The 7 Most Common Scams Targeting Seniors Right Now

Every year, older Americans lose tens of billions of dollars to fraud. According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, adults over 60 reported losses exceeding $3.4 billion in 2023 alone — and that number almost certainly understates the true toll, since most fraud goes unreported. Understanding the most common scams is the single most effective way to protect yourself and the people you love.

Here are the seven scams most actively targeting seniors right now.

1. Government Impersonation Scams

These scams involve callers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, IRS, Medicare, or law enforcement. They'll tell you your Social Security number has been "suspended" due to suspicious activity, that you owe back taxes and face immediate arrest, or that your benefits are at risk. The calls often feel urgent and frightening by design.

The federal government will never call you demanding immediate payment, threatening arrest, or asking you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. These are the exclusive payment methods of scammers — no legitimate agency accepts them.

What to do: Hang up immediately. If you're worried there's a real issue, call the agency directly using the number on their official website or your benefit statement — never a number the caller gives you.

2. Grandparent Scams and Family Emergency Fraud

A panicked voice on the phone: "Grandma, it's me — I'm in trouble." The "grandchild" claims to be in jail, in a hospital, or stranded abroad and needs money immediately. They beg you not to tell other family members. Sometimes a fake lawyer, police officer, or bail bondsman gets on the line to add legitimacy.

With AI voice-cloning technology, these calls now sound exactly like your grandchild. Scammers harvest voice samples from social media and can replicate someone's voice with just a few seconds of audio.

What to do: Hang up and call your grandchild directly on the number you already have for them. Establish a family code word that only real family members would know. Never send money to someone you haven't independently verified.

3. Romance Scams

Romance scams begin on dating sites, social media, or even in Facebook groups. The scammer — often operating from overseas — builds a relationship over weeks or months, becoming a trusted confidant. They never meet in person, always have an excuse. Then comes the crisis: a medical emergency, a business deal gone wrong, a customs fee to release valuable cargo.

The FBI reports that Americans over 60 lose more to romance scams than any other age group. The median loss is over $10,000, but losses of $100,000 or more are not uncommon. Many victims lose their retirement savings.

What to do: Be cautious of anyone online who professes strong feelings quickly, refuses to video chat, and eventually asks for money. Run their profile photo through Google Reverse Image Search — scammers frequently steal photos from real people.

4. Tech Support and Computer Scams

A pop-up appears on your screen warning that your computer is infected with a virus. A phone number is provided. You call, and a convincing "technician" asks for remote access to "fix" the problem. Once they have access, they can steal passwords, banking information, and install malware — or they'll claim to find fake problems and charge hundreds of dollars to "fix" them.

Microsoft, Apple, and Google will never send you a pop-up with a phone number to call. These companies do not proactively reach out about computer problems.

What to do: Close the pop-up (force-quit your browser if needed). Do not call any number displayed in an alert. If you're genuinely concerned about your computer, take it to a local repair shop or call the manufacturer's official support line found on their real website.

5. Medicare and Health Insurance Fraud

Medicare fraud takes several forms: fake "free" health screenings that are just fishing expeditions for your Medicare number, billing for equipment or services never received, or callers claiming you need a new Medicare card and asking for your current number to "transfer" your benefits.

Your Medicare number is as sensitive as your Social Security number. With it, fraudsters can bill Medicare for thousands of dollars in fake services, leaving you with denied claims for legitimate care and a damaged medical record. The FBI estimates Medicare fraud costs the program $60 billion annually.

What to do: Guard your Medicare number like a credit card. Review your Medicare Summary Notice for any services you didn't receive. Report suspected fraud to 1-800-MEDICARE or the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

6. Investment and Cryptocurrency Fraud

Investment fraud targeting seniors ranges from classic Ponzi schemes promising extraordinary returns to sophisticated cryptocurrency platforms that look completely legitimate. Scammers often target through social media ads, community groups, or affinity networks — churches, professional associations, ethnic communities — where victims are more likely to trust a referral.

Crypto scams are particularly damaging because transactions are irreversible and often untraceable. The FBI's 2023 report found that Americans 60 and older lost more than $3.4 billion to investment fraud, with cryptocurrency fraud accounting for the largest share.

Red flags include: guaranteed returns with no risk, pressure to invest quickly before an opportunity closes, celebrity endorsements, and requests to move existing investments to a new "better" platform.

What to do: Before investing anything, verify the investment and the person offering it through FINRA BrokerCheck (brokercheck.finra.org) and your state securities regulator. No legitimate investment guarantees returns.

7. Lottery, Prize, and Sweepstakes Scams

"Congratulations — you've won $850,000 and a new car! Just pay the processing fee and taxes to claim your prize." These scams prey on excitement and hope, and they're remarkably effective. The prize grows with each payment: first a small "processing fee," then "customs tax," then "international wire fees" — until the victim runs out of money or realizes the truth.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network reports that lottery and sweepstakes scams are among the most consistently reported frauds by older adults. Many victims send money repeatedly over months before stopping. The median loss is approximately $1,500, but losses of $50,000 or more are not uncommon.

What to do: You cannot win a contest you didn't enter. Legitimate sweepstakes never require payment to claim a prize — that cost is borne by the sponsor. If you're asked to pay anything to receive winnings, it's a scam.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Understanding these scams is the first line of defense. Here are the practices that matter most:

• Slow down. Scammers create artificial urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly. Any legitimate offer or emergency will still be there after you've taken time to verify.
• Verify independently. If someone calls claiming to be your bank, grandchild, or a government agency — hang up and call back using a number you look up yourself.
• Talk to someone you trust. Before sending any money, talk to a family member, trusted friend, or your bank. Many scams are stopped at this step.
• Guard your personal information. Never give your Social Security number, Medicare number, bank account details, or passwords to anyone who contacts you unsolicited.
• Use the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 1-877-908-3360. Free, confidential support from trained fraud specialists.

If You've Been Targeted or Victimized

First: you are not alone, and you are not foolish. These scammers are professionals who spend their days refining manipulative techniques. It can happen to anyone.

Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If money was sent, contact your bank immediately — some transfers can be reversed if reported quickly. File a complaint with your state attorney general's office and local law enforcement.

Most importantly, tell someone. The shame and silence surrounding fraud victimization allows these crimes to continue. Every report helps investigators identify patterns and stop these operations.

Senior Fraud Guide is dedicated to keeping older Americans and their families informed about fraud threats. Share this article with someone you care about — awareness is the most powerful protection we have.