Why do Scams Target Older People: A Short Guide
The internet is a wonderful place to stay connected with family, friends, and hobbies. However, it’s important to stay safe too. Let’s explore some easy ways to protect yourself online and avoid common scams that target seniors.
Older adults are often targeted by scammers due to the perception that they have more savings and may not recognize online risks. But don’t worry—staying safe is possible with a few practical tips. This guide will cover why seniors are targeted, common scams to watch out for, and actionable steps to protect yourself online.
Why Are Seniors Targeted Online?
Scammers often focus on older adults for several reasons:
Perception of Higher Savings: Scammers assume older adults may have significant savings or retirement funds.
Less Familiarity with Technology: Some seniors may not be as accustomed to modern tech, making it easier to exploit gaps in understanding.
Trust in Authority Figures: Scammers take advantage of the natural trust many seniors place in people who appear authoritative.
Oversharing Online: Sharing personal details on social media or unfamiliar websites can unintentionally make you a target.
Being aware of these reasons doesn’t mean you’re at fault—it simply helps us be smarter about staying safe!
Common Online Scams Targeting Seniors
Here are some of the most frequent scams targeting seniors and how to avoid them:
1. Tech Support Scams
What Happens: Scammers pose as technical support representatives from a trusted company (like Microsoft or Apple) and claim that your computer is infected with a virus. They ask for remote access to your device to "resolve" the issue, during which they install malware or steal information.
Warning Signs:
Unsolicited pop-ups or calls.
Requests for remote access to your computer.
What to Do: Hang up and contact the company directly using the official support number.
2. Healthcare Scams
What Happens: Scammers pose as Medicare or health insurance representatives to gather personal information while pretending to answer insurance questions or set up a new card. This type of scam often involves threats about losing coverage, to pressure seniors into divulging sensitive information, like bank details or social security numbers.
Warning Signs:
Threats about losing coverage.
Requests for personal or financial details.
What to Do: Verify claims directly with Medicare or your insurance provider.
3. Grandparent Scams
What Happens: Scammer calls posing as a family member in distress, claiming they need money immediately for an emergency like bail money or hospital bills.
Warning Signs:
Emotional pleas.
Requests for immediate money transfers.
What to Do: Contact your family member directly to confirm their safety.
4. Investment Scams
What Happens: These scams promise high returns with little or no risk and can come in various forms, including pyramid schemes and complex financial products that are dicult to understand. No investment is risk-free and anyone promising a guaranteed return far above the national average (6-11%) is often involved in a scam.
Warning Signs:
Guaranteed returns far above the average.
Complex financial products that are hard to understand.
What to Do: Consult a trusted financial advisor before investing.
5. Phishing Scams
What Happens: Scammers send emails/texts that appear to be from legitimate sources such as your bank, a major retailer, or even a government agency. The sender urges you to act quickly, saying there's a problem that requires your immediate attention, such as a locked account or unauthorized transaction.
Warning Signs:
Urgent requests for personal details.
Links directing you to unknown websites.
What to Do: Avoid clicking links and go directly to the company’s official website.
6. Fake Websites
What Happens: Also known as phishing, scammers create websites that look like legitimate, trusted websites where you are prompted to enter personal details.
Warning Signs:
Misspelled URLs.
Lack of a padlock symbol in the address bar.
What to Do: Double-check URLs and ensure the site is secure.
7. Telephone Scams (Spoofing)
What Happens: Also known as spoofing, scammers disguise their real phone number to make it appear as if they are calling from a dierent number—often one that looks familiar or trustworthy, like a contact from your phone or a government agency. If you receive a call from a known phone number, but the caller sounds different or asks for personal information or money, it's a red flag.If you're unsure about the caller's identity, write down the information they are sharing, hang up and call the organization directly using a number you trust, like one from their ocial website. Never share personal details like your Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card numbers over the phone unless you initiated the call. Remember - incoming calls can be faked but outgoing calls that you initiated (using the number from their ocial website) are safer because you hold the control.
Warning Signs:
Requests for personal details or money.
Calls claiming to be from government agencies or familiar contacts.
What to Do: Hang up and call the official number directly.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you think you’ve encountered a scam, follow these steps:
Stay Calm: Don’t let fear or urgency push you to act without thinking.
Cut Communication: Stop engaging with the scammer immediately.
Report the Scam:
Contact your bank if financial details were shared.
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Notify local authorities if you feel threatened.
Helpful Resources for Seniors
Here are some trusted resources to learn more and get support:
AARP’s Fraud Watch Network: www.aarp.org
Federal Trade Commission’s Scam Alerts: www.ftc.gov/scams
Local Senior Centers or Libraries: Many offer free tech classes.
Conclusion
Online spaces are full of opportunities and risks, but with these tips, you can protect yourself and enjoy the benefits of the internet. Staying safe online doesn’t have to be complicated—take it one step at a time. You’ve got this!
If you found this guide helpful, share it with your loved ones to spread awareness. Together, we can make the internet a safer place for everyone.