Scams Targeting Seniors

Blog Category: Tech

Learn about the following scams that target older adults so you can be empowered to make informed choices. If you or someone you know is a victim of a fraud or scam, file a complaint at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

“I’ve had many years of computer and phone experience, and as we age, it’s important to keep up with technology to stay independent and connected.”

– Nancy, Wesley Woods resident

Broadcast and Digital Scams

Whether you’re online or enjoying public broadcasting, take precautions with these common scams:

  • Internet Fraud: Pop-up windows simulating anti-virus software encourage victims to either pay a fee to protect their computer or secretly download an actual virus that makes sensitive information vulnerable.
  • Smishing, Phishing, and Spam: Victims receive texts or emails from someone posing as a legitimate institution or organization asking them to update or verify their personal information.
  • TV and Radio: Even when we’re watching TV or listening to the radio, there are false advertisements for products that scammers want you to call in or go online to purchase.

Emotional Scams

Scammers will take advantage of your emotions and vulnerability through:

  • Funeral Scams: Scammers will take a look at the obituaries and attend funerals to prey on those grieving and claiming their loved one owed a debt. Disreputable funeral homes may also try to capitalize on your grief and lack of knowledge on funeral costs.
  • Romance Scams: If you are fighting social isolation and interested in dating again, scammers will try to engage in a “relationship” with you in person or online through dating sites and social media, then ask you to help them financially.

Financial Scams

We’re more interested in financial growth and preservation as we age, and that’s why scammers will try to approach you with:

  • Homeowner Scams: Scammers are interested in the value of your home and will implement refinancing schemes, reverse mortgage scams, and property tax scams disguised as a professional.
  • Investment Schemes: Complex financial products, inheritance claims, pyramid schemes, and too-good-to-be-true loans and advance fees all try to get you to buy into an investment option that isn’t real.

Health Scams

Health and wellness also become more important to us over time, so be mindful of these scams:

  • Counterfeit Prescription Drugs: Prescriptions can be expensive, and that’s why these false advertisements for specialized medications have significantly better prices, but don’t be fooled.
  • Health Insurance Fraud: Scammers pose as a Medicare or Medicaid representative to either provide false services at a makeshift clinic and pocket the money they “bill” insurance, or get victims to reveal personal information.
  • Skin Products: From anti-aging creams to Botox, scammers create and sell harmful skin products at a low cost, then take victims’ payments.

Impersonation Scams

You might think you’re talking to a trusted source, but these are common impersonation scams to watch out for:

  • Family Emergencies: Scammers pose as a relative, like a sibling, child, or even grandchild, and claim to be in immediate financial need.
  • Government Officials: Scammers pretend to work for government agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to pay.
  • Home Repair: These in-person scammers charge victims in advance for home maintenance or improvement services they’ll never receive.
  • Tech Support: These remote scammers impersonate technology support representatives, claiming to fix nonexistent computer issues to gain access to victims’ devices and sensitive information.

Sales and Promotional Scams

Be cautious of spending money on things you are passionate about or enjoy, as they could also be a scam:

  • Lottery and Sweepstakes: Scammers inform their victims that they’ve won and need to make a payment to unlock their prize.
  • Telemarketing: These phone call scams encourage victims to buy items or donate to a charity that doesn’t exist or is disreputable.
  • Travel Scams: Victims who love to travel or are seasonal snowbirds are informed by scammers they’ve been selected to enjoy a free vacation or special offer on a timeshare, but will need to pay for it first.

Take control of your life and start looking ahead with our free ebook, Planning for Your Long-term Future!

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.