Common Scams Targeting Seniors — and How to Protect Yourself
Over Christmas, I met a man whose story has stayed with me and still weighs heavily on my heart. He had lost over one million dollars to a scammer. The financial devastation forced him to sell the home he had lived in for 20 years—a place filled with memories, stability, and pride—and move in with his brother. He was an accomplished man, a West Point graduate, and a Lieutenant Colonel who had spent a lifetime serving his country. If someone with his intelligence, discipline, and life experience could be deceived, it is a powerful reminder that scams can happen to anyone, and why we all must remain vigilant.
Scammers increasingly target older adults because they believe seniors are more trusting, have established savings, and may be less familiar with rapidly changing technology. These criminals are skilled at creating fear, urgency, and emotional pressure.
While the stories they tell may differ, the goal is always the same: to get your money or your personal information. Understanding both how these scams work and how to protect yourself at each step is the best defense.
Government Impostor Scams: Social Security and the IRS
Two of the most common scams involve criminals pretending to be from the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service. In these scams, you may receive a phone call claiming your Social Security number has been suspended, your benefits are at risk, or you owe back taxes. The caller often threatens arrest, account seizure, or loss of benefits if you do not act immediately.
To sound legitimate, scammers may use robocalls, fake badge numbers, or a caller ID that looks like it belongs to a government office. They may demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or prepaid debit cards.
How to protect yourself
Government agencies do not call unexpectedly to demand personal information or immediate payment. They will never ask you to pay with gift cards or threaten arrest over the phone. If you receive such a call, hang up. Do not press any numbers or continue the conversation. If you are concerned, contact the agency directly using an official phone number listed on a bill or on a government website.Taking time to verify protects you from being pressured into a costly mistake.
Tech Support Scams: When “Help” Causes Harm
Tech support scams often begin with an alarming phone call or a pop-up message warning that your computer has a virus or has been hacked. The scammer claims to be a technician from a well-known company and insists the problem must be fixed immediately. Their goal is to create panic so you act before thinking clearly.
Once access is granted, scammers invent problems, charge for unnecessary services, and may even install harmful software that allows them continued access to your computer and personal information. Some later call back to offer a refund, then claim they accidentally refunded too much money and pressure victims to send the “difference” via gift cards.
One particularly troubling example involved a client of ours who had scheduled a legitimate tech support appointment. Unknown to him, his email account had already been hacked. The scammer saw the appointment confirmation and called just minutes before the real technician was due to call. Because the timing seemed perfect, the client believed the call was legitimate and stayed on the line.
When the actual tech support provider called, they immediately recognized what was happening and told him to hang up at once. Unfortunately, by then, damage had already been done. The scammer had gained access and caused financial and personal harm—all because the call appeared to come at exactly the “right” time.
This example shows just how sophisticated and convincing tech support scams have become. Scammers do not rely on chance; they actively monitor compromised accounts and use real information to appear legitimate.
How to protect yourself:
Legitimate tech companies do not monitor your computer and will not contact you out of the blue. If you see a pop-up warning, do not click it—close your browser or turn off the computer. Never allow remote access unless you personally contact a trusted service provider. Keep your computer updated with security software and ask a trusted friend or professional for help if you are unsure.Lottery Scams: The Prize That Never Comes
Lottery scams involve callers claiming you have won a large prize—cash, cars, or luxury vacations. They may say they are lawyers, customs officials, or lottery representatives and explain that before you can receive your winnings, you must first pay fees for taxes, insurance, or shipping.
This is exactly what happened to the gentleman mentioned at the beginning of this article. He was told he had won a substantial prize and that paying a series of required fees would unlock his winnings. Each payment led to another request, each one sounding official and urgent. Over time, those payments added up to more than one million dollars. By the time he realized it was a scam, his savings were gone. An FBI case was opened, but nothing could be done. The money was gone.
Lottery scammers are relentless. On the day I met him, he said they had called him over 12 times already. Once someone pays once, they are often targeted repeatedly, convinced they are “almost there.” No prize ever exists—only ongoing demands for more money.
How to protect yourself:
If you did not enter a lottery or buy a ticket, you did not win. Legitimate lotteries do not require upfront payments to claim a prize. Never send money, gift cards, or personal information to claim winnings. If you are told to keep the prize secret or act quickly, stop immediately. Talk with a trusted family member, friend, or advisor before sending money. That conversation alone can prevent a devastating loss.Romance Scams: When Trust Is Exploited
Romance scams begin on dating websites, social media, or messaging apps. Scammers create fake profiles and build emotional connections over time. They may express affection quickly, avoid meeting in person, and eventually ask for money due to emergencies, medical bills, or travel problems.
In some cases, victims are also manipulated into receiving and forwarding money or packages, unknowingly becoming involved in illegal activity.
How to protect yourself:
Be cautious of online relationships that move too fast or involve requests for money. Never send money, gift cards, or personal information to someone you have not met in person. Talk openly with a trusted family member or friend about online relationships before making financial decisions. Outside perspectives can reveal warning signs that are easy to miss when emotions are involved.
Strengthening Your Overall Protection
While scams take many forms, strong protective habits can help you avoid nearly all of them.
Slow down and resist pressure. Scammers rely on fear and urgency—legitimate organizations do not. Guard your personal information carefully and share it only when you initiate contact using verified sources.
Never pay anyone using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These payment methods are a clear sign of fraud. Monitor your bank and credit card statements regularly, and set up alerts for unusual activity if available.
Most importantly, break the silence. Scammers often instruct victims not to tell anyone. Always involve someone you trust before sending money or sharing sensitive information. A short conversation can prevent a life-changing loss. Please call us if you think you are being scammed!
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you believe you have been targeted, stop communicating immediately. Call us, and contact your bank or credit card company right away and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission. If a government agency was impersonated, notify that agency directly. Reporting scams helps protect you and others.
Final Thoughts
Scammers are persistent, but knowledge and caution are powerful defenses. By understanding common scams and practicing strong protective habits, you can confidently guard your finances and personal information. You have worked hard for what you have—take the time to protect it.
Questions? We offer a complimentary 15-minute call to discuss your concerns and explore how we can assist you.
This material was written in collaboration with artificial intelligence (ChatGPT) and derived from sources believed to be correct.
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