As we get older, life offers us wisdom and experience. Unfortunately, scammers often target seniors, hoping to take advantage of trust or unfamiliarity with certain technologies. Protecting yourself and your hard-earned money is not only possible—it’s empowering.
Let me walk you through some common scams that target seniors and share personal, practical tips to avoid them.
- Medicare and Health Insurance Scams
As a senior, you might receive calls or emails claiming to be from Medicare or your insurance provider. Scammers will often ask for your Medicare number or payment information. - What Happened to My Neighbor:
- A friend of mine got a call saying her Medicare card needed to be replaced and she had to verify her information. Thankfully, she hung up and called Medicare directly. It turned out to be a scam.
What You Should Do:
- Never share your Medicare number or other personal details over the phone.
- If you’re unsure, contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
- Grandparent Scams
Scammers often pretend to be a grandchild in distress, saying they’re in trouble and need money urgently. They might even cry to sound convincing.
A Lesson from My Friend:
One day, a senior friend of mine got a call from someone claiming to be her grandson. He said he’d been arrested and needed money for bail. She almost sent the money but called her daughter first, who confirmed it was a scam.
What You Should Do:
- Stay calm. Scammers rely on panic.
- Verify the story by contacting your family directly.
- Never send money through wire transfers or gift cards.
- If you suspect a scam, report it to 1-877-382-4357 (FTC Consumer Complaint Center).
- Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams
“You’ve won a million dollars! All you need to do is pay a fee to claim your prize.” Sound familiar? This is one of the most common scams targeting seniors.
My Own Encounter:
I received an official-looking letter once, saying I’d won a sweepstake I never entered. It asked for a “processing fee” to claim my prize. Luckily, I knew better and tossed it in the trash.
What You Should Do:
- If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win.
- Never pay fees to claim a prize.
- Report such scams to 1-877-382-4357 (FTC Consumer Complaint Center).
- Tech Support Scams
These scams often come in the form of a pop-up message on your computer, saying your device is infected and urging you to call a number for help.
A Call That Almost Fooled Me:
I once got a call claiming to be from a well-known tech company. They said my computer had a virus and asked for remote access. Luckily, I hung up and called a trusted tech support provider. It was a scam.
What You Should Do:
- Ignore unsolicited tech support calls or pop-ups.
- Don’t let anyone remotely access your computer unless you trust them.
- Contact a local tech expert or trusted family member for help.
- You can report tech support scams to 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
- Romance Scams
Loneliness can make seniors especially vulnerable to scammers who create fake online relationships to build trust and eventually ask for money.
A Story I’ll Never Forget:
A widow I know met someone online who seemed very kind. Over a few months, they developed a connection, and he eventually asked for money to “visit” her. She sent thousands of dollars before realizing it was a scam.
What You Should Do:
- Be cautious with online relationships.
- Never send money or gifts to someone you’ve never met in person.
- Talk to family or friends about new relationships for a second opinion.
- Report romance scams to 1-877-382-4357 (FTC Consumer Complaint Center).
- Impersonation Scams
You might receive calls or emails from someone claiming to be the IRS, Social Security Administration, or even your bank, threatening legal action unless you pay immediately.
What Happened to Me:
I once got a call saying I owed back taxes and would be arrested if I didn’t pay immediately. It scared me at first, but I remembered that the IRS never calls—they send letters. I hung up.
What You Should Do:
- Government agencies will never demand payment over the phone.
- Hang up and contact the agency directly using official numbers.
- Never make payments using gift cards or wire transfers.
- Report impersonation scams to the IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting line at 1-800-366-4484 or the FTC at 1-877-382-4357.
How to Protect Yourself Every Day
- Stay Skeptical
If something seems off or too good to be true, trust your instincts. - Talk to Someone You Trust
Whether it’s a family member, friend, or neighbor, sharing your concerns can often uncover scams before they succeed. - Stay Informed
Learn about the latest scams through resources like AARP, the FTC, or local community groups. - Keep Personal Information Private
Be careful about sharing personal details, especially over the phone or online. - Secure Your Technology
Ask a trusted family member to help you update your devices, set strong passwords, and enable security features like two-factor authentication.
Final Thoughts
Scams can happen to anyone, but by staying alert and informed, you can protect yourself and your finances. Don’t hesitate to talk to others about potential scams—it’s not a sign of weakness, but of strength and caution.
Remember, it’s okay to hang up, delete, or say no. Your safety and peace of mind come first.
Have you encountered a scam? Share your story with others to help them avoid the same pitfalls. Together, we can stay safe.
