Criminals are increasingly targeting seniors in elaborate scams, exploiting their trust, financial stability, and lack of familiarity with technology. According to the FBI, elder fraud scams resulted in seniors losing more than $3.4 billion in 2023, and this trend has risen in 2024-2025. It is more important than ever for seniors and their families to be aware of the most prevalent scams.
In this blog, we highlight the top 10 scams targeting seniors in 2025, providing real-world examples and prevention tips to stay safe.
1. Phishing Scams
Phishing scams involve fraudsters sending fake emails or texts that appear to come from trusted institutions, such as banks or government agencies. These emails aim to trick seniors into providing sensitive information, like Social Security numbers, passwords, or bank account details.
Recent News Example: In 2024, seniors in Florida were targeted by a phishing scam where fraudsters sent emails claiming to be from Medicare. The email asked them to update their personal information or risk losing their benefits. Many seniors fell victim and shared their Social Security and financial details, leading to identity theft.
Phishing Scams Prevention Tips:
- Never click on unsolicited emails or provide personal information.
- Always visit official websites or contact the institution directly to verify the legitimacy of the message.
2. Romance Scams
Romance scams exploit the emotions of seniors who may be looking for companionship online. Fraudsters pose as potential romantic partners on social media or dating sites, building trust over time before requesting money for fabricated emergencies.
Recent Recent News Example: In early 2024, a 68-year-old woman in California lost over $25,000 after falling victim to a romance scam. The scammer, posing as a soldier stationed overseas, built a long-term relationship with the woman, eventually convincing her to transfer money for a fake emergency.
Romance Scams Prevention Tips:
- Be cautious of online relationships that ask for money, especially if you haven’t met the person in real life.
- Never send money to someone you’ve only met online, no matter the reason.
3. Medicare/Healthcare Scams
Fraudsters often target seniors by posing as Medicare or health insurance representatives. These scammers call or email seniors, asking them to provide personal information or pay fees to access medical services or receive new Medicare cards.
Recent Recent News Example: In a 2024 Medicare scam in Texas, seniors were contacted by individuals pretending to be from Medicare. They were asked to verify personal details to receive their new Medicare cards, which led to the victims’ information being stolen and used for identity theft.
Medicare/Healthcare Scams Prevention Tips:
- Medicare representatives will never ask for personal information or payment over the phone.
- Report any suspicious calls to Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.
4. Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams involve fraudsters convincing seniors that their computers are infected with viruses. The scammers call or send pop-up warnings urging the victims to allow remote access to their devices or pay for fake repairs, which leads to data breaches and financial loss.
Recent News Example: In 2024, an elderly couple in Portland, Oregon, lost $44,000 to a tech support scam targeting seniors. They contacted what they thought was Facebook support but were tricked by scammers who gained remote access to their computer, stealing their banking information and draining their accounts.
Tech Support Scams Prevention Tips:
- Never grant remote access to your computer to unsolicited callers.
- Use legitimate antivirus software and be cautious of pop-up warnings from unknown sources.
5. Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams
Seniors are often told they’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes but need to pay fees or taxes before claiming their prize. Once payment is made, the scammer disappears, and there is no prize.
Recent News Example: In 2024, an Iowa woman was deceived by a lottery scam, falsely informed she had won $5.5 million. The scammer convinced her to pay $2,000 upfront, only for her to realize it was a fraud after further payment demands.
Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams Prevention Tips:
- Legitimate lotteries do not ask winners to pay fees upfront.
- If you’re contacted about winning a prize, verify it through official channels before taking any action.
6. Online Shopping Fraud
Fraudsters create fake online stores offering products at discounted prices. Seniors, looking for good deals, may unknowingly enter their payment information on these fake websites, leading to theft.
Recent News Example: In 2024, experts issued warnings about Christmas shopping scams targeting consumers on platforms like Facebook. Fraudsters lure shoppers with fake advertisements offering deep discounts, tricking them into providing payment details for products that are never delivered.
Online Shopping Fraud Prevention Tips:
- Only shop from reputable websites and verify their authenticity before making a purchase.
- Check online reviews and use secure payment methods when shopping online.
7. Robocalls
Seniors often receive robocalls claiming to be from the IRS or other government agencies. The automated message threatens legal action unless immediate payment is made, usually through gift cards or wire transfers.
Recent News Example: In Florida in 2024, seniors received robocalls from scammers posing as IRS agents. The robocalls warned them of unpaid taxes and demanded payment in gift cards to avoid legal consequences.
Robocalls Prevention Tips:
- Government agencies, like the IRS, will never request payment over the phone or via gift cards.
- Avoid responding to robocalls, and report them to the FTC.
8. Grandparent Scams
In this scam, seniors receive a phone call from someone pretending to be their grandchild in trouble. The scammer requests money to resolve a fabricated emergency, such as bail or medical expenses.
Recent News Example: In a 2024 case in California, a senior was scammed out of $50,000 after receiving a call from someone posing as her grandson, claiming to need money for bail after a car accident.
Grandparent Scams Prevention Tips:
- Always verify the identity of the caller by asking personal questions only your family member would know.
- Contact other family members to confirm the story before sending any money.
9. Investment Scams
Investment scams, particularly those involving cryptocurrency, promise high returns with minimal risk. Scammers often target seniors who may be unfamiliar with newer investment trends, convincing them to invest large sums in fraudulent ventures.
Recent News Example: In Illinois in 2024, a group of seniors was defrauded out of $2 million through a cryptocurrency investment scheme that promised massive returns but resulted in financial loss.
Investment Scams Prevention Tips:
- Be skeptical of investment opportunities that promise high returns with little risk.
- Consult with a certified financial advisor before making any significant investments.
10. Charity Scams
Charity scams exploit seniors’ generosity by pretending to represent legitimate charitable organizations. Fraudsters often use fake websites, phone calls, or emails to request donations for causes such as disaster relief or veterans’ aid.
Recent News Example: In 2024, seniors in Texas were targeted by scammers claiming to collect donations for hurricane relief efforts. Many victims donated through fake websites, resulting in stolen personal and financial information.
Charity Scams Prevention Tips:
- Verify charities through trusted platforms like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau.
- Avoid donating through unsolicited calls or emails; instead, donate directly through the organization’s official website.
- Be cautious of high-pressure donation requests or demands for payment via wire transfers or gift cards.
Adding charity scams highlights how fraudsters exploit seniors’ altruism, making it crucial to double-check donation requests.
Protecting Yourself From the Top 10 Scams Targeting Seniors
Seniors can protect themselves by staying informed about the top 10 scams targeting seniors and taking the following steps:
- Be Skeptical: Question unsolicited offers and never give out personal information without verifying the source.
- Verify Identities: Always double-check the identity of anyone requesting money or personal details.
- Use Secure Methods: Shop online from reputable websites and use secure payment methods.
- Report Fraud: If you suspect a scam, report it to the FBI, FTC, or local law enforcement.
By staying vigilant and informed, seniors can avoid falling victim to these common scams and protect their financial security. If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, reach out to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or your local authorities to report the incident.
Conclusion:
Staying informed about the latest scams targeting seniors is the first line of defense against fraud. By recognizing warning signs, verifying identities, and taking proactive steps, seniors can safeguard their personal and financial security. Remember, vigilance and awareness can make all the difference in avoiding these common scams.
Discover more tips and resources to enhance senior safety by visiting the Senior Safety Today homepage or exploring our blog for the latest updates and expert advice. Protect yourself and your loved ones today!
