Every year, scammers target older adults with phone calls, emails, texts, and even knocks on the door. Elder scams and financial exploitation can drain savings, damage trust, and leave victims feeling ashamed. The good news is that a few simple habits and safeguards go a long way toward protecting the people you love.
Quick answer: Common elder scams include impostor calls pretending to be grandchildren, government agencies, or tech support; romance scams; lottery and prize scams; and fraudulent contractors. Protect seniors by talking openly about scams, using call blocking, never sharing personal information with unexpected callers, monitoring accounts, and setting up trusted contacts with banks.
Why Scammers Target Older Adults
Older adults may have savings, own homes, and be home to answer calls. Some are lonely and welcome conversation. Memory changes or unfamiliarity with technology can also make scams harder to spot. Scammers are skilled, persuasive, and increasingly use technology to sound convincing. Anyone can be fooled, so it’s important to talk about it without shame.
Common Elder Scams
The Grandparent Scam
A caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble, needing money for bail, a hospital bill, or travel, and begs the grandparent not to tell anyone. Voice-cloning technology can make these calls sound real.
Government Impostor Scams
Callers claim to be from Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, or law enforcement, threatening arrest or loss of benefits unless payment is made. Real agencies don’t demand immediate payment by gift card, wire, or cryptocurrency.
Tech Support Scams
Pop-ups or calls claim the computer has a virus and ask for remote access or payment.
Romance Scams
Scammers build online relationships over weeks or months, then ask for money for an emergency or travel.
Lottery and Prize Scams
“You’ve won!” but you need to pay taxes or fees first.
Medicare and Health Scams
Offers of “free” medical equipment or genetic tests in exchange for a Medicare number.
Home Repair Scams
Door-to-door contractors demand upfront payment for unnecessary or never-completed work.
Warning Signs of Financial Exploitation
- Unusual withdrawals, transfers, or new credit cards
- Unpaid bills despite enough money
- Secretive phone calls or new “friends”
- Gift card purchases in large amounts
- Missing belongings or checks
- Sudden changes to wills, accounts, or beneficiaries
- Fear or anxiety about money
Practical Steps to Protect Your Loved One
- Talk about scams regularly, using real examples from the news.
- Create a family code word for emergencies so you can verify a caller.
- Use call blocking and register numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry.
- Set a rule: never give personal or financial information to someone who calls, texts, or emails unexpectedly. Hang up and call back using a known number.
- Remember that legitimate organizations don’t ask for gift cards or cryptocurrency.
- Monitor accounts with your loved one’s permission, and set up alerts for large transactions.
- Add a trusted contact to bank and investment accounts.
- Freeze credit to prevent new accounts from being opened.
- Shred sensitive documents.
- Use a video doorbell so your loved one can screen visitors. See smart home technology for seniors.
Planning ahead matters too. A durable power of attorney and organized documents make it easier to step in if needed. Our guide to organizing important documents can help.
What to Do If a Scam Happens
- Contact the bank or card company immediately to stop payments.
- Change passwords and secure accounts.
- Report the scam to local police and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
- Report suspected abuse or exploitation to Adult Protective Services.
- Reassure your loved one. Scammers are professionals, and shame makes people less likely to report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common scam targeting seniors?
Impostor scams, including fake grandchildren, government agencies, and tech support, are among the most common.
How can I protect a parent with memory loss from scams?
Consider limiting access to large sums, monitoring accounts, setting up call blocking, and having a trusted person help manage finances.
How Briggs Home Care Can Help
Isolation makes seniors more vulnerable to scams. Briggs Home Care’s companionship and in-home support add a trusted presence and an extra set of eyes at home, as part of a broader aging in place plan. Learn about our personal care, find a location near you, or call 1-833-960-CARE (2273).
Related Reading
- Start here: Aging in Place: How to Stay Safe and Independent at Home
- Medical Alert Systems: Who Needs One and What to Look For
- Summer Heat Safety for Seniors
Trusted outside resource: FTC: Report Fraud
