Scammers prey on trust and vulnerability. Fraud schemes evolve quickly, but many rely on fear and urgency to trick victims into handing over money or personal information. Knowing what to watch for—and how to respond—can prevent financial loss and emotional distress.
Five common scams to watch for:
- Grandparent scam: A caller pretends to be a grandchild in distress, claiming to need money for bail, medical bills or travel. They beg you not to tell anyone. If you receive such a call, hang up and call the family member directly.
- Financial services scam: Fraudsters pose as banks or debt collectors, asking for account numbers or demanding payment. Real organizations never pressure you to share personal information over the phone.
- Tech support scam: A pop-up warns of a computer virus and urges you to call a number. The scammer then requests remote access and payment for fake repairs. Legitimate tech companies do not proactively call about computer issues.
- Government impersonation scam: Someone pretending to be from the IRS or Social Security claims you owe money or your benefits will be cut. They may threaten arrest if you don’t pay immediately. Government agencies will never ask for payment via gift card or wire transfer.
- Romance scam: An online “love interest” builds a relationship and then asks for money to cover an emergency. These scams exploit emotions and often involve elaborate stories.
Other schemes include sweepstakes scams, robocalls and investment fraud. Educating yourself and your loved ones can thwart these tactics.
Conversation Scripts for Tough Moments:
- “That sounds frightening. Let’s call [grandchild’s name] at their usual number to confirm they’re okay.”
- “No legitimate company or agency will ask you to pay with gift cards. Let’s hang up and call the number on your bank statement.”
- “I know you care about helping, but romance scammers often use fake photos and stories. Let me show you how to reverse image search them.”
- “Scammers create urgency on purpose. Take a deep breath; we’ll look into this together.”
Approach the conversation with empathy rather than judgement to encourage listening.
Proactive Protection Strategies
- Educate and rehearse: Talk regularly about common scams and role‑play responses.
- Use call filters: Register numbers on do‑not‑call lists and activate scam blocking.
- Monitor accounts: Review bank and credit‑card statements together.
- Limit personal information: Remind loved ones not to share sensitive details with unknown callers.
- Encourage skepticism: It’s okay to say no and hang up.
Services like The Caretakers Club can play a protective role. Our companions discuss scam awareness and encourage members to call a trusted family member before sending money. By fostering open communication, we reduce vulnerability to fraud.
Knowledge is the Best Defense
Scams targeting seniors are sophisticated, but knowledge reduces their power. By understanding common schemes, practicing responses and creating supportive environments, you can protect yourself and those you love. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and verify with a trusted source.
References:
National Council on Aging (NCOA). The Top 5 Financial Scams Targeting Older Adults. NCOA. 2023.
Age UK. Avoiding Scams Information Guide. Age UK. 2023.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC). How To Spot and Avoid Scam Calls. FTC. 2024.
