5 Common Scams That Target the Elderly—and How to Protect Your Loved Ones

This one plays on emotion. Scammers call pretending to be a grandchild in trouble—maybe they’ve been arrested, stranded overseas, or hospitalized. The caller pleads for money and begs the grandparent not to tell anyone, claiming it’s an “emergency.”

What to do:
Always verify. If someone calls claiming to be a family member in trouble, hang up and call that person—or another trusted relative—directly. Never wire money or share payment info based on a phone call alone.

This scam often starts with a pop-up message on the computer, saying there’s a virus or security issue. It includes a number to call. On the other end of the line is someone claiming to be with Microsoft or Apple. The scammer asks to remotely access the computer—and before long, installs malware or steals financial info.

This one’s on the rise among older adults who are widowed or living alone. A scammer forms a relationship over weeks or months via online dating sites, Facebook, or email—then asks for money to “visit,” pay a medical bill, or solve a sudden crisis.

What to do:
Be cautious with online relationships, especially when you haven’t met in person. If someone you’ve never met asks for money, it’s a scam. Talk to a trusted friend or family member before making any decisions.

Seniors are often targeted by fraudsters posing as Medicare representatives. They’ll ask for Medicare numbers or banking info under the guise of offering free medical equipment, COVID tests, or plan upgrades.

What to do:
Medicare will never call to ask for your personal information over the phone. Hang up. If you’re unsure, call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE or visit medicare.gov.

These scams spike after natural disasters or during the holiday season. Fraudsters will pretend to represent a legitimate-sounding charity and pressure elderly individuals to donate immediately over the phone or online.

What to do:
Always research charities before donating. A quick check on charitynavigator.org or the Better Business Bureau’s site can help confirm if a charity is legitimate. Never donate via gift cards or wire transfer.

• Talk to your family about common scams and encourage open conversations.
• Set up safeguards like call blocking and bank alerts.
• Encourage a second opinion before making financial decisions.
• Report suspected scams to the Texas Attorney General or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).