12 Scary Scams That Seniors Need To Watch Out For

Unfortunately, the older we become, the more vulnerable we are. There are several scams floating around right now that target seniors. Be on the lookout!

Getting a call from the Internal Revenue Service can rattle any of us, but beware if you get a call that says it’s from the IRS, Medicare or Social Security office. Scammers will say that you owe back taxes or have fees that, if not paid immediately, will have serious consequences like arrest. 

Just so you know: These government offices will never call you asking for money.

We all have our heartstrings pulled when it comes to helping those less fortunate. While sometimes you get a legitimate call from a charity seeking donations, it’s hard to tell these days, because scammers can easily pretend to be looking for legitimate donations.

If in doubt, ask for a website you can visit to learn more about the organization and make your donation. You can also search for the organization on your own and call to make your donation via telephone. This way you can make sure you have the right charity.

Who doesn’t dream of getting a call that we’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes? Red flags should rise if they ask for money to cover taxes and fees, or if they ask for a bank account to deposit your winnings into.

Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

This scam may come to your inbox, so keep a lookout. It’s all too easy to create an email that looks like it’s coming from Amazon, so look at the email address to see if it’s from Amazon.com. The email may ask you to verify an order with personal or financial information or ask you to resubmit a payment for an order you didn’t make.

If you use Amazon, log into your account to see if it’s a legitimate request.

These scams are running rampant. When you answer the phone, you may hear a voice ask, “Can you hear me?” Naturally, you’ll respond “yes,” and then the person hangs up.

What’s happening is the scammer is recording your voice, so they can use it to authorize charges on stolen credit cards in your name. The best thing you can do is hang up without saying anything.

This scam is big on WhatsApp. You’ll receive a text that appears to be from your child or grandchild: “Hey Gran, it’s me. I lost my phone and am using a friend’s.” 

It’s not long before this person, pretending to be your grandchild, asks for money. Naturally, many people fall for this, thinking their sweet grandchildren are in need. Always call your grandchildren on their phone number to see if it is indeed them before sending money.

The same scam can happen on the phone. You’ll hear, “Hey Gran, it’s me.” They’ll wait for you to say the name of the grandchild they sound like, and then they’ll proceed to tell you they’re in trouble and that they need money.

Many seniors are intimidated by technology, so when they receive a call saying they have a virus on their computer, it’s natural for them to be afraid and want to do what the person on the line says. This is a big no-no, because usually, the scammer wants to install software that will aid them in stealing your identity.

If you are worried about your computer, take it to a repair facility. Never try to resolve issues by accepting a call from someone claiming to be tech support unless you have called them.

Another scam preys on the lonely. These scammers will set up profiles on social media or dating apps, and they’ll strike up a conversation via messenger. They’ll pour on the compliments in an effort to win your trust. Conveniently, they’ll say they live overseas (that way, you can’t ask to meet them).

Over time, you’ll build a rapport with them, and the time will come when they ask for money so they can come visit you, or to pay for medical expenses. If you haven’t met this person face-to-face, don’t trust them.

Another scam phone call you may receive will say it’s from your bank’s fraud prevention department. They’ll want to verify information using your Social Security number or bank account. Never, ever give this information over the phone. They can use this information to access your account or open new accounts in your name.

Many seniors are interested in investing, which is great, but scammers know this. They’ll call with an irresistible offer to see a high return on your investment. Cryptocurrency is a popular scam right now since many seniors know so little about it. 

If you are offered an investment on the phone, turn it down and do your own research.

Phishing happens when a scammer creates an email that looks like it comes from a legitimate company. In these emails, you may be asked to click a link to reset your password or to provide other personal information.

Start by looking at the return email. If it doesn’t end with the legitimate company’s website, it’s likely a scam. And if you don’t even have an account with that company, send the email to spam and move on.

This is an email scam to look out for, and it’s been going around for years. You’ll get an email from someone in a foreign country (often Nigeria) who has a long story about their riches and how they’re trying to safely get their money out of the country. They’ll ask for your help, which involves giving them your bank account information so they can deposit these funds into your account. They will, of course, give you a hefty cut for your service.

No one is going to give you money out of the blue. This is just a way for them to take money out of your account.