Fraudsters targeting seniors operate across borders — and the scams hitting American and Canadian retirees in 2025 are increasingly sophisticated and personalized.
Top Scams Targeting North American Seniors in 2025
CRA and IRS Impersonation
Callers claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or IRS, threatening arrest for unpaid taxes unless immediate payment is made via gift card or wire transfer. Neither agency ever calls demanding immediate payment.
Medicare/OHIP Fraud (U.S. and Canada)
Scammers call offering "free" medical equipment, supplements, or services in exchange for your Medicare or provincial health card number. They then bill the program for services never rendered.
Grandparent Scam
A caller poses as a grandchild (or their lawyer) claiming an emergency — car accident, arrest — and needs money immediately, secretly. This now frequently uses AI voice cloning.
Tech Support Scam
A pop-up or phone call claims your computer has a virus. The "technician" gains remote access and ultimately steals banking credentials.
Romance and Friendship Scams
Online relationships cultivated over weeks that eventually result in requests for money for emergencies, medical bills, or to visit.
Key Differences: U.S. vs. Canada
- In Canada, report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC): 1-888-495-8501.
- In the U.S., report to the FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov and FBI IC3: ic3.gov.
Universal Rules to Share with Seniors
- Government agencies never call demanding immediate payment — ever.
- Gift cards are never a legitimate payment method for any government, utility, or service.
- No legitimate company needs remote access to your computer unless you called them first.
- A family member in trouble can always wait 10 minutes while you call them back on their real number.
Sources: FTC; Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC); FBI IC3; RCMP.