Stay Informed: Common Scams Targeting Seniors

National Senior Fraud Awareness Day on May 15 serves as a vital reminder to remain vigilant against scams that target older adults. Whether you're concerned about your elderly loved ones or simply trying to stay ahead of fraudsters yourself, understanding the latest scamming tactics can be a powerful tool in preventing financial and emotional harm.

Scams are continuously evolving, and keeping informed is one of the best defenses against becoming a victim. Here are some common scams targeting seniors:

Tech Support Scams

Fraudsters often impersonate tech companies, claiming there's a problem with your electronic device. They may convince you to provide remote access, which can lead to them stealing personal information or installing malicious software.

Government Impersonation Scams

Scammers posing as government officials use threats of legal action to obtain sensitive personal data. They often sound convincing, using official-sounding language to scare victims into compliance.

Grandparent Scams

In this scheme, con artists pretend to be a grandchild or another family member in urgent trouble, asking for money to be sent quickly. They often rely on the fear and love you have for your family to bypass rational decision-making.

Romance Scams

Criminals build trust through online relationships and eventually request financial help. These scams can devastate both emotionally and financially.

Medicare Scams

In this scam, callers pretend to be Medicare representatives, offering bogus services or benefits to collect sensitive health and personal information.

Sweepstakes Scams

Victims are informed that they have won a prize but must pay upfront fees to claim it. Remember, it's a red flag if you're asked to pay to collect a prize.

We encourage you to share this information with your loved ones to protect them from potential scams. Remember, awareness and vigilance are essential in preventing fraud. If you suspect any fraudulent activity, you can report it to the appropriate authorities via government fraud reporting websites or hotlines.