Protecting Seniors from Fraud: A Guide for Older Adults and Their Families

Scams targeting seniors are becoming more common and more complex as technology advances. While this may sound alarming, there’s no need to panic. With the right education and preparation, seniors can protect themselves from these scams while safely enjoying the benefits of technology. This guide aims to educate older adults, their families, and caregivers about common scams targeting seniors and provide practical safety tips. 

The Growing Threat of Senior Fraud

Recent reports show that fraud affecting older adults is rising. The FBI’s 2023 Internet Crime Report revealed a record 880,418 complaints of online fraud, with potential losses exceeding $12.5 billion. This represents a 10% increase in complaints and a 22% increase in losses compared to 2022. 

What’s particularly concerning is that Americans aged 60 and older lose more to fraud than any other age group. In 2023 alone, there were over 100,000 fraud complaints from people in this age group, resulting in losses of $3.4 billion. These numbers have grown greatly since 2022, highlighting the importance of staying informed on what scams exist and how to avoid them. 

Common Scams Targeting Seniors

Fraudsters use various tactics to trick seniors out of their money or personal information. One common tactic involves impersonating government officials. Imagine receiving a call from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or the IRS. They might say there’s a problem with your account or that you owe money. These scammers can sound very convincing, but real government agencies won’t call you out of the blue demanding personal information or immediate payment. 

Another popular scheme is the sweepstakes or lottery scam. You might get a letter, email, or call announcing you’ve won a big prize. The catch? You need to pay fees or taxes upfront to claim it. Unfortunately, there is no prize—just a ploy to steal your money. 

Robocalls are often used to initiate scams. These are automated phone calls that deliver pre-recorded messages. For those less confident with technology, computer tech support scams can be particularly troubling. A “technician” might call, claiming to be from a well-known company, saying they’ve detected a problem with your computer. They’ll offer to fix it remotely—for a fee, of course. In reality, there’s no problem, and giving them access to your computer could expose your personal information. 

Then there’s the heart-wrenching “grandparent scam.” A distressed voice on the phone claims to be a grandchild, saying they’re in trouble and need money urgently. The scammer might have found personal details online to make their story more convincing.  Lastly, romance scams have become more common with the rise of online dating. Scammers create fake profiles and build relationships over time, gaining trust before asking for money for supposed emergencies or travel expenses to meet you. 

Protecting Yourself: Safety Tips for Seniors

Being cautious with personal information is crucial.  

• Never give out sensitive details like Social Security numbers or bank account information over the phone or online. Only do so if you have called your bank at their listed phone number or can verify that you’re speaking with an authorized person.   

• Many smartphones have features to block unwanted calls, which can help reduce the number of scam attempts you receive. Learn more about how to block calls here. 

• The National Do Not Call Registry is a useful tool for reducing telemarketing calls as well. You can register your phone number by visiting donotcall.gov or calling 1-888-382-1222. While this won’t stop all unwanted calls, it can significantly decrease them. 

• When it comes to online safety, be wary of suspicious emails or text messages. Don’t click on links or download files from unknown sources. Reputable organizations won’t ask for sensitive information by email or text.  

• Using strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts is also important. With a little research, you’ll find that there are many services available to help keep your information secure online and protect you from scams, identity theft, viruses, and more. 

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a scam, act quickly but calmly. Here are some steps to take: 

• Contact your bank immediately if you’ve shared financial information or suspect unauthorized account activity. 

• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint. 

• Reach out to Adult Protective Services in your area for additional support and resources. 

• Keep a record of all communications with the scammer and any actions you’ve taken since discovering the fraud. 

While the statistics on senior fraud may seem daunting, by staying informed and following safety tips, older adults can confidently navigate the modern world and protect themselves from potential scams. 

Empowering Seniors in the Digital Age

Families and caregivers play a crucial role in keeping seniors safe from fraud. Regular conversations about safety, helping to set up security measures, and being available when something seems suspicious can make a significant difference. 

Here are some key points to remember: 

• Be cautious with personal information 

• Use features to block unwanted calls 

• Be wary of unsolicited messages 

• Take advantage of privacy settings 

• Stay informed about current scams 

By working together and staying vigilant, we help ensure seniors can enjoy the benefits of modern technology without worry.