How to Spot the Red Flags, Protect Your Finances, and Stay Safe Online and Off
In today’s digital world, staying connected is easier than ever—but so is getting scammed. Unfortunately, seniors are a favorite target for online and phone scammers. Why? Because many older adults are polite, trusting, and unfamiliar with the fast-evolving world of digital fraud.
If you’ve ever received a suspicious phone call, email, or text message asking for money or personal information, you’re not alone. Scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people—and their tactics are getting more sophisticated every year.
In this post, we’ll explore the Top 5 scams currently targeting older adults, how each one works, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
1. The “Grandparent Scam” – A Cry for Help That Isn’t Real
🔍 How it works:
You receive a frantic call or text from someone claiming to be your grandchild. They say they’re in trouble—maybe they’ve been in a car accident, arrested, or stranded in another country. They beg you not to tell their parents and ask you to send money immediately.
Often, the scammer uses social media or public records to gather real information about your family to make the story sound believable. They may even impersonate a police officer or attorney to add urgency.
🚫 Red Flags:
- The caller asks for secrecy.
- They ask for money via wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto.
- The voice sounds different, and they claim it’s due to injury or stress.
✅ What to do:
- Hang up and call your grandchild directly at a known number.
- Contact another family member to verify the story.
- Never send money without verifying the situation.
Tip: Scammers count on your love and panic to override logic. Pause. Verify. Confirm.
2. Tech Support Scams – Fake Warnings That Can Cost You
🔍 How it works:
You get a call—or a pop-up appears on your computer—claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another tech company. It says your device is infected with a virus and you need immediate support. The “technician” offers to fix the problem remotely… but in reality, they’re trying to steal your information or money.
Some scammers even install malicious software while pretending to clean your computer.
🚫 Red Flags:
- A pop-up tells you to call a number for urgent support.
- A caller claims they’ve detected a problem on your device.
- They ask for remote access or payment upfront.
✅ What to do:
- Never call numbers from pop-ups. Legitimate companies don’t operate that way.
- Don’t allow remote access unless you’re 100% sure it’s someone you know and trust.
- Run your own antivirus scan or contact a local tech support professional.
Tip: Big companies like Microsoft or Apple will never call you out of the blue. Ignore, delete, and report.
3. Medicare and Health Insurance Scams – Exploiting Your Trust
🔍 How it works:
You get a call from someone claiming to be from Medicare or a health insurance provider. They say they need to verify your information, offer you a new card, or say you’re eligible for a free medical device—like a back brace or diabetic monitor.
What they really want is your Medicare number, Social Security number, or banking info.
🚫 Red Flags:
- Caller says they’re from Medicare but asks for personal information.
- You’re offered free medical supplies without a doctor’s order.
- The call is unsolicited or seems too good to be true.
✅ What to do:
- Hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE if you’re unsure.
- Never share your Medicare or Social Security number over the phone unless you initiated the call.
- Report scams to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).
Tip: If someone asks for your Medicare number unexpectedly—it’s a scam.
4. Phishing Emails and Texts – Clicking Your Way into Trouble
🔍 How it works:
You receive an email or text message that looks like it’s from your bank, Amazon, Social Security, or another trusted institution. The message may say there’s been suspicious activity on your account and urge you to click a link to verify your information.
The link leads to a fake website that looks real, but everything you type—your password, Social Security number, bank info—is sent straight to the scammer.
🚫 Red Flags:
- The message creates urgency: “Your account will be locked!”
- You’re asked to click on a link or download an attachment.
- The email address or phone number is slightly off.
✅ What to do:
- Never click on suspicious links.
- Log in to the official site by typing the web address into your browser.
- Contact the organization directly using their real customer service number.
- Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
Tip: Legitimate companies don’t ask for personal info by email or text. When in doubt—delete!
5. Fake Investment and Charity Scams – Playing on Hope and Kindness
🔍 How it works:
You’re approached—usually online or by phone—about an amazing investment opportunity. It promises high returns with little or no risk. Or, after a disaster or during the holidays, a fake charity calls asking for a donation.
These scams prey on either your desire to grow your savings or your generous heart—and can quickly empty your wallet.
🚫 Red Flags:
- Promises of guaranteed high returns or risk-free investing.
- The caller insists you act now.
- The charity has no website, or the name is very similar to a real one.
✅ What to do:
- Research all investments and verify brokers with FINRA’s BrokerCheck (www.brokercheck.org).
- Research charities at www.charitynavigator.org or www.guidestar.org.
- Never give financial information to unsolicited callers.
- Ask for written materials and time to review them.
Tip: If it sounds too good to be true—it is.
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself Every Day
Scams are evolving, but so are ways to stay safe. Here’s a simple checklist you can use to guard your personal information and peace of mind:
✅ 7 Smart Ways to Stay Safe:
- Pause before responding to unexpected messages or calls.
- Hang up if you feel pressured or confused.
- Verify independently. Call companies or family directly.
- Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
- Enable two-step verification on your accounts.
- Keep your software and antivirus up to date.
- Talk to someone you trust before sending money or sharing personal details.
👵 Real-Life Example: How One Senior Outsmarted a Scammer
Elaine, a 76-year-old widow, received a call from someone claiming to be her nephew, saying he was in jail in Mexico and needed money. The caller said, “Please don’t tell my parents—I’m so embarrassed.”
She was ready to help—but something felt off. She remembered reading about scams like this and decided to call her nephew’s mother.
Sure enough—he was safe at home. The call was a scam.
“It broke my heart to think he was in trouble,” Elaine said. “But I’m so glad I stopped and checked.”
That one moment of doubt saved Elaine thousands of dollars—and days of stress.
📘 Want More Tips Like These?
This post is adapted from my book:
Cybersafety for Seniors: How to Stay Safe Online
Available now on Amazon.com in paperback and eBook formats.
This easy-to-read guide covers everything from scam prevention to privacy tips, email safety, secure browsing, and more. Whether you’re brand new to the internet or want to brush up on safety, this book has your back.
✅ Final Thought
You don’t have to be a tech expert to protect yourself from scams. You just need a little knowledge and a healthy dose of caution.
By learning how these scams work, watching for red flags, and trusting your instincts, you can stay safe, stay smart, and stay in control.
Remember: If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
You’re not alone in this—millions of people are fighting back against scammers every day. And now, you have the tools to do the same.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or cybersecurity advice. Always consult a trusted professional for any personal concerns or decisions.