Preventing Scams Targeting Older Adults: A Caregiver’s Practical Playbook

Defrauding elderly victims has become an industry all its own. Across the globe, people over 60 were scammed out of $3.4 billion in 2023 alone. With more ways to communicate through technology, from social media to emails and online chats, scam artists have more opportunity to prey on people who may be isolated, vulnerable or merely careless. Financial scams evolve every season, but they rely on the same tactics: urgency, fear, and secrecy. But as a caregiver, a few routines can dramatically reduce risk while preserving independence.

In this article we will answer the following questions:

• What types of scams target elderly victims?
• As a caregiver or family member, how can you protect against elder fraud?
• What should you do if an elderly person in your life falls victim to a financial scam? 

What types of scams target elderly victims:

Elderly fraud comes in a variety of forms, but according the the National Council on Aging these are the top five scams that target the elderly:

The grandparent scam

In this common variant of elder fraud, scammers prey on a grandparent’s emotions by pretending to be their grandchild in some type of emergency or distress. The fake grandchild asks for urgent financial help for car repairs, a medical emergency, or any situation that urgently requires immediate cash. 

Red flags: The scammer usually asks for payment in an untraceable form, like gift cards, and may even ask the grandparent not to tell anyone about their situation.

Financial services scam

In this scam, the correspondence looks like it’s coming from a legitimate financial institution. These texts, emails or phone calls appear to come from a bank, mortgage company or debt collector and trick the victim into revealing personal information like their social security number or bank account number.

Red flags: Legitimate banks and businesses will never ask for sensitive information over email or text, or ask for payment through an untraceable peer-to-peer network like these scammers often do.

Tech support scams

Tech support scams are the most common financial scams perpetrated against elderly victims, in part because this group is often less comfortable with technology. In this form of fraud, a user’s phone, tablet, or computer screen will freeze and a pop-up window will appear promising a solution with a phone number to dial for tech support. The scammer then uses the phone call to gain the victims passwords, request a fee, or access the device remotely.

Red flags: The fake tech support representative will ask for a fee in an untraceable form such as giftcards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or payment app. In addition, legitimate tech support providers will never contact you to tell you there is a problem with your computer or ask you to call a certain number.

Government impersonation scams

In government impersonation scams, the caller pretends to be from a government agency like the IRS, Social Security Administration or Medicare. They threaten a penalty such as deportation, imprisonment, cutting off benefits, etc., if the victim doesn’t pay a fee the claim to be unpaid taxes, or release personal information the scammer then uses to commit identity fraud. 

Red flags: Government agencies will never call, email, text, or message you on social media to ask for money or personal information.

Romance Scams

Scammers use fake social media profiles and online dating sites to establish relationships with the victim, build trust, and then ask for money, oftentimes repeatedly over a span of time that can last years. They claim these payments are necessary for unforeseen emergencies such as visas, medical crises or travel costs to visit the victim. These fabricated costs add up. According to the FBI, people over 60 lost a total of $369 million to sweetheart scams in 2023.

Red flags: Signs of a romance scam include “love bombing” or excessive flattery and attention at the onset of the relationship; unusual grammar, misspelling or an unexplained foreign accent; asking the victim to move to a different platform to continue the conversation; refusal to video chat or repeated excuses as to why they can’t talk over video or meet in person.

Tips to protect against elder fraud and financial scams

Start with one house rule: 

“We never give money or personal information — Social Security numbers, Medicare numbers, banking details — when we didn’t initiate the contact.” Post this near the phone. Remind loved ones that government agencies and utilities do not demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, and they don’t threaten arrest over the phone.

Create a “pause and verify” plan. 

If a caller claims to be from a bank, Medicare, or a delivery service, hang up and call back using the number on the back of the card or the organization’s official website — not the number provided by the caller. If a text or email has a link, don’t click; go directly to your account through your browser. Teach a simple script: “I don’t handle this by phone. I’ll call the main office.”

Tighten device settings. 

On smartphones, enable call silencing for unknown numbers and turn on spam filtering. Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication (a code texted to your phone) for email, banking, and shopping accounts. Keep devices updated — those alerts fix security holes.

Make finances “reviewable.” 

Consider view-only access or monthly statements sent to a trusted backup (you or another family member) so unusual charges are spotted quickly. For check-writing households, use a locking mail box or bring outgoing mail to the post office. Opt for paperless statements when possible to reduce exposed mail.

Normalize talking about money safety. 

Shame keeps scams alive. Treat “I may have clicked something weird” as a reportable safety event, not a scolding moment. Act fast: call the bank or card company to freeze the account, change passwords, and run a security scan on the device. If gift cards were purchased, immediately contact the card issuer with receipts — sometimes funds can be frozen in time.

Protect identity documents. 

Store Medicare cards, Social Security cards, passports, and checkbooks in a safe spot — not next to the phone or computer. Keep a list of wallet contents and card numbers in a secure file in case something is lost.

Build a quick-help network. 

Decide who your loved one calls when something seems off — a neighbor, family member, or you. Put those numbers by the phone. Encourage a simple habit: “Before I act, I’ll make one safety call.”

Common scam red flags to rehearse together:

• “Urgent” problems that must be solved right now.
• Requests for secrecy: “Don’t tell anyone — this is confidential.”
• Payment methods that are hard to trace (gift cards, crypto).
• Romance or “grandchild” stories designed to trigger emotion.
• Overpayments followed by refund requests.

What to do if someone you know falls victim to scams

First of all, let them know not to be ashamed. Elder fraud is common and scammers rely on shame to keep from getting caught. Then contact the local police, their bank and adult protective services. (Keep these numbers close by the phone.)

In addition, these resources can help in case your care recipient or loved one falls victim to a scam: 

Resources for victims of elder fraud

Adult Protective Services: To obtain the contact information for Adult Protective Services in your area, call the Eldercare Locator, a government-sponsored national resource line, at 1-800-677-1116 or visit its website

Federal Trade Commission: You can also report scams online to the FTC. Sharing your experience can help prevent it from happening to someone else

Elder Fraud Hotline: If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 833–FRAUD–11 (833–372–8311), or visit their website. 

Scams prey on isolation and empathy. Your best tools are connection and a calm pause. With a few house rules and supportive conversations, you can keep finances safe and maintain peace of mind. Do you care for a friend or loved one in your home? Visit the support center of Mass Care Link for more articles on keeping your care recipient safe and other caregiver resources.