This guide was last reviewed on July 2026 to reflect current fraud trends and guidance from trusted organizations, including the FBI, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), National Institute on Aging (NIA), and other authoritative sources. Fraud tactics evolve over time, so we encourage readers to revisit this guide periodically for updates.
How can seniors protect themselves from fraud?
The best way to prevent fraud is to slow down before responding to unexpected requests, independently verify who is contacting you, protect your personal information, and never let someone pressure you into making an immediate decision. Learning to recognize common scam tactics—such as urgency, secrecy, and impersonation—can help you avoid becoming a victim. If you suspect fraud, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
Table of Contents
- Why Fraud Prevention Matters
- Why Older Adults Are Frequently Targeted
- Understanding How Scammers Think
- Today’s Most Common Scams
- Phone Scams
- Email & Text Message Scams
- AI Voice Cloning & Technology Scams
- Identity Theft
- Banking & Financial Fraud
- Medicare & Healthcare Fraud
- Investment & Romance Scams
- The Silver Streak PROVE It™ Method
- What To Do in the First Hour After a Scam
- Fraud Prevention Checklist
- Family & Caregiver Resources
- Continue Your Journey
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Trusted Resources
Fraud Prevention Is About More Than Avoiding Scams
Imagine answering your phone and hearing what sounds exactly like your grandson.
He’s upset.
He says he’s been in an accident.
He begs you not to tell anyone.
He needs money immediately.
Your heart races.
Before you have time to think, you’re making decisions based on fear instead of facts.
Unfortunately, this is how many scams begin.
Fraud is no longer limited to suspicious emails or strangers knocking on the front door. Today’s criminals use sophisticated technology, emotional manipulation, and carefully planned deception to convince honest people to act before they have time to verify the facts. They may impersonate a government agency, your bank, Medicare, a utility company, a family member, or even someone you’ve trusted for years.
The goal is almost always the same: to obtain your money, personal information, or identity.
The encouraging news is that knowledge remains one of the strongest forms of protection.
Understanding how scams work—and why they work—can dramatically reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
This guide is designed to help you recognize common fraud tactics, understand how scammers think, protect your personal and financial information, and know exactly what to do if something doesn’t seem right.
Fraud prevention isn’t about becoming suspicious of everyone.
It’s about becoming confident in your ability to verify information before making important decisions.
Why Fraud Prevention Matters
Fraud affects people of every age, education level, and income. No one is immune. Criminals continually adapt their methods to exploit current events, new technologies, and human emotions.
Older adults are often targeted because scammers may believe they are more likely to answer phone calls, have accumulated savings, own a home, or be viewed as trustworthy. These assumptions are stereotypes—not realities—but they influence how criminals choose their targets. Government agencies and consumer protection organizations continue to warn that fraud schemes directed at older adults remain a significant concern.
The financial consequences can be devastating, but the emotional impact can be just as profound.
Victims frequently report feelings of embarrassment, anger, anxiety, or a loss of confidence. Some become reluctant to answer the phone, use the internet, or trust legitimate businesses.
That’s why education is so important.
Learning how scams work doesn’t just help protect your finances—it helps preserve your confidence, independence, and peace of mind.
Why Older Adults Are Frequently Targeted
One of the biggest misconceptions about fraud is that criminals target older adults because they are easier to deceive.
That simply isn’t true.
Scammers are opportunists. They look for situations that increase their chances of success.
Older adults may be targeted because they are more likely to:
- Answer phone calls from unknown numbers.
- Have retirement savings, home equity, or established credit.
- Be managing healthcare, Medicare, or Social Security matters.
- Value courtesy and respond politely to callers.
- Live alone, making them more vulnerable to isolation tactics.
- Want to help family members during emergencies.
None of these qualities are weaknesses.
In fact, many reflect admirable traits such as trust, generosity, responsibility, and kindness.
Unfortunately, scammers exploit those very qualities.
Rather than relying on sophisticated hacking, many criminals rely on social engineering—the art of manipulating people into voluntarily sharing information or sending money.
That’s why fraud prevention begins with understanding human behavior as much as technology.
Understanding How Scammers Think
This may be the single most important section in this guide.
Scammers don’t succeed because they’re smarter than their victims.
They succeed because they understand human psychology.
Whether the scam arrives by phone, email, text message, social media, or even in person, the underlying strategy is remarkably consistent.
They create urgency.
They create fear.
They create excitement.
They create confusion.
And above all, they try to prevent you from slowing down long enough to verify what’s happening.
Think about the last time you felt rushed.
Perhaps you were trying to catch a flight, respond to an emergency, or solve an unexpected problem.
When people feel pressure, the brain naturally shifts toward making quick decisions rather than careful ones.
Criminals know this.
That’s why you may hear phrases like:
- “Your account will be closed today.”
- “You must act immediately.”
- “Don’t tell anyone until this is resolved.”
- “This offer expires in the next hour.”
- “Your grandchild needs help right now.”
These statements are designed to bypass careful thinking and trigger an emotional response.
One of the most effective ways to protect yourself is to recognize the emotional tactics before responding to the request itself.
When you learn to identify manipulation, you’ll be better prepared to recognize not only today’s scams but also new fraud schemes that haven’t even been invented yet.
That is one of the guiding principles behind the Silver Streak PROVE It™ Method, which you’ll learn later in this guide.
Today’s Most Common Scams Targeting Older Adults
While scammers continually adapt their tactics, most fraud schemes fall into a handful of recognizable categories. Understanding these broad patterns can help you identify warning signs before they become costly mistakes.
Some of the most common scams reported to consumer protection agencies include:
- Government impersonation scams
- Bank and credit card fraud
- Medicare and healthcare scams
- Social Security impersonation
- Package delivery text scams
- Email phishing attacks
- Tech support scams
- Romance scams
- Investment and cryptocurrency fraud
- Charity scams, particularly after natural disasters
- Identity theft
- AI-generated voice or video impersonation scams
Although the details vary, the methods often remain the same.
Someone contacts you unexpectedly.
They create a sense of urgency.
They ask you to provide personal information, transfer money, purchase gift cards, or click on a link.
They pressure you to act before verifying the situation.
Recognizing these recurring patterns is far more valuable than memorizing individual scams. Criminals constantly change their stories, but the underlying tactics rarely change.
How Fraud Finds You
Fraud doesn’t always arrive looking suspicious. More often, it appears as something familiar—a phone call from your bank, a text about a package, an email from a company you recognize, or even a message that seems to come from a loved one. Understanding how scams reach you is one of the best ways to recognize them before they succeed.
Fraud That Starts with a Phone Call
Phone scams remain one of the most common ways criminals target older adults. A scammer’s goal is to create enough fear, urgency, or excitement that you act before verifying who is really calling.
Common examples include:
- Government impersonation (IRS, Social Security, Medicare)
- Bank fraud alerts
- Tech support scams
- Utility shutoff threats
- Grandparent or family emergency scams
- Jury duty or law enforcement scams
How It Works
The caller claims to represent someone you know or trust. They may say your account has been compromised, your Medicare benefits are at risk, or a loved one needs emergency financial help. They often “spoof” their caller ID so the number appears legitimate.
Warning Signs
- Pressure to act immediately
- Requests for gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps
- Threats of arrest, legal action, or loss of benefits
- Requests to keep the conversation secret
- Demands for passwords, verification codes, or personal information
What To Do
Pause & PROVE It™ Before You Stay on the Line
An unexpected phone call doesn’t require an immediate decision. Before you continue the conversation, pause and ask yourself:
P – Pause
Did they call me, or did I call them? Legitimate organizations understand that you may want to verify who they are before continuing.
R – Read for Red Flags
Are they creating fear, urgency, or pressure? Are they asking for money, passwords, one-time verification codes, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal information?
O – Outreach for a Second Opinion
If something feels unusual, call a trusted family member, friend, caregiver, banker, attorney, or another trusted professional before taking action.
V – Verify Independently
Never rely on the phone number the caller gives you. Instead, look up the organization’s official phone number yourself. Use the number on the back of your bank card, your Medicare card, a recent statement, or the company’s official website.
E – End the Conversation
It is always okay to say, “I’d like to verify this independently, and I’ll call you back.”
A legitimate organization will respect your decision to verify. A scammer will often try to convince you not to hang up.
When in doubt, don’t act—PROVE It™ first.
Fraud That Starts with a Text Message
Package delivery notifications.
Bank security alerts.
Unpaid toll road notices.
Messages claiming your account has been suspended.
Text message scams—often called smishing—have become increasingly common because they arrive on a device we carry everywhere: our phones. Many people glance at a text and tap a link before taking a moment to consider whether it’s legitimate.
How It Works
Scammers send text messages that appear urgent or routine. They often include a link and ask you to confirm personal information, pay a small fee, or log in to an account. The link may lead to a fake website designed to steal your passwords or financial information.
Warning Signs
- Unexpected messages about deliveries, tolls, or account problems.
- Links that use shortened or unusual web addresses.
- Poor grammar or awkward wording.
- Requests for immediate payment or login credentials.
- Messages from unknown numbers claiming to represent trusted organizations.
What To Do
Pause & PROVE It™ Before You Tap the Link
Text messages often create a false sense of urgency. Before tapping a link, pause and ask yourself:
P – Pause
Was I expecting this text message, package notification, bank alert, toll notice, or account warning?
R – Read for Red Flags
Does the message ask you to click immediately, pay a small fee, confirm personal information, or log into your account? Does anything about the message seem unusual or out of place?
O – Outreach for a Second Opinion
If you’re unsure, ask someone you trust before clicking. A second set of eyes may notice something you missed.
V – Verify Independently
Instead of tapping the link, open the company’s official mobile app or type the organization’s web address directly into your browser. If necessary, call the company using a phone number you already know is legitimate.
E – End the Interaction
If the message doesn’t feel right, don’t respond. Delete it, block the sender if appropriate, and move on.
Remember, legitimate organizations will still be there after you’ve taken the time to verify.
When in doubt, don’t tap—PROVE It™ first.
Fraud That Starts with an Email
Email remains one of the most common ways criminals attempt to steal personal information, passwords, and financial account details. While many fraudulent emails are easy to spot, others are remarkably convincing. Some even include company logos, professional formatting, and language that closely resembles legitimate communications.
The goal is simple: get you to click a link, download an attachment, or provide sensitive information.
How It Works
Most email scams, commonly known as phishing, begin with a message that appears to come from a trusted source. It may claim to be from your bank, a retailer, a shipping company, your email provider, or a government agency.
The email often creates a sense of urgency by telling you:
- Your account has been locked.
- Suspicious activity has been detected.
- A payment could not be processed.
- A package is waiting for delivery.
- Your password is about to expire.
- You have received a refund or unexpected payment.
When you click the link, you’re often directed to a website that looks legitimate but is designed to steal your username, password, or financial information.
Some phishing emails also include attachments that may install malicious software if opened.
Warning Signs
Although phishing emails have become more sophisticated, many still contain clues that something isn’t right.
Be cautious if an email:
- Asks you to verify personal or financial information.
- Creates urgency or threatens consequences if you don’t respond immediately.
- Contains unexpected attachments.
- Includes links that don’t match the organization’s official website.
- Uses generic greetings like “Dear Customer.”
- Contains spelling, grammar, or formatting errors.
- Offers something that seems too good to be true.
What To Do
Pause & PROVE It™ Before You Click
A single click can lead to a fake website designed to steal your passwords, financial information, or identity. Before clicking a link or opening an attachment, pause and ask yourself:
P – Pause
Was I expecting this email? Does it make sense that this organization would be contacting me?
R – Read for Red Flags
Look closely at the sender’s email address—not just the display name. Watch for urgent language, unexpected attachments, requests to verify your account, or links that don’t match the company’s official website.
O – Outreach for a Second Opinion
If the email seems unusual, ask a trusted family member, friend, or professional before responding.
V – Verify Independently
Do not click the links in the email. Instead, open a new browser window and type the company’s official website yourself, or use the organization’s official mobile app. If you’re still uncertain, contact the company using a phone number you know is legitimate.
E – End the Interaction
If you cannot confidently verify the email, don’t click, don’t reply, and don’t download any attachments. Delete the message or report it as phishing if appropriate.
Taking a few extra minutes to verify an email may save you weeks—or even months—of recovering from identity theft.
When in doubt, don’t click—PROVE It™ first.
Fraud That Begins with an Online Message
Not every scam arrives by phone or email. Increasingly, criminals are reaching people through social media, online marketplaces, messaging apps, and dating websites. These scams often begin with what appears to be a friendly conversation, a business opportunity, or a request from someone who seems familiar.
Because these interactions often develop over days, weeks, or even months, they can feel more personal and trustworthy than a random phone call or email.
How It Works
An online scam usually begins with a message.
Someone may send you a friend request on Facebook, contact you through Instagram, respond to an item you’re selling online, or start a conversation through a dating website or messaging app.
At first, nothing seems unusual.
The conversation feels natural. They may compliment you, share common interests, or claim to have mutual friends. Some scammers spend weeks building trust before asking for anything at all.
Eventually, the conversation changes.
They may ask you to invest in a business opportunity, send money to help with an emergency, purchase gift cards, move the conversation to a different messaging app, or share personal information.
Their story may change, but the objective remains the same: to gain your trust before asking you to take an action that benefits them.
Common Online Scams
Some of the most common online scams include:
- Romance scams.
- Fake investment opportunities.
- Marketplace buying and selling scams.
- Charity scams following natural disasters or major news events.
- Social media impersonation.
- Fake job offers and work-from-home opportunities.
- Prize and sweepstakes scams.
Warning Signs
Be cautious if someone:
- Wants to move the conversation away from the original platform.
- Declares strong feelings or trust unusually quickly.
- Avoids meeting in person or participating in a live video conversation.
- Asks for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or financial assistance.
- Promises guaranteed investment returns or “risk-free” opportunities.
- Encourages secrecy or tells you not to discuss the relationship with family or friends.
- Has a profile with very little history, few personal interactions, or photos that seem overly polished or inconsistent.
What To Do
Enjoy meeting new people online—but protect yourself.
Take time to verify who you’re communicating with before sharing personal information or sending money.
If someone asks for financial help, stop and ask yourself why. Genuine relationships are built on trust, not financial transactions.
If you’re considering an investment, research the opportunity independently and consult a qualified financial professional before making any decisions.
Most importantly, don’t allow embarrassment to keep you from asking someone you trust for a second opinion. An outside perspective can often recognize warning signs that are difficult to see when emotions are involved.
Silver Streak Insight
Scammers know that trust is earned over time. That’s why many online scams don’t begin with a request for money—they begin with a conversation.
Whether someone has known you for five minutes or five months, trust should never replace verification. A genuine relationship will withstand reasonable questions and healthy caution.
PROVE It™ Before You Trust the Relationship
Before sending money, sharing personal information, or making an investment based on an online relationship, pause and ask yourself:
P – Pause
Has this relationship developed unusually quickly, or am I feeling pressured to help?
R – Read for Red Flags
Are they avoiding meeting in person or by live video? Have they asked for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or help with an emergency? Are they promising guaranteed returns or opportunities that seem too good to be true?
O – Outreach for a Second Opinion
Talk with a trusted family member, friend, financial advisor, or another professional before sending money or making a financial commitment. Someone outside the situation may recognize warning signs you can’t see.
V – Verify Independently
Research investment opportunities through trusted financial resources. Confirm identities using independent information—not just what the individual has shared. If photos or stories seem inconsistent, investigate further before proceeding.
E – End the Relationship if Necessary
If someone becomes angry when you ask questions, refuses reasonable verification, or pressures you to send money, it’s okay to stop communicating. Protecting yourself is more important than avoiding an uncomfortable conversation.
When in doubt, don’t send—PROVE It™ first.
Fraud That Uses Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, communicate, and access information. Unfortunately, criminals are also using AI to make their scams more convincing than ever before.
In the past, scam emails often contained poor grammar or obvious mistakes. Today, AI can generate polished emails, realistic text messages, and even voices that sound remarkably like someone you know.
As these tools become more advanced, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to rely on appearances—or even familiar voices—to determine whether something is genuine.
The good news is that while technology has changed, the best way to protect yourself has not.
Slowing down, verifying independently, and refusing to act under pressure remain some of the most effective defenses against AI-enabled fraud.
How AI Scams Work
Artificial intelligence allows criminals to create convincing messages in a matter of seconds. They may use AI to write professional-looking emails, create fake customer service chats, generate realistic photos, or clone a person’s voice from short audio clips found in videos or social media posts.
One of the most concerning developments is voice cloning.
Using publicly available recordings, scammers can create a computer-generated voice that closely resembles a family member or friend. They may call claiming there’s been an accident, an arrest, or another emergency and ask you to send money immediately.
Some scams even combine AI-generated voices with caller ID spoofing, making the situation appear even more believable.
Common AI-Enabled Scams
Criminals are increasingly using AI to:
- Clone the voice of a loved one during a fake emergency.
- Write convincing phishing emails with fewer spelling or grammar mistakes.
- Create fake customer service chats or online support messages.
- Produce realistic-looking photographs or identification documents.
- Generate fake social media profiles that appear authentic.
- Assist in creating fraudulent investment opportunities or financial promotions.
Although the technology may be new, the goal remains the same: to gain your trust before asking for money, personal information, or account access.
Warning Signs
AI-generated scams can be difficult to recognize, but there are still important warning signs.
Be cautious if someone:
- Creates an urgent emergency that requires immediate action.
- Insists you stay on the phone or keep the situation secret.
- Requests payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps.
- Claims there isn’t enough time to verify the situation.
- Refuses to let you speak with another family member or trusted person.
- Pressures you to make a decision based on emotion instead of facts.
Remember, even if the voice sounds familiar, the situation itself may not be.
What To Do
If you receive an unexpected call or message from someone claiming to be a loved one in trouble:
Pause before reacting.
Take a deep breath and resist the urge to act immediately.
Hang up and call your loved one using the phone number you already have saved—not the number that contacted you.
If you can’t reach them, contact another family member or close friend who may know their whereabouts.
If the caller claims to represent a business or government agency, end the conversation and contact that organization using its official website or a phone number you already know is legitimate.
A few extra minutes spent verifying could prevent a costly mistake.
Silver Streak Insight
Artificial intelligence may be changing how scams are created, but it hasn’t changed how they succeed.
Whether the voice is real or computer-generated, scammers still rely on fear, urgency, secrecy, and emotional pressure to cloud your judgment.
Technology may evolve, but thoughtful decision-making never goes out of style.
PROVE It™ Before You Trust the Voice
A familiar voice isn’t proof that you’re speaking with someone you know.
Before acting on an emotional phone call or message, pause and ask yourself:
P – Pause
Am I reacting to fear instead of facts? Is someone asking me to make an immediate decision?
R – Read for Red Flags
Does the story involve an emergency, secrecy, or an urgent request for money? Am I being told not to contact anyone else?
O – Outreach for a Second Opinion
Call another trusted family member, friend, or caregiver before taking action. A quick conversation can provide reassurance and perspective.
V – Verify Independently
Hang up and contact your loved one using the phone number already saved in your phone or another trusted contact method. If the call involves a business or government agency, locate their official contact information yourself rather than relying on the caller.
E – End the Conversation
If you cannot verify the person’s identity, end the call. You can always reconnect after you’ve confirmed the facts.
When in doubt, don’t believe the voice—PROVE It™ first.
Silver Streak Family Tip
Consider creating a family safe word or phrase that only your immediate family knows. If you receive an unexpected call claiming a loved one is in trouble, ask for the safe word before taking any action. While no single strategy is foolproof, a private verification phrase can provide an additional layer of confidence during a stressful situation.
Looking Ahead
Next, we’ll explore Identity Theft: Protecting Your Personal Information Before Criminals Can Use It, including practical steps to safeguard your Social Security number, Medicare information, passwords, financial accounts, and other sensitive data. We’ll also discuss how to recognize the warning signs of identity theft and what to do if you suspect your personal information has been compromised.
Identity Theft: Protecting Your Personal Information
Identity theft is more than a financial crime—it can disrupt nearly every aspect of your life. A stolen Social Security number, Medicare number, credit card, or online account can be used to open new accounts, make unauthorized purchases, file fraudulent tax returns, obtain medical services, or commit other crimes using your identity.
Recovering from identity theft often takes time, patience, and careful documentation. That’s why prevention remains your strongest defense.
The good news is that many cases of identity theft can be prevented by developing a few simple habits and staying alert to the warning signs.
How Identity Theft Happens
Many people picture identity theft as a hacker breaking into a computer, but that’s only one possibility.
In reality, criminals often collect small pieces of personal information over time. One scam may reveal your date of birth. Another may expose your email address. A data breach may provide your password. A phishing email might capture your login credentials.
Once enough information has been gathered, criminals can begin impersonating you.
Identity theft may occur through:
- Phishing emails and fraudulent websites.
- Text messages requesting account verification.
- Phone calls impersonating banks or government agencies.
- Data breaches involving businesses or organizations you trust.
- Stolen mail or improperly discarded documents.
- Public Wi-Fi networks that aren’t secure.
- Social media posts that reveal personal details.
- Lost or stolen wallets, phones, or computers.
Many victims never realize their information has been stolen until fraudulent charges appear or they receive notices about accounts they never opened.
Warning Signs
Identity theft doesn’t always announce itself with a major event. Often, the first clues are subtle.
Watch for warning signs such as:
- Charges on your bank or credit card statements that you don’t recognize.
- Bills or collection notices for accounts you never opened.
- Unexpected withdrawals from your financial accounts.
- Notifications that your online password has been changed.
- Calls or letters about government benefits or tax returns you didn’t request.
- Medical bills for services you never received.
- Credit applications or loan denials based on accounts you don’t recognize.
- Missing mail or statements that suddenly stop arriving.
If something doesn’t look right, don’t assume it’s a simple mistake. Investigating early may help limit additional damage.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
While no one can eliminate every risk, you can make it much harder for criminals to steal your identity.
Consider these best practices:
- Protect your Social Security, Medicare, and financial account numbers.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each online account.
- Enable multi-factor authentication whenever it’s available.
- Review your bank and credit card statements regularly.
- Monitor your credit reports for unfamiliar activity.
- Shred documents containing sensitive personal information before disposing of them.
- Keep your computer, smartphone, and security software up to date.
- Be thoughtful about the personal information you share online, even with people you know.
Small habits, practiced consistently, can significantly reduce your risk.
Silver Streak Insight
Identity theft rarely happens all at once.
More often, criminals gather small pieces of information over weeks or months until they have enough to impersonate you.
Protecting your identity isn’t about keeping one big secret—it’s about protecting the many small details that make you uniquely you.
PROVE It™ Before You Share Personal Information
Before providing personal information—online, over the phone, or in person—pause and ask yourself:
P – Pause
Did I initiate this conversation, or did someone unexpectedly ask me for this information?
R – Read for Red Flags
Am I being pressured to “verify” my identity, confirm account details, or provide information that doesn’t seem necessary? Is someone creating urgency or telling me I’ll lose access to an account if I don’t respond immediately?
O – Outreach for a Second Opinion
If you’re unsure why the information is being requested, talk with a trusted family member, caregiver, banker, attorney, or another professional before sharing it.
V – Verify Independently
Contact the organization using a trusted source—not the phone number, email, or website provided in the request. Use the phone number on your account statement, the back of your card, or the organization’s official website.
E – End the Interaction
If you cannot verify who is requesting your information or why they need it, politely decline and end the conversation. You can always reconnect after you’ve confirmed the request is legitimate.
When in doubt, don’t share—PROVE It™ first.
Quick Action Step
Choose one account today—such as your primary email, online banking, or a frequently used shopping account—and make sure it has a strong, unique password and multi-factor authentication enabled. Your email account is especially important because it is often the gateway to resetting passwords for many of your other online accounts.
Banking & Financial Fraud: Protecting Your Money
Your bank works hard to protect your accounts, but your first line of defense is you.
Modern banks use sophisticated technology to detect unusual account activity, monitor for suspicious transactions, and help prevent unauthorized access. However, even the best fraud detection systems cannot stop a scam if you voluntarily give a criminal your account information, passwords, or authorization to transfer money.
That’s why criminals often focus on convincing you to act before your bank has a chance to help.
The more you understand how financial scams work, the better prepared you’ll be to recognize them before money leaves your account.
How Banking Scams Work
Many financial scams begin with a phone call, text message, or email claiming there is a problem with your account.
The message may say your debit card has been locked, someone is attempting to withdraw money, or suspicious activity has been detected.
The goal is to create concern and convince you to act quickly.
Some scammers will ask you to “verify” your account information.
Others may tell you to transfer your money to a “safe account” while the issue is investigated.
Some may even ask you to read back a one-time security code that your bank has texted to you.
These requests should immediately raise concern.
Legitimate financial institutions have security procedures designed to protect your information. They will not ask you to move your money to protect it from fraud, nor will they ask you to share one-time verification codes that are intended only for you.
Common Banking Scams
Financial criminals commonly attempt to:
- Impersonate your bank’s fraud department.
- Convince you to transfer money to a “safe” account.
- Ask for online banking usernames and passwords.
- Request one-time security or verification codes.
- Encourage payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps.
- Claim that your account has been compromised and immediate action is required.
No matter how convincing the story sounds, the objective is the same—to gain access to your money.
Warning Signs
Be especially cautious if someone:
- Contacts you unexpectedly about your account.
- Pressures you to act immediately.
- Requests passwords, PINs, or one-time verification codes.
- Instructs you to transfer money to another account.
- Tells you not to contact your bank directly.
- Asks you to stay on the phone while completing transactions.
- Requests payment using gift cards or cryptocurrency.
These requests are not normal banking practices and should be treated as significant warning signs.
What To Do
If you receive an unexpected message about your account:
Do not panic.
Do not click the link in the message.
Do not call the number provided.
Instead:
- Call the customer service number printed on the back of your debit or credit card.
- Log into your account using your bank’s official mobile app or by typing the website address directly into your browser.
- Review your recent transactions.
- If something doesn’t look right, speak directly with your bank’s fraud department.
The sooner suspicious activity is reported, the more options your financial institution may have to help protect your accounts.
Silver Streak Insight
One of the biggest myths about fraud is that acting quickly keeps your money safe.
In reality, acting carefully is what protects you.
Scammers want you to panic.
Your bank wants you to verify.
Taking a few extra minutes to contact your bank directly could save you from a costly mistake.
PROVE It™ Before You Move Your Money
Before transferring money, sharing banking information, or responding to an account alert, pause and ask yourself:
P – Pause
Did I discover this problem myself, or did someone unexpectedly contact me?
R – Read for Red Flags
Am I being told to act immediately? Am I being asked to move money, provide my PIN, share a one-time security code, or make a payment using an unusual method?
O – Outreach for a Second Opinion
If you’re uncertain, call a trusted family member or visit your local bank branch. A second opinion is always worth a few extra minutes.
V – Verify Independently
Contact your bank using the phone number on the back of your debit or credit card, your monthly statement, or your bank’s official website or mobile app. Never rely on contact information provided in an unexpected phone call, text, or email.
E – End the Conversation
If something doesn’t feel right, hang up, close the message, or leave the website. You can always reconnect after you’ve confirmed you’re communicating with your bank—not a scammer.
When in doubt, don’t move your money—PROVE It™ first.
Quick Action Step
Take a moment today to save the official fraud reporting number for your primary bank in your phone’s contacts. If you ever receive a suspicious call, text, or email about your account, you’ll already have the correct number at your fingertips—making it easier to verify the situation quickly and safely.
Medicare & Healthcare Fraud: Protecting Your Benefits and Your Health
Your Medicare number is more than just an identification card—it’s an important piece of personal information that can be valuable to criminals.
Medicare fraud occurs when someone uses deception to obtain your Medicare number, bill for services that were never provided, or steal your personal information for financial gain. In some cases, scammers may use stolen Medicare information to commit identity theft or obtain medical services in someone else’s name.
Protecting your Medicare information helps safeguard not only your benefits but also your medical records and your identity.
How Medicare Scams Work
Scammers often pretend to represent Medicare, a healthcare provider, or a medical equipment company.
They may call, email, text, or even visit your home claiming they need to “verify” your Medicare number, issue you a new Medicare card, or offer free medical equipment or genetic testing.
Some scams promise benefits that sound too good to pass up.
Others create fear by claiming your Medicare coverage is about to expire or that you’ll lose important benefits unless you act immediately.
Their goal is to convince you to share your Medicare number or other personal information.
Common Medicare & Healthcare Scams
Be cautious of unexpected offers involving:
- Free back braces, knee braces, or other medical equipment.
- “Free” genetic testing or DNA testing.
- New Medicare cards that require you to verify your information.
- Calls claiming your Medicare benefits are being suspended.
- Health screenings you didn’t request.
- Requests to confirm your Medicare number over the phone.
- Offers of services or products in exchange for your Medicare information.
If you didn’t request the service, treat the offer with caution.
Warning Signs
A Medicare-related communication deserves extra attention if someone:
- Contacts you unexpectedly and asks for your Medicare number.
- Promises free products with “no strings attached.”
- Pressures you to make a decision immediately.
- Requests payment before providing services.
- Claims your Medicare benefits are about to expire unless you act now.
- Asks you to verify personal or financial information during an unsolicited call, text, or email.
Remember, a professional tone or official-looking logo does not guarantee that a communication is legitimate.
What To Do
If someone contacts you unexpectedly about your Medicare benefits:
Do not provide your Medicare number or other personal information.
Instead:
- Ask for the caller’s name, organization, and reason for contacting you.
- End the conversation if you feel pressured or uncomfortable.
- Contact Medicare directly using the official number on your Medicare card or visit the official Medicare website.
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for services you don’t recognize.
- Report suspicious activity promptly if you believe your Medicare information has been misused.
Reviewing your Medicare statements regularly is one of the easiest ways to identify unauthorized services before they become a larger problem.
Silver Streak Insight
Your Medicare number should be treated with the same care as your credit card number.
Only share it when you know exactly who you’re working with and why it’s needed.
Protecting your Medicare information today may prevent identity theft and billing problems tomorrow.
PROVE It™ Before You Share Your Medicare Number
Before giving anyone your Medicare number or discussing your benefits, pause and ask yourself:
P – Pause
Did I start this conversation, or did someone unexpectedly contact me?
R – Read for Red Flags
Am I being offered something “free”? Am I being pressured to act quickly? Is someone asking for personal information before explaining why they need it?
O – Outreach for a Second Opinion
If you’re uncertain, talk with a trusted family member, caregiver, Medicare counselor, or healthcare professional before sharing your information.
V – Verify Independently
Contact Medicare or your healthcare provider using the phone number on your Medicare card, your official paperwork, or the Medicare website. Never rely on the contact information provided in an unexpected phone call, email, or text message.
E – End the Conversation
If you cannot verify who you’re speaking with, politely end the conversation. A legitimate representative will respect your decision to verify independently.
When in doubt, don’t share your Medicare number—PROVE It™ first.
Quick Action Step
The next time you receive your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB), take a few minutes to review it carefully. Look for medical services, tests, equipment, or appointments you don’t recognize. If something seems incorrect, contact your healthcare provider or Medicare promptly. Catching an error early can help prevent larger problems later.
Romance & Investment Scams: When Trust Becomes a Tool
Some scams don’t begin with threats or urgent phone calls.
They begin with kindness.
A friendly conversation.
A shared interest.
An exciting investment opportunity.
A promise of companionship or financial success.
Unlike many scams that rely on immediate pressure, romance and investment scams often unfold over weeks or even months. During that time, criminals work to earn your trust before asking for money, personal information, or access to your financial accounts.
The relationship may feel genuine.
The investment opportunity may appear legitimate.
Unfortunately, both can be carefully planned schemes designed to separate you from your money.
How These Scams Work
Romance scams often begin on dating websites, social media platforms, or messaging apps. A scammer creates a fake identity and gradually builds an emotional connection. They may communicate daily, express affection quickly, and share convincing stories about their life.
Eventually, an emergency arises.
They may claim they’re stranded while traveling, facing a medical crisis, or need help accessing money they’ve promised to repay. The request may start small but often grows over time.
Investment scams follow a similar pattern.
Instead of building a romantic relationship, the scammer builds financial confidence. They may present themselves as an experienced investor, a successful business owner, or someone who has discovered an exclusive opportunity.
Some even show fake account statements or online dashboards that appear to demonstrate impressive profits.
In both cases, the goal is the same: earn your trust before asking you to take a financial risk.
Warning Signs
Be cautious if someone:
- Develops a close relationship unusually quickly.
- Avoids meeting in person or participating in a live video conversation.
- Asks you to keep the relationship or investment private.
- Requests money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
- Promises guaranteed or unusually high investment returns.
- Pressures you to “act now” before an opportunity disappears.
- Becomes defensive or upset when you ask questions or request documentation.
Healthy relationships and legitimate investments welcome reasonable questions. Scammers often see questions as obstacles to their plan.
What To Do
Take your time.
Whether you’re considering a new relationship or an investment opportunity, don’t let anyone rush you into making an emotional or financial decision.
Talk with someone you trust before sending money or making an investment. A family member, trusted friend, financial advisor, attorney, or banker may notice warning signs that are difficult to see when you’re personally involved.
If an investment is being promoted, research the company independently. Check whether the investment professional is properly registered, read information from trusted financial regulators, and never rely solely on testimonials or online reviews provided by the person making the offer.
Most importantly, remember this:
Anyone who genuinely cares about you—or legitimately wants your business—will respect your decision to take time, ask questions, and verify the facts.
Silver Streak Insight
Trust is one of life’s greatest gifts.
Unfortunately, it’s also one of a scammer’s favorite tools.
Whether someone is asking for your heart or your money, trust should be earned over time—and never replace careful verification.
Protecting yourself doesn’t mean becoming suspicious of everyone.
It means giving yourself permission to slow down, ask questions, and seek wise counsel before making important decisions.
PROVE It™ Before You Send Money
Before sending money, making an investment, or helping someone you’ve met online, pause and ask yourself:
P – Pause
Am I making this decision based on facts, or because I feel sympathy, excitement, affection, or pressure?
R – Read for Red Flags
Has this person avoided meeting in person? Are they asking for secrecy, promising guaranteed returns, or creating an urgent reason why I need to send money today?
O – Outreach for a Second Opinion
Discuss the situation with a trusted family member, friend, financial advisor, attorney, or another professional. Fresh eyes often recognize warning signs that emotions can hide.
V – Verify Independently
Research the investment, company, or individual through trusted, independent sources. If someone claims to represent a financial firm, contact the firm directly using publicly listed contact information. If it’s an online relationship, don’t rely solely on what the other person has told you.
E – End the Transaction
If you cannot independently verify the opportunity or relationship—or if someone pressures you to act immediately—walk away. Protecting yourself is never something you should apologize for.
When in doubt, don’t send—PROVE It™ first.
Quick Action Step
Choose one trusted person today—a family member, close friend, financial advisor, attorney, or another professional—and make a simple agreement:
Before either of you sends a large sum of money, invests in a new opportunity, or responds to an unexpected financial request, you’ll talk with each other first.
Sometimes one thoughtful conversation is all it takes to prevent a costly mistake.
The Silver Streak PROVE It™ Method
One Simple Habit That Can Help Prevent Costly Mistakes
By now, you’ve seen a common theme throughout this guide.
Whether fraud begins with a phone call, a text message, an email, an online relationship, or an AI-generated voice, scammers almost always rely on the same tactics. They create urgency. They trigger emotions. They pressure you to act before you’ve had time to think.
The stories change.
The technology changes.
But the psychology rarely does.
That’s why we developed the PROVE It™ Method.
Rather than trying to memorize hundreds of different scams, the PROVE It™ Method gives you a simple framework you can use anytime someone asks for your money, your personal information, or an immediate decision.
It isn’t about becoming suspicious of everyone.
It’s about replacing panic with confidence.
P – Pause Before You Act
Scammers want you to react.
They know that fear, excitement, sympathy, and urgency can cloud your judgment.
Your greatest advantage is something they can’t control:
Time.
Give yourself permission to slow down.
A few extra minutes spent thinking clearly may prevent months of financial and emotional recovery.
Whenever you receive an unexpected request, make it a habit to pause before responding.
That pause gives you the opportunity to think instead of simply react.
R – Read for Red Flags
Take a closer look before moving forward.
Ask yourself:
- Is someone creating urgency?
- Am I being told to keep this a secret?
- Are they asking for gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps?
- Is someone requesting passwords, verification codes, or personal information?
- Does the story make sense?
- Does anything feel unusual or inconsistent?
Sometimes your instincts recognize a problem before your mind can explain it.
Trust those instincts enough to investigate further.
O – Outreach for a Second Opinion
One conversation can prevent a costly mistake.
Scammers often try to isolate their victims.
They may say:
“Don’t tell anyone.”
“This has to stay between us.”
“There’s no time to call someone else.”
Those are warning signs.
When something feels unusual, reach out to someone you trust.
That might be:
- A spouse or family member.
- A trusted friend.
- A caregiver.
- Your banker.
- Your attorney.
- Your financial advisor.
- Your pastor or another trusted community leader.
You don’t have to make important decisions alone.
Sometimes the best protection is simply asking another person, “What do you think?”
V – Verify Independently
This may be the most important step of all.
Never rely on the contact information provided in an unexpected phone call, text message, email, or social media message.
Instead:
- Call the phone number on the back of your bank card.
- Visit the organization’s official website by typing the address into your browser.
- Use the company’s official mobile app.
- Contact your family member using the phone number you already have saved.
- Look up businesses using trusted, publicly available information.
If someone discourages you from verifying independently, that alone should raise concern.
Legitimate organizations expect you to protect yourself.
Scammers expect you not to.
E – End the Conversation
One of the most powerful words in fraud prevention is:
No.
You are never obligated to continue a conversation that makes you uncomfortable.
You can hang up.
Delete the text.
Close the email.
Walk away.
Ask for more time.
Or simply say:
“I’d like to verify this independently before I make a decision.”
You don’t owe anyone an immediate answer.
Protecting yourself is not rude.
It’s responsible.
Why the PROVE It™ Method Works
The PROVE It™ Method isn’t designed to help you recognize just one scam.
It’s designed to help you respond wisely to any unexpected request.
Fraud tactics will continue to evolve.
Artificial intelligence will become more convincing.
Technology will continue to change.
But thoughtful decision-making never goes out of style.
When you make PROVE It™ a habit, you’re building a lifelong skill that can help protect your finances, your identity, and your peace of mind.
Silver Streak Insight
Fraud prevention isn’t about living in fear.
It’s about building confidence.
Every time you pause, ask questions, verify independently, or seek a second opinion, you’re strengthening one of the most important defenses you have: good judgment.
That’s something no scammer can take from you.
Make PROVE It™ Part of Your Family’s Plan
The best fraud prevention conversations happen before there’s a crisis.
Talk with your family about the PROVE It™ Method. Decide who you’ll call if something doesn’t seem right. Create a family safe word for emergencies, and agree that no one will ever be offended if someone pauses to verify an unexpected request.
These simple conversations build trust, strengthen communication, and can help prevent costly mistakes when emotions are running high.
Workbook Activity
If you’re using the Silver Streak Fraud Prevention Workbook, complete the PROVE It™ Action Plan and Family Safe Word pages before moving on.
Write down:
- Your family’s safe word or verification phrase.
- The names and phone numbers of trusted people you’ll contact for a second opinion.
- The customer service numbers for your primary bank, Medicare, and other important accounts.
- One action you’ll take this week to strengthen your fraud defenses.
The best time to prepare is before you need the plan.
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What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
Then break it into a timeline.
That way, if someone lands directly on this section from Google or AI search, it immediately answers their question.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
Discovering that you may have been scammed can be frightening. You may feel embarrassed, angry, confused, or overwhelmed. Those feelings are normal.
The most important thing you can do is act quickly.
Even if you’re unsure whether fraud has occurred, taking a few simple steps right away may help limit financial losses, protect your identity, and improve the chances of recovering compromised accounts.
Remember, you don’t have to solve everything at once.
Take a deep breath and work through the following steps one at a time.
The First Five Minutes
Your first priority is to stop the scam from continuing.
If you’re still communicating with the suspected scammer:
- End the phone call.
- Stop replying to text messages or emails.
- Close suspicious websites.
- Do not send additional money or personal information.
- Do not click any more links or download any attachments.
If you believe you’ve already shared information, don’t panic. Focus on protecting your accounts and documenting what happened.
If possible, write down:
- The date and time of the incident.
- The phone number, email address, or website involved.
- What information you shared.
- Any payments you made.
- Screenshots of messages, emails, receipts, or account activity.
These details may be helpful when reporting the incident or working with your financial institution.
Within the Next 30 Minutes
If money or financial information may have been compromised:
- Contact your bank or credit union immediately.
- Report suspicious debit or credit card activity.
- Ask whether your accounts should be frozen or your cards replaced.
- Change passwords for any affected accounts.
- Enable multi-factor authentication if it isn’t already active.
- If you shared a password that you use on multiple accounts, change it everywhere it’s used.
The sooner your financial institution is notified, the more options it may have to help protect your accounts.
Within the First Hour
Depending on the type of scam, you may also need to contact other organizations.
For example:
- Report identity theft or fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- Report online crimes, internet-enabled fraud, or phishing scams to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
- Contact Medicare if your Medicare number may have been compromised.
- Contact the Social Security Administration if your Social Security information has been exposed.
- If your email account was compromised, review your recovery settings and notify your email provider if necessary.
Not every situation requires every report, but documenting the incident with the appropriate organizations can help protect both you and others.
Continue Monitoring Your Accounts
Fraud doesn’t always end with the first transaction.
Over the next several weeks, continue to:
- Review your bank and credit card statements.
- Watch for unfamiliar charges.
- Monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity.
- Read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for services you don’t recognize.
- Be alert for additional scam attempts. Criminals sometimes target previous victims again, believing they may be more likely to respond.
Staying vigilant after a scam is just as important as responding quickly at the beginning.
Tell Someone You Trust
One of the hardest parts of fraud is that many victims feel embarrassed.
Please don’t let embarrassment prevent you from asking for help.
Talk with:
- A trusted family member.
- A close friend.
- Your bank.
- Your attorney or financial advisor.
- A caregiver.
- Another trusted professional.
Fraud thrives in secrecy.
Recovery begins with support.
Silver Streak Insight
One mistake does not define you.
Scammers are professional manipulators. They study human behavior, practice their techniques, and continually adapt their methods.
The important question isn’t, “How could this happen?”
The important question is, “What can I do next?”
Taking prompt action may reduce the impact of the scam and help protect others from becoming victims.
PROVE It™ After a Scam
The PROVE It™ Method doesn’t end once a scam has occurred.
It can also help guide your recovery.
P – Pause
Take a breath. Panic can make it harder to think clearly. Focus on your next step, not your last one.
R – Review What Happened
Write down everything you remember while it’s still fresh. Save emails, text messages, screenshots, receipts, and account activity.
O – Outreach for Help
Contact your bank, a trusted family member, caregiver, or another professional. You don’t have to handle this alone.
V – Verify Your Accounts
Review your financial accounts, email, passwords, and personal information to determine what may have been affected. Contact organizations directly using their official websites or published phone numbers.
E – Educate Yourself and Others
Once you’ve addressed the immediate situation, share what you’ve learned. Your experience could help protect a friend, neighbor, or family member from becoming the next victim.
When in doubt, don’t panic—PROVE It™ one step at a time.
Quick Action Step
Create a simple Fraud Emergency Contact List today.
Include:
- Your primary bank’s fraud department.
- Credit card customer service numbers.
- Medicare.
- Social Security Administration.
- A trusted family member or caregiver.
- Your attorney or financial advisor, if applicable.
Keep a printed copy in a safe place and save the numbers in your phone. If you’re ever faced with a suspected scam, you’ll spend less time searching for help and more time taking the right steps.
Family Preparedness: Building Your Fraud Defense Together
Fraud prevention isn’t just an individual responsibility—it works best when families communicate openly and support one another.
Many scams succeed because criminals create urgency and encourage secrecy. They want people to make emotional decisions without taking time to ask questions or seek advice.
One simple conversation today can help prevent a costly mistake tomorrow.
Whether you’re an older adult, a caregiver, an adult child, or a trusted friend, having a family fraud prevention plan can provide confidence during stressful situations.
Create a Family Fraud Prevention Plan
Every family is different, but every family benefits from having a plan.
Talk about questions like:
- Who should I call if something doesn’t seem right?
- Who can help me review suspicious emails or text messages?
- Where are important financial documents kept?
- Who should be notified if I believe I’ve been scammed?
- What would we do if someone called claiming there was a family emergency?
These conversations are often easier before there’s a crisis.
Establish a Family Safe Word
One of the simplest ways to prepare for today’s AI-enabled scams is to create a family safe word or verification phrase.
Choose a word or short phrase that only your immediate family knows.
If someone receives an unexpected phone call claiming a loved one has been injured, arrested, or needs emergency financial help, ask for the safe word before taking further action.
While no single strategy can prevent every scam, a private verification phrase can provide an additional layer of confidence during emotionally charged situations.
Review your safe word periodically and make sure every participating family member understands when it should be used.
Build Your Trusted Contact List
No one should have to make important financial decisions alone.
Create a list of trusted people you can contact before responding to unexpected requests.
Your list might include:
- A spouse or partner.
- An adult child or other family member.
- A trusted friend.
- A caregiver.
- Your banker.
- Your attorney.
- Your financial advisor.
- Your healthcare advocate.
Keep this list somewhere easy to find, and make sure the phone numbers are current.
Practice the PROVE It™ Method Together
The best time to practice is before you need it.
Consider discussing real-life examples during family gatherings.
Ask questions like:
“What would you do if someone called pretending to be me?”
“How would you verify that I was really in trouble?”
“What if you received a text saying your bank account had been locked?”
Practicing these conversations helps everyone become more comfortable slowing down and thinking through unexpected situations.
Caregivers Play an Important Role
Caregivers are often among the first people to notice changes that could indicate financial exploitation.
Pay attention to signs such as:
- Unexplained withdrawals or transfers.
- New “friends” requesting money.
- Unopened bills or unusual financial documents.
- Increased secrecy about finances.
- Confusion after phone calls or online conversations.
- Sudden changes to financial accounts or legal documents.
If something doesn’t seem right, begin with a respectful conversation. Many scams succeed because victims are embarrassed or afraid to tell someone what happened.
Approaching the situation with patience and compassion encourages openness and helps preserve trust.
Silver Streak Insight
Fraud prevention doesn’t begin with technology.
It begins with conversation.
Families that communicate openly about scams, finances, and emergency plans are often better prepared to recognize suspicious situations before they become costly mistakes.
The strongest protection isn’t a computer program or a smartphone app.
It’s knowing you have someone you can call before making an important decision.
PROVE It™ Before You Face an Emergency
Preparation is one of the most powerful forms of fraud prevention.
Before an emergency ever happens, ask yourself:
P – Prepare
Have we talked about how our family will handle suspicious phone calls, texts, or financial emergencies?
R – Review
Does everyone know the warning signs of today’s most common scams?
O – Outreach
Who are the trusted people each family member can contact before making an important financial decision?
V – Verify
Have we created a family safe word and agreed that we’ll always verify emergencies before sending money or sharing personal information?
E – Empower
Have we given one another permission to pause, ask questions, and verify—even if the situation feels urgent?
When families prepare together, they’re better equipped to PROVE It™ together.
Workbook Activity
Take a few minutes to complete the Family Preparedness section in your Silver Streak Fraud Prevention Workbook.
As a family, write down:
- Your family safe word or verification phrase.
- Your trusted contact list.
- Important financial and healthcare phone numbers.
- Your emergency communication plan.
- The first person you’ll call if something doesn’t seem right.
The best emergency plan is the one you’ve discussed before you ever need it.
Fraud Prevention Checklist
Before you leave this guide, take a few minutes to review these simple habits. You don’t have to do everything today—but every step you take strengthens your protection against fraud.
Personal Protection
☐ I understand the PROVE It™ Method and will use it before making important decisions.
☐ I know it’s okay to slow down and verify unexpected requests.
☐ I use strong, unique passwords for my online accounts.
☐ Multi-factor authentication is enabled whenever available.
☐ I regularly review my bank and credit card statements.
☐ I monitor my Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits.
☐ I know how to recognize common scam warning signs.
Family Preparedness
☐ My family has discussed today’s most common scams.
☐ We have created a family safe word or verification phrase.
☐ I know who to contact for a trusted second opinion.
☐ Important phone numbers are saved in my phone and written down in a safe place.
☐ I know what steps to take if I believe I’ve been scammed.
Fraud prevention isn’t about perfection.
It’s about preparation.
Every one of these habits helps build confidence and reduce risk.
Continue Your Journey
Learning about fraud prevention is one of the most important steps you can take—but it’s only one part of protecting your independence and making informed decisions as you age.
Continue exploring trusted resources from the Silver Streak Education Center designed to help older adults, caregivers, and families navigate life’s important decisions with confidence.
Continue Your Journey
- How to Recognize a Phone Scam Before You Answer
- AI Voice Cloning Scams Explained
- Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft
- Banking Safety Tips Every Older Adult Should Know
- Understanding Medicare Fraud
- Reverse Mortgage Scams: What Every Homeowner Should Know
- Caregiver Tips for Protecting Older Adults from Financial Exploitation
- Estate Planning Documents That Help Protect Your Wishes
As your Education Center grows, this section becomes your internal linking powerhouse.
Trusted Resources
If you believe you’ve encountered fraud or would like to learn more about protecting yourself, these organizations provide reliable information and reporting resources.
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- National Institute on Aging (NIA)
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
- Medicare.gov
- Social Security Administration (SSA)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- AARP Fraud Watch Network
- U.S. Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative
When possible, access these organizations by typing their official web address directly into your browser rather than following links from unsolicited emails or text messages.
About Silver Streak Senior Services
Silver Streak Senior Services is dedicated to helping older adults, families, and caregivers make informed decisions with confidence.
We believe trust should be earned, education should be practical, and every older adult deserves access to reliable information without fear or confusion.
Through our trusted business directory, educational resources, and community partnerships, we work to make good people easier to find while helping families navigate aging with greater peace of mind.
Because growing older shouldn’t mean navigating life’s challenges alone.
Bring Free Fraud Prevention Education to Your Community
Education is one of the most effective ways to prevent fraud before it happens.
Through Silver Streak Senior Solutions, our nonprofit organization, we provide free fraud awareness presentations for senior centers, libraries, churches, civic organizations, retirement communities, veterans organizations, and other community groups.
Each presentation is designed specifically for older adults and their families, offering practical, easy-to-understand guidance on today’s most common scams, warning signs, and strategies for protecting personal information and financial well-being.
Participants also receive our Silver Streak Fraud Prevention Workbook, complete with checklists, worksheets, and practical tools—including the PROVE It™ Method and Family Safe Word exercise—to reinforce what they’ve learned and help them put it into practice.
If your organization would like to host a free fraud prevention presentation, visit SilverStreakSeniorSolutions.org to learn more or request a program.
Together, we can build safer, more informed communities—one conversation at a time.
A Final Word from Our Founder
Fraud prevention isn’t about becoming suspicious of every phone call, email, or person you meet.
It’s about learning to pause, ask thoughtful questions, and make informed decisions with confidence.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of helping older adults and families navigate some of life’s most important decisions. I’ve also seen firsthand the heartbreak that fraud can cause—not only financially, but emotionally.
That’s one of the reasons we created the Silver Streak Education Center.
My hope is that this guide has given you more than information. I hope it has given you confidence.
Confidence to ask questions.
Confidence to slow down.
Confidence to seek a second opinion.
Confidence to trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right.
And most importantly, confidence to remember that protecting yourself is never something you should feel embarrassed about.
If this guide helps even one person avoid becoming a victim of fraud, then every word has been worthwhile.
Thank you for allowing Silver Streak to be part of your journey.
Stay informed.
Stay connected.
And whenever something doesn’t feel quite right…
PROVE It™ first.
— Sherri Combs
Founder & CEO
Silver Streak Senior Services
Last Reviewed: July 2026
This guide is reviewed periodically to reflect current fraud trends and guidance from trusted organizations, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and other authoritative sources. Because fraud tactics continue to evolve, we encourage readers to revisit this guide for future updates.
Throughout this guide, you’ve seen us encourage you to pause before responding to suspicious calls, texts, emails, and requests. Those habits are all part of the Silver Streak PROVE It™ Method—a simple five-step framework designed to help you make confident decisions before sharing information or sending money.
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