Protecting Seniors from Scams: What Every Family Should Know

It's the fastest-growing, most expensive form of fraud in America, and it's aimed squarely at our parents and grandparents. Older adults now file more fraud complaints than any other age group. In 2025, scammers stole more than $7.7 billion from adults age 60 and older, with an average individual loss of $38,000. And the problem isn't just growing - it's accelerating, fueled by a new generation of AI tools that make fraudsters more convincing than ever before.

Why Are Seniors Targeted?

Scammers often see older adults as easier targets because they may have:

• Less digital experience and unfamiliarity with online threats

• Stable finances or retirement savings, making them attractive to thieves

• Politeness and trust that scammers exploit

• Memory or cognitive challenges that make it harder to detect deceit

• Reluctance to report crimes due to embarrassment or fear of losing independence

Common Scams Targeting Seniors

While many scams start online, fraudsters often want to get the victim on the phone.  This can intensify the urgency of the situation, make it more difficult to think clearly, and discourage victims from checking with trusted friends or family.

“Someone Is Impersonating You” Scams

The caller claims that someone is using your bank account or personal information to commit crimes. The caller, often pretending to be from the bank or a government agency, demands money to “fix” the problem or asks for personal information.  Banks and government agencies never demand payment over the phone; they communicate in writing first.

Lottery & Prize Scams

Fraudsters claim you’ve won money or prizes but must pay taxes or fees upfront. They often request bank details, wire transfers, or gift cards - payment methods that are nearly impossible to trace or recover.  Legitimate lotteries never require payment to release winnings.

IRS & Government Impersonation Scams

Scammers pose as IRS agents or other officials, threatening legal action over unpaid taxes or fees. They demand payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. The IRS always initiates contact by mail, never by phone. 

The Grandparent Scam

A caller pretends to be a grandchild or a police officer saying that they are in trouble and need money immediately.  Victims are pressured to act fast and "not tell anyone." See the AI section below, since this scam has gotten harder to spot. Always pause and verify with another family member before sending money.

Tech Support & Remote Access Scams

Someone calls or a warning pops up claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or an antivirus company. They say your computer is infected and ask for remote access. Once inside, they may steal passwords or install malware. Legitimate tech companies never make unsolicited calls about computer issues.

Investment & Cryptocurrency Scams

Fraudsters lure victims with “can’t-miss” investment opportunities, often involving fake cryptocurrency platforms. Once you send money, the site vanishes. These schemes are now the single costliest category of elder fraud. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Romance Scams

Scammers build fake online relationships over weeks or months, then claim they need money for emergencies, medical bills, or travel. Be wary of relationships that escalate quickly and involve money requests.

AI-Powered Scams: A New and Growing Threat

Artificial intelligence has given scammers powerful new tools, and older adults are increasingly the target. Here's what to watch for:

• Voice Cloning Calls: Using just a few seconds of audio pulled from social media, voicemail, or a video, widely available AI tools can now recreate a person's voice with startling accuracy. Scammers use these cloned voices to gain access to personal information or request money.

• AI-Generated Deepfake Video: Technology can create fake video, not just audio. This has been used to stage fake video calls impersonating a family member, a company executive, or even a celebrity endorsing a bogus investment.

• AI Chatbots and Romance Bots: Some romance and investment scams now use AI chatbots to carry on realistic, round-the-clock conversations with victims that can feel personal and attentive, which is exactly what makes them effective.

• AI-Written Phishing and Fake Websites: AI tools let scammers generate polished, error-free phishing emails and fake bank, government, or shopping websites in minutes.

How to Protect Yourself

• Join the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted calls.

• Be skeptical of urgency and secrecy together. The pressure to act instantly and tell no one is still the scammer's biggest tell.

• Ignore unfamiliar numbers and hang up on suspicious callers. If you get an "emergency" call from a loved one, hang up and call them back directly at a number you already have saved.

• Verify by calling the company or agency directly using verified contact information and not the information the caller provides.

• Avoid phishing. Don’t click links or open attachments from unknown senders.

• Use call-blocking tools to screen known scam numbers.

• Never give financial details or send money to strangers. Set up a family "safe word" or verification question that only real family members would know, and use it for any urgent request for money.

• Don’t “transfer money to protect it.”

• Only allow remote computer access if you contacted tech support yourself.

  
  

If You Suspect a Scam

Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  Reporting not only protects you but also helps stop scammers from targeting others.

Protect Your Loved Ones

Mellie can help you take proactive steps to reduce the risk of your loved one becoming a victim of a scam. From education to prevention strategies, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more.