Senior scams are fraudulent activities specifically targeted towards older adults. Scammers use various tactics to exploit the vulnerabilities of seniors and deceive them into providing personal information or money.

Older adults are often targeted because they may be more trusting, less familiar with new technologies, and may have accumulated more wealth over their lifetime. Scammers view them as easy targets for financial exploitation.

Some common senior scams include:

• Grandparent scams, where scammers pretend to be a grandchild in need of urgent financial help.
• Phishing scams, where scammers send fraudulent emails or messages to trick seniors into revealing personal information.
• Sweepstakes or lottery scams, where seniors are told they have won a prize but need to pay a fee to claim it.
• Medicare/health insurance scams, where scammers pose as representatives from insurance companies and request personal information.
• Home improvement scams, where scammers offer unnecessary repairs or services at inflated prices.

To protect themselves from scams, older adults can:

• Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages asking for personal information or money.
• Verify the identity of the person or organization before providing any sensitive information.
• Never share personal information, such as Social Security numbers or financial account details, with unknown individuals.
• Regularly review bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions.
• Stay informed about common scams and report any suspicious activities to local authorities.

If older adults become victims of scams, they should:

• Contact their bank or credit card company immediately to report any unauthorized transactions.
• File a complaint with their local law enforcement agency and provide all relevant details.
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or their country’s equivalent consumer protection agency.
• Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on their credit reports to prevent further unauthorized activities.
• Inform their family members or close friends to ensure they are aware of the situation and can provide support.