If you’ve ever gotten a call from someone claiming to be your grandson in jail, you’re not alone. Scammers are targeting older adults with increasingly sophisticated tricks, stealing roughly $3 billion each year from seniors, according to the FBI (1).
Why focus on older adults? Scammers assume seniors have accumulated savings and may be more trusting—a cruel exploitation of the very qualities that make many older adults wonderful: their generosity and willingness to help.
The good news? Once you know what to look for, these scams become much easier to spot and avoid.
The Four Scams You Need to Know About
1. Phishing Emails: The Digital Trap
Your email pings with a message that looks like it’s from your bank, Amazon, or Microsoft, warning of suspicious account activity and urging you to click on a link to “verify your information” immediately.
These emails can look remarkably authentic, complete with official logos and urgent language designed to make you act quickly.
Your best defense: Don’t click on links in unexpected emails. Go directly to the company’s website by typing the address yourself or using saved bookmarks.
2. “Family Emergency” Scams: Preying on Family
Picture this: your phone rings at 10 PM, and a panicked voice says, “Grandma, I’m in trouble. I’ve been arrested and I need bail money, but please don’t tell Mom and Dad—they’ll be so disappointed.”
These scammers are banking on your immediate emotional response. They’ve done their homework, often gathering names and family details from social media to make their story more convincing.
Your best defense: Take a breath and ask questions. “What’s your middle name?” “What did we do for your last birthday?” Or simply say, “I’m going to call you back,” and then contact another family member to verify the story.
3. Romance Scams: When Love Becomes a Weapon
Online dating has opened wonderful opportunities for seniors to meet new people, but it’s also created new avenues for fraud. These scammers are patient—they’ll spend weeks or even months building what feels like a genuine relationship. They share photos, stories about their lives, and create deep emotional connections through daily messages and calls.
Then comes the ask. Maybe it’s a medical emergency, or they’re stranded somewhere and need travel money. The story always sounds urgent and believable because they’ve learned so much about you during those months of conversation.
Your best defense: Never send money to someone you haven’t met face-to-face, no matter how real the relationship feels. If someone you’ve only known online asks for money, that’s your red flag.
4. Door-to-Door Fraud: The Uninvited “Helpers”
Someone knocks claiming to be from the gas company, insisting there’s a dangerous leak needing immediate attention. Or they say they’re city workers who noticed your roof needs urgent repairs. They create fake urgency to pressure you into paying upfront for unnecessary work.
Your best defense: Legitimate utility workers don’t show up unannounced demanding payment. Ask for identification, don’t open your door if uncertain, and call the company directly using the number on your bill.
Red Flags That Should Make You Pause
All these scams share common warning signs:
- Unexpected contact demanding immediate action
- High-pressure tactics that don’t give you time to think
- Requests for unusual payment methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Demands for secrecy—legitimate emergencies don’t require you to keep secrets from family
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
What to Do If You’re Targeted
If you suspect you’re being scammed, end the conversation immediately. Don’t worry about being rude—protecting yourself is more important than politeness. Report the incident to local law enforcement and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. If money was involved, contact your bank right away.
Most importantly, don’t feel embarrassed. These scammers are professionals who prey on our natural desire to help others and trust people. Even the most cautious people can be caught off guard.
Building Your Defense Network
The best protection against scams is staying connected with family, friends, and your community. Regular conversations about these tactics help everyone stay alert. When we look out for each other, scammers have a much harder time succeeding.
Remember: being cautious doesn’t mean being suspicious of everyone—it means being smart about protecting what you’ve worked hard to build.
How Trustwell Living Can Help
At Trustwell Living, we understand that feeling secure goes beyond just knowing about scams—it’s about having a supportive community around you. Our experienced team recognizes the unique challenges seniors face and provides ongoing education and support to help residents stay informed and protected.
We’ve built our communities around four core values: trust, compassion, integrity, and respect. This means creating an environment where residents feel comfortable discussing concerns, asking questions, and looking out for one another—exactly the kind of supportive network that makes scammers’ jobs much harder.
If you or your loved ones have concerns about safety, security, or simply want to be part of a community that prioritizes these values, contact us at any time–we’d love to hear from you. Our caring team is ready to discuss how our supportive environment can provide the peace of mind that enhances quality of life.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. It’s recommended to consult with a medical, legal, or financial professional for your specific circumstances.
References: (1) “Elder Fraud”, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, published on https://www.fbi.gov/
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/elder-fraud
