Picture this: You’re watching your favorite show, enjoying a peaceful afternoon, when your phone rings. A friendly voice says you’ve won a cruise to the Bahamas — all you have to do is confirm your Social Security number or place a hold with your credit card. Or maybe it’s an email that looks like it’s from your cable company, warning that your payment didn’t go through.
These are scams. And unfortunately, they are becoming more common — and more convincing. As AARP’s Fraud Watch Network says, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
In 2021 alone, over 5.7 million scams were reported to the Federal Trade Commission. Many of these targeted older adults. But the good news is: by knowing the signs, you can spot scams before they harm you.
Common Example
You get an email from your utility or mobile phone company warning your payment didn’t go through. The logo looks official. It says, “Click here to update your information.”
– Stop right there. Before you click anything, look at the sender’s actual email address — not just the display name.
– If the email says it’s from “Verizon,” but the actual sender is something like billing-alert@verzon-pay.net, it’s a scam. Note it is not spelled correctly.
Never click a link in an email unless you are 100% sure who sent it. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website or call their customer service line to confirm.
Common Scams That Target Seniors
Here are seven other scams to watch for — and simple ways to protect yourself:
1. Health Care & Medicare Scams
A scammer claims to be from Medicare or a health insurance company. They say they need to “update your file” and ask for your personal info.
- Don’t share your Medicare number over the phone or email.
- Call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE if you have questions
2. Fake Prescription Drug Sites
A website claims to sell your medication at a huge discount — but the drugs may be fake, unsafe, or never arrive.
- Only order prescriptions from verified pharmacies.
- Look for NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) certification.
3. Tech Support Scams
A pop-up or phone call says your computer has a virus. They ask for remote access or a credit card payment.
- Real tech companies will not call you out of the blue.
- Never give remote access to your devices unless you’ve initiated the request.
4. Voice Verification Scam
When a caller asks, “Hello, is this [your name]?” DO NOT reply, “Yes!” Avoiding this mistake is of utmost importance because the scammer records your voice saying if you respond, “Yes.” With other stolen data about you and a verbal “Yes,” they can apply for credit cards and other accounts that require a voice verification.
- If you suspect it is a scammer, hang up.
- If you feel you suspect it is a legitimate caller, when they ask “Hello, is this [your name]?” do not reply with a simple YES/NO answer. Reply with “Who’s calling?” If they avoid answering outright and ask you again, “Is this [your name]?” refrain from saying the word “Yes.” Say something like, “That’s what my friends call me, what is the purpose of this call?”
5. Government Impersonator Scams
A scammer poses as someone from the IRS, Social Security, or even your local police. They say you owe money and threaten to arrest if you don’t pay immediately.
- Hang up. Real government agencies do not make threats or request payment via phone.
- Report the call to the FTC or AARP Fraud Watch Network. cash to claim a prize.
Stay Safe with These Simple Tips
- Look at the email sender, not just the display name.
- Let unknown calls go to voicemail — you can always call back.
- Never share personal information over the phone or by clicking a link in an email or text.
- Talk to someone you trust before making any decisions involving money or your identity.
- Use strong passwords and avoid using the same one across multiple accounts.
You Are Not Alone
If you think you’ve been scammed, don’t feel embarrassed — these scams are designed to fool anyone. What matters most is what you do next.
- Call the AARP Fraud Watch Helpline at 1-877-908-3360
- Report fraud online at: www.reportfraud.ftc.gov
Together, We Can Outsmart Scammers
Stay alert, talk with others, and trust your instincts. The more we share, the safer we all become.
Collaboration credit: Brought to you in partnership with Peacefully – providing caring solutions designed to help you with estate planning and future life events.
