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By Heather Ward, Coordinator of Middlesex County Programs
Fraud targeting older adults is on the rise, with scammers becoming more sophisticated and deceptive than ever before. From phony lottery winnings to government impersonation calls, these schemes aim to trick seniors into handing over personal information, money, or access to their financial accounts.
According to the FBI, older adults lost more than $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023, a significant increase from previous years. (FBI) Unfortunately, many cases go unreported due to embarrassment or fear of losing financial independence.
Understanding how to recognize and prevent scams is crucial to protecting older adults from fraud. Whether you’re a senior yourself or a caregiver looking out for a loved one, knowing the common scams against seniors and how to take preventative steps can make all the difference.
This guide will walk you through the most widespread scams targeting seniors in 2025, how to identify warning signs, and actionable fraud prevention strategies to safeguard yourself and your loved ones.
Why Is Elder Fraud Prevention More Important Than Ever?
With the rapid expansion of digital technology, fraud targeting older adults has reached record levels. Scammers take advantage of seniors’ trusting nature, financial stability, and unfamiliarity with evolving digital scams, making them prime targets.
Elder Fraud Is on the Rise
According to the FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report, financial scams targeting adults over 60 resulted in over $3.4 billion in reported losses, an 11% increase from the previous year. This figure is likely underreported, as many victims feel too ashamed or afraid to come forward.
Why Are Seniors Targeted?
Scammers often target seniors for several reasons:
- Perceived Lack of Digital Awareness: Fraudsters assume older adults are less familiar with cybersecurity, making them easier to deceive.
- Financial Stability: Many seniors have savings, pensions, or retirement funds, making them attractive targets.
- Politeness & Trust: Older generations often come from a time when being courteous and trusting strangers was the norm, which scammers exploit.
- Memory & Cognitive Decline: Some seniors may have difficulty remembering financial transactions, making them vulnerable to repeat scams.
- Reluctance to Report Crimes: Many older adults feel embarrassed or worry that reporting fraud will make family members question their ability to manage finances.
The Emotional & Financial Impact of Fraud
Fraud doesn’t just cause financial losses—it affects mental health, trust, and overall well-being. Seniors who fall victim to scams may experience:
- Severe Financial Hardship: Many victims lose their life savings and have little time to recover.
- Emotional Distress & Anxiety: Feeling shame, embarrassment, or betrayal after being scammed can lead to depression.
- Loss of Independence: Victims may become more isolated or have family members take over their finances, leading to feelings of helplessness.
How Awareness & Prevention Can Help
Elder fraud prevention isn’t just about stopping scams—it’s about empowering older adults with knowledge and confidence. When seniors recognize common fraud tactics and know how to respond, they’re less likely to fall victim.
- Education: Seniors and caregivers should stay informed on the latest scams and fraud prevention tactics.
- Open Conversations: Encouraging older adults to discuss financial safety with loved ones reduces the risk of secrecy and shame.
- Reporting Scams: The more scams are reported to agencies like the FTC and FBI, the easier it is to track fraudsters and prevent future victims.
With fraud schemes evolving daily, protecting older adults from scams is more important than ever. By staying vigilant, informed, and proactive, seniors can protect their financial security and independence while avoiding emotional distress.
Common Scams Against Seniors in 2025
Fraudsters continuously adapt their tactics to exploit older adults, often using deception, fear, and urgency to manipulate their victims. Scammers frequently target seniors due to perceived financial stability and a lack of familiarity with digital fraud tactics. Below are some of the most common scams against seniors in 2025 and how to recognize them.
Lottery and Prize Scams
Who wouldn’t want to win a big cash prize? Scammers take advantage of this excitement by contacting seniors through phone calls, emails, or text messages, claiming they’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes. They might impersonate well-known organizations like Publishers Clearing House or claim to be from a government agency handling unclaimed funds.
The catch? Victims are told they must first pay taxes or processing fees before receiving their winnings. Fraudsters may request bank account details, wire transfers, or prepaid gift cards—methods that make it nearly impossible to recover lost funds.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Legitimate lotteries never require upfront payment to claim winnings.
- Verify the source by checking the official website of the lottery or prize organization.
- Hang up immediately if someone pressures you to act quickly or refuses to provide written confirmation.
IRS and Government Impersonation Scams
Scammers frequently pose as IRS agents or government officials, claiming that a senior owes back taxes or unpaid fees. They may use threatening language, stating that immediate payment is required or legal action will be taken.
A common red flag is when the scammer demands payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, none of which are legitimate payment methods for government agencies.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- The IRS and government agencies will never call, text, or email demanding immediate payment. They always communicate by mail first.
- Hang up and report suspicious calls to the IRS or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Never provide personal or banking information over the phone unless you initiated the contact.
The Grandparent Scam: A Growing Threat
One of the most emotionally manipulative scams targeting older adults is the Grandparent Scam. Fraudsters pretend to be a senior’s grandchild or a law enforcement officer, claiming the grandchild is in trouble—perhaps arrested, injured, or stranded in a foreign country.
Using social media and online searches, scammers gather personal details to sound convincing. They often pressure the victim to send money immediately, usually via wire transfer or gift cards, and instruct them not to tell anyone for fear of making matters worse.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Pause and verify—before acting, contact your grandchild or a family member to confirm the situation.
- Be wary of urgent requests—fraudsters rely on panic to cloud judgment.
- Never provide financial information or send money without confirming the caller’s identity.
Tech Support and Remote Access Scams
Many seniors fall victim to tech support scams, where fraudsters pose as representatives from companies like Microsoft, Apple, or antivirus providers. They claim the victim’s computer has been hacked or infected with malware and urge them to grant remote access so they can “fix” the issue.
Once inside the computer, scammers may install malware, steal passwords, or convince the victim to pay for unnecessary software or fake repairs.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Legitimate tech companies never initiate unsolicited calls about computer issues.
- Never allow remote access unless you have personally contacted a verified tech support service.
- Use strong antivirus software and keep your devices updated to reduce security risks.
Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams
As cryptocurrency grows in popularity, so do fraudulent investment schemes targeting older adults. Scammers promise high returns with little to no risk, often posing as financial advisors or investment managers.
A common scam involves fraudulent cryptocurrency investment platforms where seniors are tricked into transferring money to a fake exchange. These platforms vanish overnight, leaving victims with no way to recover their funds.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Be skeptical of “too-good-to-be-true” investment opportunities.
- Consult a trusted financial advisor before making any major investments.
- Only use well-known, regulated investment platforms.
Romance Scams Targeting Older Adults
Scammers take advantage of loneliness and trust by creating fake online dating profiles to lure seniors into fraudulent romantic relationships. They gain the victim’s trust over time and then ask for financial help due to a supposed emergency, medical bills, or travel expenses.
Victims may send money repeatedly, believing they are helping someone they love—only to realize the person never existed.
How to Avoid This Scam:
- Be cautious of online relationships that escalate quickly and involve money requests.
- Verify identities—use video calls or reverse image searches to check profile pictures.
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
Elder Fraud Prevention: Actionable Steps for Seniors and Caregivers
While fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, seniors and caregivers can take proactive steps to prevent scams. By implementing strong security practices, staying informed, and knowing where to report fraud, older adults can better protect their financial and personal information.
How to Block Scam Calls and Emails
Many scams begin with unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages. Fraudsters often pose as government agencies, banks, or tech support representatives attempting to trick seniors into giving out personal information.
How to Reduce Unwanted Calls & Emails:
- Ignore Unfamiliar Calls: If you don’t recognize the number, don’t answer. Scammers rely on people picking up to confirm the number is active.
- Hang Up on Suspicious Callers: If someone demands money, personal information, or immediate action, it’s okay to hang up—you don’t have to be polite.
- Beware of Phishing Emails & Texts: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown senders. Scammers often disguise emails to look like they’re from real companies or government agencies.
- Use Call-Blocking Technology: Many smartphones and landline providers offer scam call blocking. Set up caller ID filtering and block known scam numbers through your service provider.
Using the Do Not Call Registry to Reduce Fraud Attempts
Signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry can help limit the number of unsolicited calls from legitimate telemarketers, making it easier to identify potential scams.
How to Register Your Number:
- Call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.
- Visit www.DoNotCall.gov and enter your phone number.
- Registration is free and does not expire.
Important Notes:
- Scammers can still call you, but most legitimate telemarketers will stop contacting registered numbers.
- If you continue receiving unwanted calls, they are likely scams—hang up and report them.
Reporting Scams: Where and How to Get Help
If you or a loved one suspects fraud or has been targeted by a scam, reporting it can help prevent future victims and assist authorities in tracking fraudsters.
Who to Contact:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): Report online scams at www.ic3.gov.
- State Attorney General’s Office: Find your state’s consumer protection division to report fraud.
- Local Law Enforcement: If you’ve lost money to a scam, file a police report—it may help in recovery efforts.
What to Include in a Fraud Report:
- The scammer’s phone number, email, or website
- Details about what they said and how they contacted you
- Any financial losses or suspicious transactions
Taking proactive fraud prevention measures can protect seniors from devastating financial losses and emotional distress. By blocking scam calls and emails, using the Do Not Call Registry, and reporting fraud, older adults can stay one step ahead of scammers and maintain financial security and independence.