Common Scams Targeting Older Americans
Quick answer
Most scams follow the same script: someone pretends to be a trusted person or organization, creates a problem or prize, pressures you to act fast, and asks for payment in a hard-to-trace way such as gift cards, crypto or wire transfers. Spotting those four signs helps you recognize most of the scam types listed here.
Most scams follow a handful of scripts. Pick the one that matches the call, text or email you received to see what it looks like, the warning signs, and exactly where to report it.
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Government impostors
Callers and texts pretending to be Social Security, the IRS or Medicare. How to recognize them and where to report them. 9 articles -
Phone scams
Impostor calls, robocalls, fake prizes and spoofed caller ID. How the most common phone scams work and what to say — or not say. 8 articles -
Text message scams
Fake fraud alerts, package and toll texts, "wrong number" chats and job offers. Common examples of scam texts and how to report them. 4 articles -
Email & phishing
Fake emails, look-alike websites and spoofed senders that try to steal passwords, card numbers and personal details. How to spot and report them. 11 articles -
Delivery & toll texts
Fake texts about a package you missed or an unpaid toll. Learn what the real ones look like and what to do if you clicked. 3 articles -
Tech support
Pop-ups and calls claiming your computer is infected or hacked. How the scam works, the warning signs, and how to recover. 3 articles -
Family emergency
A call from a "grandchild" in trouble who needs money fast — now sometimes using a cloned voice. How to check before you pay. 3 articles -
Romance
Online relationships that turn into requests for money. Warning signs, how to talk to a loved one about it, and where to report. 2 articles -
Social media
Fake ads and shops, hacked friends, Marketplace tricks and investment "coaches" on social media. How to spot them and protect your account. 2 articles -
Investment & crypto
Fake trading platforms, "guaranteed" returns and crypto ATMs. How to spot investment fraud before you send money. 3 articles -
Bank & Zelle
Fake fraud alerts from "your bank" and payment-app tricks. What your real bank will never ask and how to protect your accounts. 6 articles -
Medicare & health
Calls offering "free" equipment, new cards or plan changes in exchange for your Medicare number. How to protect your benefits. 5 articles
Every scam has the same four warning signs
- They contact you first — a call, text, email or pop-up you did not expect.
- There is a problem or a prize — trouble with your account, a family emergency, a refund or a winning.
- They pressure you to act right now and often tell you to keep it secret.
- They want an unusual payment — gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, a payment app or cash.
If you see these signs, stop. Hang up or do not reply, and check with the company or agency using a number you look up yourself.