How to Spot and Avoid Online Scams Targeting Older Adults

Online scams targeting older adults are on the rise, costing victims millions each year and leaving emotional scars that can last a lifetime. Many scammers prey on trust, politeness, and the desire to help others, qualities that should be celebrated, not exploited.

You can stay safe online while still enjoying the benefits of the digital world once you learn how to identify the warning signs of a scam and take a few proactive steps.

1. Recognize the Most Common Types of Scams

• Phishing Emails – Fake messages designed to look like they’re from legitimate companies (banks, delivery services, government agencies) that ask you to click a link or provide personal details.
• Tech Support Scams – Calls or pop-up messages claiming your computer has a virus and that you must pay for “repairs.”
• Romance Scams – Fraudsters build fake relationships online to gain trust and eventually request money.
• Prize or Lottery Scams – Messages claiming you’ve won money or a prize, but you must pay fees or taxes first.
• Impersonation Scams – Someone pretends to be a relative or friend in urgent need of help, often asking for a quick money transfer.

2. Watch for Red Flags

• Unsolicited Contact – Legitimate companies or agencies rarely reach out asking for sensitive information.
• Urgency or Fear Tactics – Scammers pressure you to act immediately to avoid “serious consequences.”
• Requests for Payment in Gift Cards or Cryptocurrency – These payment methods are difficult to trace and often used by fraudsters.
• Poor Grammar or Spelling – Many scam messages contain unusual language mistakes.

3. Protect Your Personal Information

• Never share passwords, Social Security numbers, or bank details over email, text, or phone unless you’re absolutely sure who you’re dealing with.
• Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts and consider a password manager.
• Enable two-factor authentication on important accounts for extra protection.

4. Verify Before You Act

If you receive a suspicious message or call:

• Contact the company or person directly using a phone number or email you know is legitimate.
• Search the message text online, as many scam phrases are reported and documented.
• Ask a trusted friend or family member to help review the situation before responding.

5. Stay Educated and Updated

• Follow reputable sources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or AARP Fraud Watch Network for scam alerts.
• Attend local community workshops on digital safety.
• Encourage open conversations about online security in your family so everyone stays aware.

Conclusion

Staying safe online isn’t about avoiding technology, it’s about using it wisely. Older adults can enjoy the benefits of email, social media, and online shopping while steering clear of scams by staying informed, double-checking suspicious messages, and trusting their instincts.

The more you know about common scam tactics, the easier it becomes to protect your personal information and your peace of mind.

Keep in mind, it’s not just about common sense stuff… as you can imagine, there are new scams introduced daily. Especially with the rise of AI tools, which give scammers more power to do bad things. Always be cautious of who you give your personal info to, and make sure to use 2-factor authentication when possible.

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