The Most Common Scams Targeting Seniors
Learn to recognize tech support scams, grandparent scams, IRS/Social Security threats, romance scams, and phishing emails to protect yourself. Understanding what scammers do is the first step to stopping them. Here are the tactics you need to watch for:
Tech Support Scams:
A pop-up appears saying "Your computer has a virus" with a phone number to call. Or someone calls claiming to be from "Windows" or "Apple" and says they detected a problem.
The rule: Microsoft, Apple, and tech companies will NEVER call you or show pop-ups asking you to call a number.
Grandparent Scam:
A caller says "Hi Grandma, it's me" and pretends to be a grandchild in trouble who needs money wired urgently. They'll say "Don't tell Mom and Dad."
The rule: Always hang up and call your grandchild directly at their known number.
IRS or Social Security Scams:
A threatening call or email saying you owe taxes or your Social Security number has been suspended, and you'll be arrested if you don't pay immediately.
The rule: The IRS and Social Security Administration will NEVER call and threaten arrest. They send letters.
Romance Scams:
Someone strikes up an online friendship or romance, then eventually asks for money for an emergency (medical bills, plane tickets to visit, business problems).
The rule: Never send money to someone you've only met online, no matter how long you've been talking.
Phishing Emails:
Emails that look like they're from Amazon, your bank, or PayPal saying "Your account has been locked" or "Confirm your information" with a link.
The rule: Never click links in emails. Go directly to the website by typing the address yourself.
Step 1: Set Up Call Blocking on Their Phone
Turn on "Silence Unknown Callers" (iPhone) or "Block unknown callers" (Android) to stop most scam calls automatically. Most scams start with phone calls. Modern phones have built-in tools to block unknown callers, which stops most scam calls before they ring.
For iPhone:
- 1. Open Settings
- 2. Tap Phone
- 3. Turn on Silence Unknown Callers
This sends calls from numbers not in their contacts straight to voicemail. Legitimate callers can leave a message.
For Android:
- 1. Open the Phone app
- 2. Tap the three dots (menu) in the top right
- 3. Tap Settings
- 4. Tap Blocked numbers
- 5. Turn on Block unknown callers
Why This Works:
Scammers use automated systems to call thousands of numbers. They almost never leave voicemails because that takes human time. By blocking unknown callers, you stop 90% of scam calls while still letting legitimate callers reach them through voicemail.
Step 2: Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Go to donotcall.gov and enter your parent's phone number to reduce legal telemarketing calls. While this won't stop illegal scammers, it reduces the volume of legal telemarketing calls, which makes it easier to spot the scams.
Steps:
- 1. Go to donotcall.gov (the official government site)
- 2. Enter your parent's phone number
- 3. Confirm via the email they send
It takes about 31 days to take effect. It's free and legitimate — the real site is run by the Federal Trade Commission.
Step 3: Set Up Email Spam Filtering
Configure their Gmail or Outlook spam settings and teach them to report phishing emails. Most phishing attempts come through email. We'll make sure their email provider is catching as much as possible.
For Gmail:
- 1. Open Gmail on a computer (easier than phone)
- 2. Click the gear icon in the top right, then See all settings
- 3. Go to Filters and Blocked Addresses
- 4. You can create filters here, but Gmail's default filtering is usually strong
- 5. Teach them: If an email looks suspicious, click the three dots and select Report phishing
For Outlook/Hotmail:
- 1. Open Outlook.com in a browser
- 2. Click the gear icon, then View all Outlook settings
- 3. Go to Mail → Junk email
- 4. Make sure filtering is set to Standard (not Low)
- 5. Teach them to move suspicious emails to Junk using right-click
Step 4: The "Never Share" Rule
Teach your parents to never share their Social Security number, passwords, PINs, or one-time codes over the phone or email. The single most important lesson you can teach your parents is what never to share over the phone or email, even if the caller sounds official.
NEVER Share These, Ever:
- • Social Security number
- • Banking passwords or PINs
- • One-time codes sent via text (OTP codes)
- • Credit card numbers over the phone (unless YOU called the company)
- • Passwords to email, Facebook, or any account
If someone asks for any of these, hang up. Real banks and companies don't ask for this information over the phone.
Why This Works:
Scammers rely on creating urgency and authority. By having a simple rule — "I never share these things over the phone" — your parents have a clear boundary they can fall back on even when they're feeling pressured or confused.
Step 5: Create a Family Code Word
Choose a memorable family code word and tell your parents to ask for it if someone calls claiming to be family in an emergency. For the "grandparent scam" where someone pretends to be family in trouble, establish a code word that only your family knows.
How to Set This Up:
- 1. Choose a memorable word your family wouldn't normally use (like "pineapple" or "tornado")
- 2. Tell your parents: If someone calls claiming to be family and asking for money, ask them for the code word
- 3. If they can't provide it, it's a scam — hang up and call your child directly
What to Do If Your Parent Already Fell for a Scam
Don't panic, and don't make them feel ashamed. These scams are designed by professionals to fool people. Here's what to do immediately:
Immediate Actions:
- 1. If they shared credit card info: Call the bank immediately to freeze the card and dispute charges
- 2. If they wired money: Contact the wire transfer company (Western Union, MoneyGram) — they may be able to stop it
- 3. If they shared Social Security number: Place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus (call Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax)
- 4. Change all passwords for email, banking, and other important accounts
- 5. Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- 6. Report it to local police (you'll need a police report number for insurance or bank claims)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Don't make them feel stupid: Shame makes people hide future mistakes instead of asking for help.
- ✗Don't take away all independence: Focus on education and safety tools, not controlling their access.
- ✗Don't assume they'll remember everything: Write down the "never share" list and tape it near their computer or phone.
Prevention Tips
- ✓Regular check-ins: Ask your parents weekly if they've gotten any weird calls or emails.
- ✓Be their IT person: Tell them "If anyone says they're from tech support, say you have someone who handles that and hang up."
- ✓Slow down urgency: Teach them that legitimate companies will give them time to think. Pressure is a red flag.
- ✓Monitor credit reports: Sign them up for free credit monitoring through their bank or Credit Karma.