🚨🚨 5 Senior Scams to Watch For Right Now 🚨🚨

Scammers specifically target seniors because they tend to have savings, good credit, and are often home to answer the phone. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Americans over 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023 alone — more than any other age group. The tactics change constantly, but the pressure is always the same: act fast, don't tell anyone, and pay now.

Here are five scams that are active right now and what to watch for.

A caller or pop-up says your computer has a virus and demands remote access or payment.

These scams often start with a realistic-looking alert on your screen — sometimes with a loud alarm sound — claiming your computer has been compromised. The pop-up may display a phone number to call "Microsoft," "Apple," or your internet provider. Once you call, the scammer walks you through giving them remote access to your computer, then either steals your personal information or charges hundreds of dollars to "fix" a problem that never existed.

What to do: No legitimate tech company will ever call you out of the blue or display a pop-up asking you to call them. If this happens, do not call the number. Close your browser, restart your computer, and call a trusted family member or your local computer repair shop.

Source: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — consumer.ftc.gov

Scammers pretend to be from Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, or law enforcement and use fear to get personal information or money.

These callers are convincing. They may know your name, partial Social Security number, or address. They will tell you that your Social Security number has been "suspended" due to suspicious activity, that you owe back taxes and will be arrested if you don't pay immediately, or that your Medicare benefits are at risk. The goal is to create panic so you act without thinking.

What to do: The Social Security Administration, IRS, and Medicare will never call you and demand immediate payment or threaten arrest. Hang up immediately. If you are concerned, call the agency directly using the number listed on their official government website — not a number the caller gave you.

Source: Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General — oig.ssa.gov

Someone builds trust online, then asks for money for an emergency, travel, medical bills, or investments.

Romance scammers are patient and professional. They may spend weeks or months building a relationship through a dating site, Facebook, or even an online game. They are attentive, caring, and seem completely genuine. Then an emergency strikes — a medical crisis, a business deal gone wrong, a plane ticket to finally come meet you. The requests start small and grow larger over time.

The FBI reports that romance scams cost Americans over $650 million in 2023, with seniors being the most targeted group.

What to do: If someone you have never met in person asks you for money — no matter how long you have been talking or how real the relationship feels — the answer is no. Talk to a trusted friend or family member before sending anything.

Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) — ic3.gov

Fake "guaranteed returns," crypto opportunities, or retirement investments are used to steal savings.

These scams often arrive through social media ads, unsolicited calls, or referrals from people you know who were also victimized. They promise unusually high returns with little or no risk — a guaranteed 20% annually, an exclusive cryptocurrency platform, or a "limited time" retirement investment. Once you transfer your money, it is gone.

The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) consistently lists investment fraud as one of the top threats to retirees, with losses often in the tens of thousands of dollars per victim.

What to do: Legitimate investments never guarantee returns. Before moving any money — especially retirement savings — talk to a licensed financial advisor you found yourself through FINRA's BrokerCheck at brokercheck.finra.org. Never invest based on a cold call or social media ad.

Source: NASAA — nasaa.org | FINRA BrokerCheck — brokercheck.finra.org

You are told you won something, but must pay fees, taxes, or shipping before you can collect.

These scams arrive by phone, mail, or email. You are told you have won a large cash prize, a vacation, or a lottery — sometimes from a foreign country. To collect, you must first send a payment to cover taxes, processing fees, or shipping. Once you pay, the requests continue — and the prize never arrives.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network reports that lottery and sweepstakes scams are among the most common scams targeting people over 65, with victims sometimes losing their entire life savings before realizing it is a fraud.

What to do: If you won something, you do not pay to collect it. Ever. Any prize that requires upfront payment is a scam. Throw away the letter, delete the email, and hang up the phone.

Source: AARP Fraud Watch Network — aarp.org/money/scams-fraud

If someone pressures you to act fast, pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer, or asks for personal information over the phone or online — stop, hang up, and verify before doing anything.

Call a family member, a trusted friend, or your bank directly using a number you already know. Scammers rely on urgency and isolation. Slowing down and talking to someone you trust is the single most effective defense.

If you or someone you know has been targeted, report it:

• FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
• FBI IC3: ic3.gov
• AARP Fraud Helpline: 1-877-908-3360 (free, confidential)
• Your state attorney general's office

Reporting helps protect other seniors from the same tactics. You are not alone — and it is never too late to speak up.