Top Scams Targeting Seniors and How to Avoid Them

Imagine it’s late at night, and you get a phone call from someone claiming to be your grandchild. They say they are in trouble and need money right away. Your heart races and you want to help them immediately. But what if it’s not really your grandchild?

Scammers can use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to sound like a loved one is calling you. They know how to play on your emotions. They use fear and urgency to trick you into giving away money or personal information. Unfortunately, scams are on the rise. But don’t worry –you can protect yourself by knowing some of the scams they use.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

1. The Grandparent Scam: “Help, “I’m in Trouble!”: In this scam, someone pretending to be your grandchild calls or sends a message, claiming they’re in an emergency. They might say they’ve been arrested, are stuck in another country, or need money fast. Don’t send money. Call your grandchild or a trusted family member directly using a known number to make sure it’s them. 
2. Medicare Scam: “There’s a Problem With Your Benefits”: Scammers often pretend to be from Medicare, saying you need a new card or that there’s a problem with your coverage. They might ask for your Social Security number, or banking details. Please know that Medicare will never call you out of the blue to ask for personal information. If you get a suspicious call, hang up and call the phone number on the back of your Medicare plan ID card to see if it’s real. For more information see our blog on How to Spot Scams and Protect Yourself.  
3. Tech Support Scam: “Your Computer Has a Virus”: You get a pop-up on your computer screen or a call from “tech support” that warns you of a virus. They ask you for remote access to your computer or demand payment to fix the issue. Real tech companies don’t call to tell you about a virus. If you get one of these calls, hang up.
4. Online Romance Scam: “I Love You and I Need Help”: Social media and dating sites are a good way to meet people. However, scammers often create fake profiles to build your trust and then ask for money. They may say they need help with medical bills, travel expenses, or an emergency. Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. The person you're imagining is probably not who they really are. They often use stolen photos of attractive people, like models or actresses, to make their profile look more appealing.
5. IRS Scam: “Pay Back Taxes or Go to Jail”: You get a call from someone claiming to be an IRS agent. They tell you that you owe back taxes and you must pay immediately. If you don’t, they say they will call the police to come get you and send you to jail.” There are different versions of this scam, such as someone pretending to be local law enforcement contacting you about a warrant because you missed jury duty. All of these scams end with them telling you that you need to pay immediately with a wire transfer or even gift cards. Don’t fall for this. The IRS typically sends letters if you owe money and they won’t immediately send you to jail. If you think you owe taxes, go to the official IRS website, get their phone number and call to confirm. 
6. Prize Scam: “You’ve Won Big!”: Scammers will say you won a prize like the lottery or a sweepstakes. However, in order to get the prize you will need to pay a fee or provide banking details to claim it. If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn't win. Never send money or personal information for a prize.

To read about more common fraud and scams go to the FBI website.

How to Stay Safe from Scammers

• Never share personal or financial information with unknown callers. 
• Verify before you act. Call a trusted number to check if a request is real.
• Be skeptical if someone urgently demands money.
• Use strong passwords and update them often. Never give them out.
• Talk to a trusted friend or family member before making financial decisions.

Scammers are always looking for new and creative ways to trick us, but by staying informed you can avoid being a victim. And remember, it’s always okay to hang up or say no.
If you suspect you have been scammed, you can report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission.

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Looking for more Medicare tips? Explore our latest blogs for practical tips to make healthier choices and get the most from your Medicare benefits.  

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