Scams targeting seniors are any scams that exploit older adults for money or personal information. They often involve false promises, deception, or impersonation. Some of the most common types of scams targeting seniors are IRS scams, sweepstakes and lottery scams, grandparent scams, phishing scams, online dating scams, charity scams, funeral scams, and government imposter scams. Scammers may prey on seniors who are unsuspecting, isolated, or living alone.
Internet scams targeting the elderly, often referred to as "elder fraud," have unfortunately become prevalent in recent years. These scams take advantage of older individuals' trust, vulnerability, and sometimes limited familiarity with technology. Here are some common internet scams that target the elderly:
- Grandparent scam: Scammers pretend to be a grandchild in distress, claiming they are in trouble and urgently need money. They exploit the emotions of grandparents to convince them to wire funds or provide personal information.
- Tech support scam: Scammers pose as technical support representatives from reputable companies and contact the elderly, claiming that their computer has a virus or other technical issue. They try to gain remote access to the computer or trick the person into paying for unnecessary services.
- Sweepstakes or lottery scams: Scammers inform the elderly that they have won a lottery or sweepstakes but need to pay fees or taxes upfront to claim their prize. Victims end up sending money or providing their banking details, only to discover that there was no prize at all.
- Medicare or health insurance fraud: Scammers target older individuals by pretending to be representatives from Medicare or health insurance providers. They request personal information, such as Social Security numbers, to commit identity theft or fraudulent billing.
- Romance scams: Scammers create fake online profiles on dating websites or social media platforms, targeting older individuals looking for companionship. They develop an online relationship and eventually ask for money, often claiming it is for travel expenses or an emergency.
- Educate and raise awareness about common scams.
- Be cautious when sharing personal or financial information online or over the phone.
- Verify the identity and legitimacy of any caller or online contact before providing sensitive information.
- Install and maintain up-to-date security software on computers and devices.
- Regularly monitor bank accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Encourage open communication and encourage seniors to reach out for advice or assistance when they receive suspicious requests or offers.