Sometimes scammers will pose as debt collectors who are trying to collect a medical debt. They may even threaten your arrest if you don’t pay it immediately. These scammers will try to convince you to pay them using a peer-to-peer payment platform like Zelle, Cash App, or Venmo.
Have you fallen for a scam? Let us know your experience in the comments.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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