How to Avoid Online Scams Aimed at Seniors

Common Online Scams That Target Seniors

Romance Scams

These scams are among the most devastating—and they’re on the rise. Reports of romance scams to the Federal Trade Commission increased by 80 percent from 2020 to 2021, with $547 million in losses that year.3  Scammers build fake relationships through dating apps, dating sites, or social media, then ask for money after gaining the victim’s trust. Watch out for:

• “Love” or devotion expressed very early
• Refusal to meet in person or even to video chat
• Stories about emergencies that require money
• Inconsistent details or poor grammar
• Requests for wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency

Tech Support Scams

These scams start with a phone call or a pop-up claiming a computer virus or hack. The scammer offers to fix the issue for a fee and may ask to access the device remotely. Remind your loved one that:

• Real companies like Microsoft or Apple don’t call out of the blue.
• Never give remote access to your devices to a stranger.
• Don’t pay for tech help without verifying it through a company’s official website.

If they’re unsure, encourage them to hang up and call you or another trusted person before they do anything.

Medicare and Health Insurance Scams

These scams often show up as phone calls, emails, or even fake websites offering new Medicare cards, free medical equipment, or COVID-19 services. Common red flags include:

• Requests for Medicare or Social Security numbers
• Promises of free equipment with no doctor’s visit
• Fake surveys that ask for personal information like your name, address, phone number, birth date, or Social Security number
• Scare tactics about losing coverage

Make sure your loved one knows that Medicare will never call and ask for personal details or payment over the phone.

Investment and Financial Scams

Seniors may be targeted with fake investment opportunities promising “guaranteed” returns. Some even come disguised as real estate or cryptocurrency deals. Be cautious of:

• “Once in a lifetime” opportunities
• High pressure to act quickly
• Confusing or secretive explanations
• Upfront fees or requests for your financial information, like your credit or debit card number, bank account information, etc.
• Advisors who can’t prove their credentials

Government Impersonation Scams

These scams involve fake calls or emails from the IRS, Social Security, or other agencies. They may say your loved one owes money or their benefits are in danger of being cut off. These are the key things to know to avoid government impersonation scams:

• Real government agencies send letters first, not calls or texts.
• They won’t ask for payment by gift card, cash app, or wire transfer.
• They’ll never threaten arrest or deportation over the phone.

If your loved one receives a call like this, have them hang up and contact the agency directly using the official number.

Early Warning Signs to Watch For

Whether it’s a romance scam or a government impersonation scam, these are the red flags to be aware of.

Suspicious Communication

Spotting strange emails, texts, or phone calls early can prevent a lot of harm. Look out for:

• Generic greetings like “Dear Customer”
• Spelling or grammar mistakes
• Urgent messages demanding action
• Links to unfamiliar websites
• Attachments from people you don’t know

And on the phone:

• Pressure to make a payment right away
• Threats or scare tactics
• Callers refusing to let you hang up or verify their identity

If something feels off, it probably is.

Unusual Financial Activity

Pay attention to:

• Unexplained withdrawals
• New credit cards or loans
• Changes in account settings or passwords
• Bills not getting paid as usual
• Sudden interest in unfamiliar financial products

Behavioral Changes

Scams don’t just hurt financially. They can also cause confusion, shame, and distress. Here are some signs that something might be wrong with the older adult in your life:

• They’ve become more secretive about how they use their phone or computer.
• They’ve mentioned a new friend or romantic interest they’ve never met in person.
• They brush off your offers to help with technology or avoid showing you what they’re doing online.
• They’ve started expressing sudden worry about money, privacy, or financial security.
• You’ve noticed unusual purchases or unexpected cash withdrawals that don’t seem to match their usual habits.

Start the conversation early, and keep it supportive. Let them know you’re on their team.

Helping Seniors Stay Safe Online

With some teamwork, you can help your senior stay safe online.

Building Digital Skills Together

It’s never too late to learn. Many seniors are more than capable of navigating the internet safely—they just need someone to guide them. Focus on:

• Creating strong passwords using a password manager. We recommend LastPass, which integrates across all devices, from cell phones to streaming services, so you’ll never have to click “Forget Password” again.
• How to spot fake emails and scam websites
• Setting up two-factor authentication on accounts
• Adjusting privacy settings on social media
• Safe online shopping and banking habits

Setting Up Safe Devices

Take some time to make sure your loved one’s devices are protected. Here are some things you can do to protect the senior’s devices:

• Install antivirus software and run updates regularly.
• Set strong passwords for Wi-Fi and devices. LastPass also has a free password generator you can use to make a long, complicated, and unique password for each account.
• Use secure, reputable browsers with pop-up blockers.
• Set up bookmarks to important websites to avoid typing errors.
• Turn on automatic software and system updates.
• Use identity theft protection services.

Creating a Communication Plan

Having a plan in place makes it easier to catch scams early. Consider:

• Encouraging your loved one to call you before clicking links or sending money
• Creating a “scam code word” for suspicious messages
• Setting up shared access to online accounts for oversight
• Reviewing account statements together every month
• Signing up for scam alert newsletters from trusted organizations like AARP

What to Do if a Scam Happens

Even with the most careful of precautions, scams are still possible. If your loved one has been scammed, take action quickly and calmly.

Act Fast

Within the first 24 to 48 hours, you should:

• Call your bank or credit card company to freeze your accounts.
• Change the passwords on all your compromised accounts.
• Contact the FTC to report the scam.
• Notify the three major credit-reporting bureaus to put a fraud alert on your credit report.
• File a police report if any money was stolen.

Emotional Recovery Matters Too

Being scammed can feel deeply personal. Your loved one may be embarrassed or hesitant to talk about it.

Reassure them:

• They are not alone.
• Scammers are professionals who fool even tech-savvy people.
• You’re proud of them for speaking up.
• You’ll get through it together and will be stronger for it.

If they’re feeling overwhelmed, encourage them to speak with a counselor or join a support group.

Preventing Future Scams

Here’s how to avoid scams in the future.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Set up systems that add extra layers of protection:

• Two-factor authentication for bank and email accounts
• Account alerts for large or unusual transactions
• Call-blocking apps or landline filters
• Credit monitoring services
• Fraud alerts with the credit bureaus

These steps can help stop a scam before it causes real harm.

Involve the Whole Family

Make scam prevention a team effort. Keep each other informed about common tactics and talk openly about any red flags.

Share updates from:

• AARP’s Fraud Watch Network4
• FTC’s consumer alerts
• State Attorney General offices
• Local senior centers and community programs

The more we all know, the better we can protect those we love.