Fraud Prevention for Seniors: Stay Safe, Stay Smart

Every year, millions of older adults fall victim to scams and fraud, losing billions of dollars. Scammers often target seniors because they may be more trusting,live alone, or have access to retirement savings. But with the right knowledge and tools, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

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Common Scams Targeting Seniors:

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1. Medicare and Health Insurance Scams

•Scammers pose as Medicare representatives to steal personal information.

•They may offer fake services or claim you need a new card.

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2. Tech Support Scams

•You may get a call or pop-up saying your computer has a virus.

•The scammer asks for remote access or payment to “fix” the issue.

•They may ask you for your credit card number or trick you into installing harmful software.

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3. Government Impersonator Scams

•Someone pretends to be from the IRS, Social Security, or another agency.

•They may threaten arrest or loss of benefits unless you pay immediately.

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4.Romance or “Sweetheart” Scams

•A scammer builds a fake online relationship and then asks for money.

•These scams can be emotionally and financially devastating.

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5. Prize or Lottery Scams

•You’re told you’ve won a prize—but must pay a fee to claim it.

•Legitimate contests never ask for money upfront.

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How to Protect Yourself

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•Never share personal information over the phone, email, or social media unless you’re sure who you’re talking to.

•Hang up on suspicious calls, especially if they pressure you to act quickly.

•Don’t click on unknown links in emails or text messages.

•Use strong passwords and update them regularly.

•Shred documents with personal or financial information before throwing them away.

•Talk to someone you trust before sending money or making big decisions.

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What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

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•Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

•Contact your bank immediately if you’ve shared financial information.

•Call your local police if you feel threatened or unsafe.

•Reach out to a trusted family member or friend for support.

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Fraudsters are clever, but you are smarter. Staying informed, cautious, and connected is the best defense. Share what you learn with others—together, we can help protect our communities. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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