Common Scams Targeting Seniors

Common Scams Targeting Seniors (2026 Guide)

If you've ever gotten a suspicious phone call, text message, or email that didn't feel quite right, you're not alone. Scammers are professional criminals who spend their entire day trying to trick people—and they're very good at what they do. This isn't about being smart or tech-savvy. It's about knowing what to watch for.

This guide will help you recognize the most common scams targeting seniors right now, and show you exactly what to do if you encounter one.

Why Do Scammers Target Seniors?

Scammers target seniors for a few specific reasons. Many seniors are polite and were raised to be helpful, which scammers exploit. Seniors are also more likely to have savings, own their homes, and have good credit. Additionally, many seniors live alone and may feel isolated, making them more vulnerable to someone who seems friendly and concerned.

According to the FBI, seniors lost billions of dollars to scams in recent years. But here's what matters: being targeted doesn't mean you did anything wrong. These are professional criminals using sophisticated tactics.

What Are the Most Common Scams Right Now?

The Grandparent Scam

What happens: You get a frantic phone call from someone claiming to be your grandchild. They say they're in trouble—maybe they were in a car accident, got arrested, or are stranded somewhere. They beg you not to tell their parents and ask you to send money immediately.

Why it works: The caller creates panic and urgency. They might know your grandchild's name from social media. They ask you not to verify the story with anyone else.

What to do:

• Hang up immediately

• Call your grandchild directly on the number you have for them

• Call their parents

• Remember: A real emergency wouldn't require secrecy

• Never send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you can't verify

The Tech Support Scam

What happens: You see a pop-up on your computer saying you have a virus, or you get a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider. They say your computer is infected and they need remote access to fix it.

Why it works: The warnings look official and scary. The caller sounds professional and helpful. They create urgency by saying your banking information is at risk.

What to do:

• Close any pop-up windows (don't click anything in them)

• Hang up on unsolicited tech support calls

• Real tech companies never call you out of the blue

• Never give anyone remote access to your computer

• If you're concerned, call your tech provider directly using a number you look up yourself

The Medicare and Health Insurance Scam

What happens: Someone calls saying they're from Medicare or your insurance company. They say you need a new card, need to verify your information, or are eligible for new benefits. They ask for your Medicare number or personal details.

Why it works: It sounds official. They use Medicare terminology. They may have some of your information already, making them seem legitimate.

What to do:

• Know that Medicare will never call asking for your number

• Never give your Medicare number over the phone

• Medicare doesn't require payment over the phone

• Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE if you have questions

• Report the call to Medicare's fraud hotline

The Romance Scam

What happens: You meet someone online through social media, a dating site, or even a game. They seem perfect—kind, interested in you, and understanding. After building trust over weeks or months, they have an emergency and need money. They always have a reason they can't meet in person.

Why it works: Loneliness is powerful. These scammers are patient and skilled at building emotional connections. They make you feel special and understood.

What to do:

• Be cautious of anyone who quickly professes strong feelings

• Never send money to someone you haven't met in person

• Be suspicious if they can't video chat or keep canceling plans to meet

• Talk to family or friends about new online relationships

• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is

The Lottery or Prize Scam

What happens: You get a call, email, or letter saying you've won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize. But to claim it, you need to pay taxes, fees, or processing charges first.

Why it works: Everyone likes winning. The amount seems small compared to the prize. They create urgency by saying the offer expires soon.

What to do:

• Remember: You never have to pay to receive legitimate winnings

• You can't win a lottery you didn't enter

• Ignore requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency

• Legitimate prizes don't require upfront payment

• If it sounds too good to be true, it is

The IRS or Government Imposter Scam

What happens: Someone calls claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or law enforcement. They say you owe money, your benefits are being suspended, or there's a warrant for your arrest. They demand immediate payment or threaten consequences.

Why it works: Authority figures are intimidating. Threats of arrest or losing benefits create panic. They pressure you to act before thinking.

What to do:

• Know that the IRS never calls demanding immediate payment

• Government agencies don't threaten arrest over the phone

• They won't demand payment via gift cards or wire transfer

• Hang up and call the agency directly using a number you find yourself

• Report the scam to the real agency

The Fake Charity Scam

What happens: After a natural disaster or around the holidays, someone calls asking for donations to a charity. The name sounds similar to a real charity, but isn't quite the same.

Why it works: You want to help. They tug at your heartstrings with emotional stories. They create urgency around a real crisis.

What to do:

• Never donate to a charity that contacts you first

• Research charities before donating

• Ask for written information to review

• Pay by credit card, never gift cards or wire transfer

• Be suspicious of pressure to donate immediately

How Can I Protect Myself?

General Protection Steps

Slow down: Scammers rely on urgency. Take time to think. A real emergency won't disappear if you take an hour to verify the situation.

Verify independently: Don't use contact information provided by the caller. Look up numbers yourself and call back.

Don't trust caller ID: Scammers can make any name or number appear on your phone. This is called "spoofing" and it's easy for them to do.

Never pay with gift cards: No legitimate business or government agency accepts iTunes cards, Google Play cards, or other gift cards as payment. This is always a scam.

Protect your information: Don't give out your Social Security number, Medicare number, bank account information, or credit card details unless you initiated the contact.

Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, it probably is. It's okay to hang up, close the door, or delete the email.

What Should I Do If I Think I've Been Scammed?

First, don't be embarrassed. These are professional criminals, and even the most careful people can be caught off guard.

Take these steps:

• Stop all contact with the scammer immediately

• If you gave them money, contact your bank or credit card company right away

• If you gave them personal information, consider placing a fraud alert on your credit

• Report it to local law enforcement

• File a report with the FBI at IC3.gov

• Tell your family so they can watch for related scams

• Don't beat yourself up—focus on protecting yourself going forward

How Can I Stay Updated on New Scams?

Scammers constantly change their tactics. What worked last year might look different today. The best protection is staying informed about current threats.

Visit SeniorCyberGuide.com to learn about the latest scams targeting seniors, get step-by-step protection guides, and access resources designed specifically for people who want clear, straightforward information without technical jargon.  CLICK the SUBSCRIBE NOW button below to learn more.

Remember: You deserve to feel safe and confident. Taking time to learn about these scams isn't paranoia—it's smart protection.