Don’t Be Fooled! Guarding Against Scams that Target Seniors

Scammers have always viewed older adults as easy targets. In the old days, shady door-to-door salesmen and contest schemes were delivered in your mail. While the tactics may have changed, scammers have always targeted older adults. Unfortunately, with the rise of technology, scams have become sophisticated and even more dangerous.

The Senate Special Committee on Aging reports that each year, scammers cheat seniors out of approximately $3 billion. In 2023 alone, there were nearly 1.6 million reported cases of identity theft and over 450,000 cases of credit card fraud. 

Here’s an updated look at some of the most common scams that target seniors in 2024, along with what you can do to stay safe and aware.

The Most Common Scams That Target Seniors in 2024

Computer Threats

• Tech Support Scams — Scammers targeting seniors often pose as tech support agents from well-known companies, claiming an issue with your computer that needs immediate attention. Be wary of unsolicited calls or pop-up messages. Do not give out passwords or personal information to unverified individuals, and avoid paying for unnecessary services.
• Telemarketers — It’s best to hang up on unsolicited telemarketers. Many are selling unnecessary products or are outright scams attempting to steal your money or personal information.
• Phishing — Phishing involves scammers sending emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate sources to trick you into revealing personal information. Do not click on unfamiliar links, which could lead to malware infections and identity theft.

Medicare Threats

• Medicare Scams — Scammers posing as Medicare representatives may ask for personal information or payment for services. Medicare representatives will never ask for personal details over the phone. If in doubt, contact Medicare directly to verify any claims or report suspicious activity before giving out any personal information.

Phone Threats

• Fake Government Agency Scams — The Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will never ask for personal information or payment over the phone. Official communication will always come through the mail. If you receive threatening calls demanding immediate payment or personal information, hang up and contact the agencies directly.
• Credit Score Scams — Scammers may claim they can improve your credit score or eliminate debt for a fee. Legitimate companies do not operate this way. Consult your bank, accountant, or financial advisor for help with credit issues.

Other Creative Threats

• Grandparent Scams — Scammers may pose as a grandchild in distress, asking for money to resolve an emergency. Always verify the situation by contacting other family members before responding.
• Romance Scams — Be cautious on dating sites and social media. Scammers create fake profiles to build relationships and eventually ask for money. Never send money or personal information to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Gift Card Scams — Scammers may instruct you to buy gift cards for various reasons and then ask for the card’s PIN. Once they have the PIN, they can use the funds. Legitimate businesses will never ask for payment in gift cards.
• Sweepstakes or Lottery Winner Scams — Scammers claim you’ve won a prize but need your bank information or a payment to collect it. Legitimate sweepstakes do not ask for upfront fees.

Recovering from Senior Scammers in 2024

If a senior falls victim to a scam, it’s crucial to act quickly to mitigate the damage:

1. 1. Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company — Immediately report unauthorized transactions or compromised accounts. They can freeze your accounts and help prevent further losses.
2. 2. File a Police Report — This provides an official record of the crime, which can be helpful when disputing fraudulent charges.
3. 3. Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — Visit identitytheft.gov to report the scam and get a personalized recovery plan.
4. 4. Place a Fraud Alert — Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This makes it harder for scammers to open new accounts in your name.
5. 5. Monitor Your Credit Report — Regularly check your credit reports for any new fraudulent activity. You can get a free report annually from each bureau at annualcreditreport.com.
6. 6. Change Your Passwords — Update passwords for your online accounts, making them stronger and more secure. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
7. 7. Inform Medicare — If your Medicare information was compromised, report it to Medicare directly to prevent misuse of your healthcare benefits.

Remember: When in doubt, throw it out!  If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut, and don’t be afraid to end suspicious calls or emails. By staying informed about senior cyber safety and vigilant about safeguarding your information, you can protect yourself and other people in your life from scams that target seniors.

Make Your Move to a Secure Senior Living Community

Monroe Village in Monroe Township, New Jersey, has so much to offer independent seniors looking for an active lifestyle coupled with a worry-free plan for care in the future. That’s what it means to choose a Life Plan Community. Explore our variety of inviting floor plans, and then contact us for a tour.