A growing number of scam threats target seniors

Elder fraud is one of the fastest-growing forms of financial crime in the United States. In 2021, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that 92,371 older adults were victims of fraud, collectively losing more than $1.7 billion. 

The numbers represent not only staggering financial losses but also emotional distress, broken trust, and a growing sense of vulnerability among seniors.

Scammers prey on older adults because they often have retirement savings, own property, and maintain good credit — all attractive to criminals. Compounding the problem, seniors may be more trusting, less familiar with digital scams, or socially isolated, making them easier targets for deception.

Why scammers target seniors

According to the FBI, con artists view older adults as ideal victims because of their perceived financial security and politeness. Many seniors were raised in an era when business was conducted on a handshake, not through phishing links or spoofed phone calls. This trust, combined with the rise of online transactions, has created a dangerous landscape where sophisticated scams can thrive.

Loneliness also plays a major role. Scammers often exploit emotional vulnerability through romance scams or fraudulent “grandparent” calls — where they impersonate a loved one in distress to extract money quickly.

From fake tech support to fraudulent investment opportunities, scammers use a range of tactics to defraud older adults. Some of the most common schemes include:

• Phishing and impersonation scams – Fraudsters pose as government agencies, banks, or well-known companies to steal personal data.
• Romance scams – Con artists build fake emotional relationships to gain trust and money.
• Tech support scams – Victims are told their computer is infected and persuaded to pay for unnecessary repairs.
• Lottery and sweepstakes scams – Seniors are told they’ve “won” a prize but must pay taxes or fees to claim it.
• Grandparent scams – Criminals impersonate relatives in distress, urging immediate money transfers.

How seniors can protect themselves

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) recommends these eight essential tips to reduce the risk of fraud:

1. Never share personal or financial information over the phone unless you initiated the contact.
2. Recognize risk from both strangers and acquaintances — sadly, elder abuse can come from people you know.
3. Stay socially active to avoid isolation, which scammers exploit.
4. Be firm with solicitors: tell them to send written information instead of engaging on the spot.
5. Shred sensitive documents with credit card or account numbers.
6. Join the National “Do Not Call” Registry and remove your name from mass mailing lists.
7. Use direct deposit for Social Security or pension checks to avoid mail theft.
8. Research before acting — be skeptical of unsolicited offers or “too-good-to-be-true” deals.

What to do if you’ve been scammed

If you suspect fraud, report it immediately. Quick reporting can prevent further losses and help protect others.

• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/
• Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 for nationwide support.

Scams targeting seniors are evolving, but awareness remains the most powerful defense. By approaching unexpected calls, emails, and messages with caution — and verifying information before acting — older adults can shield themselves from financial and emotional harm.

Remember: when in doubt, assume it’s a scam until proven otherwise.