Recent FBI data reveals a staggering $3.4 billion stolen from Americans over 60 in 2023 alone, with losses continuing to climb in 2025. Scammers increasingly target older adults who may have substantial savings, live alone, or have less familiarity with emerging technologies. The newest threat (AI-powered scams) makes traditional advice like “trust your ears” dangerously outdated. This comprehensive guide outlines today’s most prevalent scams and provides practical strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Grandparent Scam
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That late-night call makes your heart stop. A crying voice claims to be your grandchild, arrested or hospitalized abroad. They need money wired immediately. Don’t panic. Real emergencies rarely demand instant cash transfers. Hang up and call your grandchild directly using a number you know. Contact their parents, too. Scammers count on your emotional reaction overriding logic. Your actual family won’t mind the verification.
Tech Support Scam
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Your screen freezes with alarming messages about viruses. A phone number appears, promising quick fixes. Microsoft and Apple never monitor individual computers this way. These fraudsters want remote access to steal your information or demand payment for nonexistent problems. Close your browser or restart your computer. If you need tech help, contact a trusted local service or ask a family member for a referral.
Medicare/Health Insurance Scam
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Someone calls about “updating your Medicare information” or offering special discounts on supplemental coverage. They sound professional and reference recent healthcare changes. Medicare representatives never cold-call requesting personal details. They already have your information. Legitimate Medicare communications come by mail with your personal Medicare number. Tell callers you’ll contact Medicare directly using the official number on your card.
Romance Scam
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A friend request leads to daily messages from someone who seems perfect. They share similar interests and shower you with attention. Soon, they mention financial troubles—medical bills, travel costs to meet you, or business opportunities. Real relationships develop slowly and locally. Anyone rushing intimacy while avoiding video calls raises red flags. Tell potential dates you’ll meet in public first—legitimate partners will understand.
Government Impersonation Scam
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The caller claims to be from the IRS or Social Security Administration. They say you owe money or face immediate arrest. Government agencies never demand immediate payment, especially via gift cards or wire transfers. They contact you first by mail, never threatening arrest over the phone. Hang up and verify any concerns by calling official numbers from government websites, not numbers the caller provides.
Lottery or Prize Scam
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The email announces you’ve won an international lottery or sweepstakes you never entered. All you need to do is pay taxes or fees upfront to collect millions. Real prizes never require advance payment. Legitimate lotteries deduct taxes after awarding winnings. If you can’t recall entering a contest, you didn’t win anything. Delete these messages without clicking any links or responding.
Fake Check Scam
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Someone sends you a check for more than agreed, asking you to deposit it and return the difference. The bank initially credits your account, so everything seems legitimate. Days later, the check bounces, but you’ve already sent real money. Banks must make funds available quickly by law, but checks can take weeks to fully clear. Wait at least two weeks before spending money from unexpected checks.
Online Shopping Scam
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That advertisement offers amazing discounts on popular items from unfamiliar websites. You pay but receive nothing, or get counterfeit goods. Stick with established retailers or verify unknown stores through Better Business Bureau reviews. Check the website URL carefully for misspellings. Use credit cards for purchases since they offer better fraud protection than debit cards or payment apps.
Funeral/Cemetery Scam
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Shortly after a loved one’s death, you receive bills for services they supposedly ordered or debts they owed. Grief clouds judgment, making this particularly cruel. Scammers scan obituaries to target vulnerable families. Designate a clear-headed family member to handle all financial matters during bereavement. Request written verification of any unexpected bills, then verify them with the executor before paying anything.
Investment Scam
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A “financial advisor” promises guaranteed high returns with no risk, often mentioning cryptocurrency or exclusive opportunities. They pressure you to act now before the chance disappears. Legitimate investments involve risk, and advisors must be registered. Ask for their credentials and verify them through FINRA’s BrokerCheck website. Anyone rushing your financial decisions likely has something to hide.
Home Repair Scam
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After storms, “contractors” appear at your door, offering immediate repairs at special prices. They demand large upfront payments, then disappear or perform shoddy work. Reputable contractors rarely solicit door-to-door. Get multiple written estimates for any home repairs. Check licenses, insurance, and references before hiring anyone. Pay in installments as work progresses, never the full amount upfront.
Charity Scam
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Following disasters, requests for donations flood in from unfamiliar organizations. They claim to help victims but provide vague details about how funds are used. Research charities before donating using Charity Navigator or GuideStar. Legitimate organizations provide clear information about their work and don’t pressure you for immediate decisions. Consider supporting established local charities where you can see the impact.
Phishing Email Scam
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An urgent email appears to come from your bank, Amazon, or another familiar company. It claims account problems require immediate action through a provided link. The link leads to fake websites designed to steal your login credentials. Look closely at the sender’s address for subtle misspellings. Legitimate companies don’t request personal information via email. Log into accounts directly through official apps or websites you type yourself.
Utility Bill Scam
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The caller claims to be from the electric or gas company, threatening immediate service disconnection unless you pay now. Utility companies send multiple written notices before disconnection and never demand specific payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers. Call your utility company directly using the number on your bill to verify any payment requests. Most offer payment plans if you’re struggling.
Reverse Mortgage Scam
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Advertisements promise easy money from your home equity without mentioning high fees or risks. Salespeople rush you through paperwork, glossing over terms that could cost you your home. Only work with FHA-approved counselors for reverse mortgages. The counseling session is required by law and provides all options and costs. Include family members or financial advisors in discussions about major home equity decisions.
Subscription Trap Scam
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You sign up for a free trial but find mysterious charges months later. The fine print contained automatic renewal terms and cancellation is deliberately complicated. Before providing payment information for “free” offers, check the terms carefully. Mark your calendar when trials end. Use virtual credit card numbers that expire or can be canceled easily. Monitor your statements monthly for unexpected charges.
Debt Collection Scam
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An aggressive caller demands payment for debts you don’t recognize, threatening legal action. They have some personal information, making them sound legitimate. Real debt collectors must send written validation notices within five days of contact. Request this documentation before discussing any debt. Legitimate collectors cannot threaten arrest or use abusive language. Report harassers to the FTC and your state attorney general.
Travel Scam
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The email offers an incredible vacation package at an unbelievable price. After paying the deposit, communication stops or additional fees appear. Research travel companies through the Better Business Bureau and read traveler reviews. Use credit cards for bookings since they offer dispute options if services aren’t delivered. Be especially wary of deals significantly below market rates for popular destinations.
Gift Card Scam
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Someone calls claiming to be tech support, a government agent, or a utility worker demanding immediate payment via gift cards. They direct you to nearby stores to purchase cards and read the numbers over the phone. No legitimate business or government agency accepts gift cards as payment. These requests always indicate fraud. Gift cards work like cash. Once the numbers are shared, the money disappears forever.
Social Media Scam
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A message from a “friend” mentions a great opportunity or asks for help. Their account has been hacked or cloned. The scammer wants your personal information or money. Contact friends through other means before responding to unusual requests. Use privacy settings to limit what strangers see on your profile. Remember that fraudsters study your posts to craft believable stories targeting your interests.
AI Voice Scam
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Your phone rings with a voice identical to your child or grandchild begging for emergency money. Voice cloning technology now creates convincing deepfakes from small audio samples posted online. Establish a family verification system—a code word or personal question only family members would know. Tell callers you’ll call back on their known number, then do so. Real relatives will appreciate your caution.
Conclusion
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While scammers grow more sophisticated each year, your best defense remains skepticism toward urgent requests and unsolicited offers. Take time to verify identities, research companies, and consult trusted friends or family before sending money or sharing personal information. Remember the golden rule: if something sounds too good to be true or creates a sense of panic, pause and investigate. A simple delay often reveals the red flags that high-pressure tactics try to obscure. By staying informed and maintaining healthy suspicion, you can protect yourself and help others avoid becoming part of next year’s fraud statistics.