5 Common Scams Targeting Older Adults And How to Avoid Them

Older adults, including our parents and grandparents, are frequent targets for scams.

Why?

Because scammers prey on trust, urgency, and emotional vulnerability. Many older individuals didn’t grow up with today’s fast-changing technology, making them more susceptible to digital scams and unfamiliar threats.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, older Americans have already lost over $750 million to scams in 2025 alone. That number is growing, but awareness is the first line of defense.

Here are the 5 most common scams targeting older generations, along with how to avoid them.

1. Impersonation Scams

These scams involve someone pretending to be a trusted person or authority figure to steal money or personal information.

Grandparent Scam (Family Emergency)

• How it works: Scammer pretends to be a grandchild in trouble (arrest, accident, or travel emergency), pleading for money.

• Tactics: “Please don’t tell mom or dad.” May use AI voice cloning and spoofed caller ID to sound convincing. Payment requests via gift cards, wire transfer, or cash pickup.

• How to avoid: Pause and verify. Call another family member. Use a family “safe word.” Never send money without confirmation.

  
  

Government Impersonator Scam (IRS, Social Security, Medicare)

• How it works: Scammer claims to be from a government agency, threatening fines, arrest, or loss of benefits unless you act quickly.

• Tactics: Demands immediate payment, personal info, or banking details. Uses scare tactics and spoofed caller ID.

• How to avoid: Hang up. Real government agencies never demand payment or personal info by phone. Contact them through official numbers.

  
  

Tech Support Scam

• How it works: Fake pop-up or phone call warns that your device is compromised and urges immediate action.

• Tactics: Scammer poses as Microsoft/Apple tech support, asks for remote access and payment for fake repairs. May install malware.

• How to avoid: Don’t respond to unsolicited pop-ups or calls. Ask a trusted family member or legitimate tech support for help.

2. Online Relationship & Emotional Scams

These scams target trust and loneliness, using emotional manipulation, often through online relationships, to gain access to money or sensitive information.

Romance Scam

• How it works: Scammer builds an online relationship over time, then fakes an emergency and asks for money.

• Tactics: Emotional manipulation, repeated requests for money (medical, travel, family emergencies), often claiming to be abroad or in the military.

• How to avoid: Be cautious of online-only relationships. Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Talk to family or friends before taking action.

3. Financial Gain Scams

These scams promise easy money, big prizes, or guaranteed investment returns, but the real goal is to steal your savings through false claims and pressure tactics.

Sweepstakes/Lottery Scam

• How it works: “You’ve won a prize!” but need to pay taxes or fees upfront to claim it.

• Tactics: High-pressure calls, fake checks, repeated payment requests. Victims may be re-targeted once they pay.

• How to avoid: Legitimate lotteries never require upfront payment. If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win.

  
  

Investment or Financial Scam

• How it works: Scammer offers a “guaranteed” investment or financial product with high returns and no risk.

• Tactics: Pressure to act quickly, fraudulent advisors, unregistered investments, or fake annuities.

• How to avoid: Verify advisors (use FINRA BrokerCheck). Consult a trusted financial professional before investing.

  
  

4. Phishing Scams (Email, Text, Phone)

Phishing is a common delivery method for many scams, aiming to steal personal, login, or banking info.

• How it works: Fake messages or calls impersonate banks, delivery companies, or government agencies. Increasingly includes “voice phishing” (vishing) and spoofed caller ID.

• Tactics: “Your account is compromised, click here.” Links install malware or steal login details. May ask for immediate action or payments.

• How to avoid: Don’t click unfamiliar links or download attachments. Verify requests by calling the company directly. Use security software and filters.

  
  

5. Charity Scams (Still Prevalent in 2025)

These scams exploit your generosity and desire to help others, often appearing after disasters or during the holidays, by posing as fake charities to steal donations.

• How it works: Fake charities solicit donations after disasters or during holidays.

• Tactics: Emotional appeals, fake websites, spoofed phone numbers.

• How to avoid: Verify charities via CharityNavigator.org or the IRS. Donate directly on the official website—never through links in unsolicited messages.

  
  

Final Thoughts: How to Stay Safe

While scams are constantly evolving, the best defense is awareness and vigilance. Knowing the warning signs, staying cautious, and verifying before taking action can protect you and your loved ones.

Red Flags for All Scams:

• Pressure to act immediately or secretly

• Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cash

• Unexpected calls/emails from unknown numbers or spoofed IDs

• Offers that sound too good to be true

  
  

Smart Safety Habits:

• Let unknown calls go to voicemail

• Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and updated security software

• Talk openly with older loved ones about scam risks

• Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission: reportfraud.ftc.gov

  
  

Share this guide with your parents, grandparents, and loved ones to help them spot the warning signs, avoid costly mistakes, and stay safe from scams.

Empower them with knowledge, because awareness is the first step to protection.