Scammers are getting smarter. They are targeting people who’ve worked hard, saved well, and built stable lives. Older adults are often seen as ideal targets, as they tend to be trusting, polite, and less likely to report fraud.

Every year, millions of seniors fall victim to schemes designed to steal money, personal information or both. The FBI reports that in 2023 alone, “scams targeting individuals aged 60 and older caused over $3.4 billion in losses - an increase of approximately 11% from the year prior. The average victim of elder fraud lost $33,915 due to these crimes in 2023.” These scams aren’t just annoying, they can be devastating, draining life savings and causing deep emotional stress.

But here’s the good news: you can protect yourself.

By learning how to recognize the red flags and understanding the tactics scammers use, you can avoid becoming a victim, and even help protect others.

Here are a few tips on what to watch out for, how to respond, and the steps you can take today to stay one step ahead.

What Do Scams Look Like?

Scams come in many forms, from phone calls pretending to be your bank, to emails claiming you’ve won a prize, to fake websites that look almost identical to the real thing. Criminals use emotional pressure, confusion, and urgency to trick victims into giving up personal or financial information.

According to NordVPN, “The reason why scams are so effective is because they rely on manipulating the victim to give up their data or money, either through coercion or force.”

Some common scams that target seniors include:

Romance scams (especially through social media or dating sites)
Lottery or sweepstakes scams
Tech support or computer virus scams
Grandparent scams (“Your grandson is in jail and needs bail money!”)
Government impersonation scams (IRS, Social Security, Medicare)
Phishing emails or texts that appear to be from trusted companies.

Scams vs Phishing: What’s the Difference?

Scams and phishing are related, but not quite the same.

Phishing is a specific type of scam where criminals impersonate a trusted source, like a bank or a well-known company, to get you to hand over your sensitive information. These often arrive as emails or text messages with fake links and urgent requests.

As NordVPN explains, “Phishing is a targeted social engineering attack, where criminals impersonate trusted entities to trick victims into sharing sensitive data.”

Common signs of phishing include:

Emails with generic greetings (“Dear customer”)
Suspicious sender addresses
Urgent warnings about compromised accounts
Links that lead to fake websites
Spelling and grammar errors

While phishing focuses mainly on stealing login credentials or financial information, broader scams can include fake investments, blackmail, and pressure to send money through wire transfers or gift cards.

Red Flags to Watch For

Scammers may use different tactics, but their strategies share a few common warning signs. Stay alert if you notice:

False urgency: Messages or calls claiming you must “act now”
Unfamiliar requests for personal or financial information
Unusual payment methods, like gift cards or wire transfers
Messages from unknown number or emails that don’t seem quite right
Unexpected orders or deliveries, especially with payment demands

Amazon warns that impersonation scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. “Scammers may try to ask you to send money outside of the Amazon website or mobile app through a third-party site or wire transfer.” Another red flag, they often ask victims to pay with gift cards and share the card numbers or codes, something legitimate companies will never do.

How to Protect Yourself

Staying safe doesn’t mean becoming fearful of every call or message, it means being cautious, informed, and prepared. Here are steps you can take right now:

Pause before responding to urgent messages or requests
Don’t click links in suspicious emails or texts
Never share personal details unless you are absolutely sure who you’re speaking to
Hang up on suspicious callers, even if they claim to be from your bank or the IRS
Use strong, unique passwords and update them regularly
Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts for extra security
Keep your software and antivirus tools up to date

And most importantly, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you think you’ve been contacted by a scammer, or you’ve already shared information, don’t panic. Act quickly:

Stop communication immediately
Report the incident to local authorities, your bank, or the FTC
Change your passwords if any login credentials were shared
Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity
Talk to a trusted friend or family member, you’re not alone

Falling for a scam doesn’t mean you weren’t smart; it means someone else was being deceptive. The more you know, the better equipped you are to avoid fraud and stay in control of your finances, your information, and your peace of mind.

Your Safety Matters

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, but with the right information and support, you can stay one step ahead.

Reach out to our team for trusted guidance, whether you’re thinking about downsizing, planning a move, or simply exploring options. We’re here to guide you with compassion and expertise.

Book your free one-hour consultation today and let’s talk about your next chapter, safely, confidently, and on your terms.

Don’t Be a Victim: What to Do If You Think It’s a Scam - A Guide for Seniors