Fraud Alert: Common Scams Targeting Seniors and How to Avoid Them

Seniors reported losing $3.4 billion to fraud in 2024 — more per victim than any other age group. These are the most common scams targeting older adults right now, and how to recognize them.

Impostor Scams

Criminals impersonate trusted organizations — government agencies (IRS, SSA, Medicare), banks, law enforcement, or utilities. They create fear (arrest, account closure, service cutoff) to extract payment or personal information.

Rule: Government agencies never call demanding immediate payment. Banks don't call asking for your PIN or full password. Hang up and call the official number.

Tech Support Scams

A pop-up or phone call claims your computer has a virus and you must call a number immediately. The "technician" requests remote access, then diagnoses fake problems and charges hundreds of dollars — while potentially stealing banking credentials.

Rule: Microsoft, Apple, and antivirus companies never call you unsolicited. Any pop-up with a phone number is a scam.

Medicare and Health Insurance Scams

Callers offer free equipment, screenings, or supplements in exchange for your Medicare number. They bill Medicare for expensive services never provided.

Rule: Medicare will never call asking for your number — they already have it. Unsolicited callers claiming to be from Medicare are scammers.

Lottery and Prize Scams

You've won! Just pay the fees to claim your prize. You never win because the prize doesn't exist.

Rule: You cannot win a lottery you never entered. Legitimate prizes don't require upfront payment.

Romance Scams

An online friendship or relationship develops over weeks. Eventually, a financial crisis requires money. The "relationship" disappears when funds stop flowing.

Rule: Anyone you've never met in person who asks for money is almost certainly a scammer.

If You or a Family Member Was Targeted

Report to the FTC (1-877-382-4357), the FBI (ic3.gov), and AARP Fraud Watch Network (1-877-908-3360). No judgment — these scams are sophisticated and designed to fool anyone.

Sources: FBI IC3; FTC; AARP; National Council on Aging.