Thanks to ChatGPT!
Ed note: To the below list from my inquiry to ChatGPT I’d add the following: don’t click on any link unless you know its a trusted source; check the email address of a sender which often shows a bogus address; beware of emails saying click here to hear a voice mail or click here to get a post office package sent to you that’s being held; don’t believe financial threatening emails saying your account has been hacked and you need to transfer money out to protect yourself. More ingenious scams will be no doubt be forthcoming. It’s sad but true that we need to be very distrustful when on the internet.
Scammers often target seniors because they may be more trusting, less familiar with modern scams, or have accumulated savings. Here are some common scams that seniors should be aware of and how to avoid them:
Common Scams Targeting Seniors
- Medicare & Health Insurance Scams
- Scammers pretend to be from Medicare or an insurance company, claiming the senior needs to verify or update their information.
- How to Avoid: Never share personal or financial information over the phone. Medicare will never call to ask for your personal details.
- Grandparent Scam
- The scammer pretends to be a grandchild in trouble (e.g., arrested, in an accident) and urgently asks for money.
- How to Avoid: Always verify the caller’s identity. Call the actual family member or another trusted person before sending money.
- Tech Support Scams
- A pop-up or caller claims to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another tech company, stating that the computer has a virus and needs remote access or payment to fix it.
- How to Avoid: Legitimate tech companies don’t make unsolicited calls. Never grant remote access to your computer.
- Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams
- Victims receive a call or email saying they’ve won a prize but must first pay fees or taxes to claim it.
- How to Avoid: If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win. Real lotteries don’t require upfront payments.
- Romance Scams
- Scammers build online relationships with seniors to gain their trust and then ask for money for emergencies, travel, or investments.
- How to Avoid: Be cautious of online relationships where the person avoids meeting in real life and asks for money.
- Charity Scams
- Fake charities, especially after disasters, solicit donations from seniors.
- How to Avoid: Research charities before donating (check Charity Navigator or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance).
- Investment & Financial Scams
- Scammers offer “guaranteed” high-return investments, often in real estate, cryptocurrency, or gold.
- How to Avoid: Be skeptical of too-good-to-be-true offers. Consult a financial advisor before investing.
- IRS & Social Security Scams
- Scammers claim you owe back taxes or your Social Security benefits will be suspended unless you provide personal info or payment.
- How to Avoid: The IRS and Social Security Administration will never demand immediate payment or threaten arrest over the phone.
- Home Repair Scams
- Fraudsters offer low-cost home repairs, demand payment upfront, and disappear without doing the work.
- How to Avoid: Hire only licensed and verified contractors. Never pay in full upfront.
- Bank Impersonation Scams
- Scammers pose as bank representatives asking for account details to fix a security breach.
- How to Avoid: Banks never ask for sensitive info via phone, email, or text. Contact your bank directly if unsure.
Tips to Avoid Scams
✅ Be skeptical of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts.
✅ Never give personal information (Social Security, bank details, Medicare number) to unknown callers.
✅ Verify stories before sending money.
✅ Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on accounts.
✅ Talk to a trusted friend or family member before making financial decisions.
✅ Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.