How to Stay Safe from Scam Calls: A Guide for Older Adults
Have you ever picked up your phone and heard a strange voice claiming to be from the government, your bank, or even a grandchild in trouble? If so, you’re not alone. Scammers are getting craftier every day, and their phone tricks target people of all ages—but seniors often find themselves especially vulnerable.
Don’t worry, though. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to protect yourself from these unwanted calls. From understanding how scammers operate to learning practical tips to avoid falling victim, we’ve got you covered.
Did You Know? Shocking Stats About Scam Calls
Before we dive into tips, let’s look at just how big the scam call problem is:
On average, people receive 7 spam calls every month.
Americans collectively receive 2.2 billion unwanted calls every month.
Over the past year, these calls wasted 219 million hours of people’s time—that’s the equivalent of 25,000 years!
Clearly, scam calls aren’t just annoying—they’re a major time and privacy drain. And with all the types of scam calls out there, it can feel hopeless. While you can’t prevent scam calls, you can mitigate some of the risk. At Silver Safe and Secure, we’re here to help teach you simple steps you can take to better protect yourself from these digital threats.
What Are Scam Calls, and How Do They Work?
Scam calls are phone calls designed to trick you into giving up personal or financial information. Scammers may pretend to be from trusted organizations like your bank, the government, or a company you recognize. They often use phone spoofing, a sneaky trick where they make their number look local or familiar to increase the chances you’ll pick up.
Here’s how spoofing works: A scammer uses technology to change their caller ID to show a fake number. They might even use your area code or the name of a reputable business. This makes it harder for you to know who’s really calling. One of the most common phone spoofing scams is where a scammers calls you and pretending to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration, or Medicare. They may tell you that you owe back taxes and must pay immediately (IRS), or your coverage has ended and you need to pay and/or provide sensitive information to reinstate Medicate (Medicare), or your Social Security number has been stollen (Social Security Administration).
Spotting the Red Flags: Signs of a Scam Call
Not sure if a call is legitimate or a scam? Here are some common warning signs:
Before You Answer
Unfamiliar Numbers: If the number is unrecognized or has an international area code, proceed with caution.
Caller ID Mismatch: If the name doesn’t match the number (e.g., it says "IRS" but uses a local number), it’s likely a scam.
"Scam Likely" Warning: Many phone carriers now flag suspicious numbers with this label. It’s a neat feature, and wonderful to see phone companies take responsibility to keeping their customers safe while using their phone.
After You Answer
The caller pressures you to act immediately or threatens consequences if you don’t comply.
They ask for sensitive information, like your Social Security number or credit card details.
They request remote access to your computer or tell you to install software.
They ask for payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
Any of the other flags from this Staying Safe Online for Seniors guide or the downloadable PDF.
What to Do If You Answer a Scam Call
First, don’t panic. Answering the phone doesn’t automatically put you at risk. What matters is how you respond. Follow these steps:
Stay Calm: If the caller tries to scare you or create urgency, don’t let them rush you.
Don’t Share Personal Information: Never provide sensitive details over the phone.
Hang Up: If you suspect it’s a scam, politely end the call. There’s no need to engage. If you’re unsure, write down the phone number before you end the call, so you can call back later if it turns out to be legitimate. Any reasonable person won’t be upset that you’re double-checking.
Verify the Caller: If the caller claims to be from a legitimate organization, hang up and call the company back using their official number.
(Optional) Report the Caller: Reporting a scam caller is a great way to make the world a little bit safer, but it is completely optional. This post talks about how to report a scam.
Protecting Yourself: Practical Tips to Avoid Scam Calls
Here’s how you can reduce the chances of falling for a phone scam:
Use Call Blocking Tools
Most smartphones have built-in options to block calls from unknown numbers:
On iPhones: Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers.
On Androids: Go to Settings > Phone > Block Numbers.
Many mobile carriers also offer apps to block spam calls. Check with your provider for options.
Don’t Call Back Unknown Numbers
Scammers often use a "one-ring" trick to lure you into calling back. These numbers may charge exorbitant fees per minute. Even if your phone service provides free calling, scammers can use a sneaky back way to charge you for these calls. Worried you might miss something important? If it’s actually important, the person will always call back or leave a voice message.
Enable "Do Not Disturb" Mode
This setting sends calls from unknown numbers straight to voicemail, reducing interruptions and the risk of scams. Once again, if the call is actually important (like from a doctor’s office or your child’s school), they will always leave a voicemail asking you to call them back.
Sign Up for Do-Not-Call Lists
Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. While this won’t block scammers (who ignore the rules, unfortunately), it can reduce telemarketing calls.
Learn to Spot Spoofing
If a number looks familiar but the call seems fishy, double-check it online or contact the organization directly. Further reading on fake scam calls can be found here.
What If You Gave Information to a Scammer?
If you accidentally shared personal or financial information, act quickly to minimize the damage:
Change Passwords: Update any compromised login details immediately.
Contact Your Bank: Let them know your information may be at risk. They can monitor your account and issue new cards if needed.
Place a Fraud Alert: Notify credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to add extra verification steps for new accounts.
Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check for suspicious activity on your bank statements and credit reports.
Common Scam Tactics to Watch Out For
Scammers use a variety of tricks to lure victims. Here are some of the most common:
Government Impersonation: Claiming to be from the IRS or Social Security Administration.
Tech Support Scams: Saying there’s a problem with your computer and asking for remote access.
Prize Scams: Announcing you’ve won a lottery or prize but requiring payment to claim it.
Family Emergency Scams: Pretending to be a relative in trouble and needing money urgently.
The Bottom Line: Stay Vigilant
Unwanted phone calls can be more than a nuisance; they can put your personal information and finances at risk. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself and your peace of mind. Remember:
It’s okay to let unknown calls go to voicemail.
Never share sensitive details with unverified callers.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
Protecting yourself from scams is easier than you think when you know the signs and take proactive steps. Together, we can outsmart the scammers and keep your phone—and your personal information—safe.