Scammers target people of every age, and older adults are often singled out because they are seen as trusting and polite. This guide explains the most common tactics and the simple habits that lower your risk. Share it with friends and family so everyone can stay safer together.

Five Red Flags to Stop You in Your Tracks

1. Unexpected contact. A call, text, email, or social message comes out of the blue about money, prizes, taxes, or an urgent problem.

2. Pressure to act now. You are told there is a limited time or a crisis and you must respond immediately.

3. Requests for personal information. You are asked to share Social Security number, bank numbers, login codes, or passwords.

4. Requests to move or hide money. You are told to transfer funds to keep them safe, buy gift cards, send cryptocurrency, or wire cash.

5. A request to keep it secret. You are told not to talk to anyone about the situation.

Common Scam Types and How to Respond

Imposter scams. A criminal pretends to be from a government agency, a bank, a utility, a delivery company, or even a grandchild. Hang up. Use a trusted phone number you look up yourself to verify the story.

Phishing messages. Links and attachments that try to steal information. Do not click. Go directly to the official website or app and sign in there if you need to check something.

Tech support scams. A pop up says your computer is infected and gives a number to call. Close the window. Do not allow remote access. Use your own antivirus or a trusted local technician.

Prize or lottery scams. You are told you won money but must pay fees or taxes to receive it. Real prizes do not require upfront payment. Stop and delete the message.

Romance or friendship scams. Someone builds a relationship online and then asks for money. Never send funds or gifts to someone you have not met in person and verified.

Banking and Account Safety Habits

Use strong and unique passwords, and turn on two step verification wherever available.

Set up account and card alerts for sign ins, large purchases, and money transfers.

Review your statements every month. If something looks wrong, contact the company using a number from your card or the official website.

Keep your phone, computer, and antivirus software up to date. Install updates when they are available.

Consider placing a credit freeze with the major credit bureaus. You can temporarily lift the freeze when needed.

Phone and Message Safety

Do not trust caller ID. It can be faked.

Never share one time passcodes that arrive by text or email. A real company will not ask for them by phone or chat.

Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. Type the address into your browser or use the official app.

If a caller claims to be a loved one in trouble, hang up and call that person or another family member at a known number.

If You Think You Have Been Targeted

Stop contact with the scammer. Do not send money or more information.

Change your passwords for email, banking, and any accounts that share the same password.

Call your bank or card issuer at the number on the back of your card to report suspicious charges or transfers.

Report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Save screenshots, messages, and receipts in case they are needed.

If you gave remote access to your computer, disconnect it from the internet and contact a trusted technician to scan and secure it.

Build a Care Team

Choose one or two trusted contacts who can help you verify unusual requests. Agree in advance on a simple rule. If there is money pressure or a secret is requested, text or call your trusted contact first.

Talk about scams with family, neighbors, and community groups. The more we share warnings, the fewer people get hurt.

Quick Checklist

Take a breath before acting. Scammers want you to rush.

Verify through an official number or website you look up yourself.

Never move money to protect it at someone else’s instruction.

Never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire for unexpected requests.

Use alerts, strong passwords, updates, and credit freezes to reduce risk.

You are not alone. Help is available. Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and tell your bank as soon as possible.

Article written by Sherri Combs, CEO of Silver Streak Senior Services