How To Protect Your Elderly Family Members From Popular Scams
As financial fraud that targets older Americans rises, it’s vital to protect yourself and your aging loved ones from scammers trying to steal your personal data or money. From recognizing popular scams to managing passwords with elderly family members, learn how you can outsmart criminals with insights from the Living Life at Home Nurse Registry team.
Why Are Seniors at Higher Risk for Scams?
Seniors tend to be more trusting, assuming the good in people. Depending on their age, your older loved one may even have cognitive issues that leave them more at risk of being tricked. Scammers also often assume seniors have large retirement accounts or trust funds, but the reality is older adults are the only age demographic more likely to see an increase in poverty.
Popular Scams Aimed at Seniors
There’s no shortage of popular scams designed specifically to trick seniors, a group that lost roughly $3.4 billion in fraud cases in 2023. While any senior can be news savvy, it’s not uncommon for older folks to be less aware of the latest scammer trends and techniques.
Popular scams rely on a manipulation technique called social engineering, which involves scammers posing as loved ones, friends, or even government officials to gain the trust of their victims. Seniors are often less suspicious of random phone calls or emails, creating a window of opportunity for criminals to scam them.
Government Impersonator Scams
Scammers impersonating government officials often start by calling, emailing, texting, or messaging seniors on social media. They claim to be with a government agency and may even provide a fake employee ID number to sell their scheme. Common agencies a scammer will claim to be from include the FTC, IRS, Medicare, or Social Security Administration.
If someone ever reaches out claiming to be from the government and requests your personal information or money, do not respond—report and block them because they are a scammer.
If you’d like to verify a government agency is trying to reach you, find their contact phone number or email address using the U.S. government’s official department and agency index.
Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams involve criminals pretending to be tech experts from companies like Microsoft or Apple. They may ask you to install software on your phone or computer to gain remote access or change passwords to your accounts.
You can better avoid tech support scams by never sharing your personal information with a random “support specialist” who calls or emails you out of the blue. If you think you may have given a password to a scammer, change it immediately.
Fake Sweepstakes Messages
Scammers often pretend to be representatives from major sweepstakes to defraud you. The three signs a sweepstake message is fake include:
- Having to pay money to receive your prize
- Claims that paying increases your chances of winning
- You’re asked to provide financial information
A legitimate contest or sweepstake will never ask for your bank account, credit card number, or other personal information. If you receive a phone call, email, or text asking for this information, it’s a scam.
Scammers Pretending To Be Relatives
One of the most upsetting social engineering tactics scammers use is posing as relatives. Criminals often contact seniors pretending to be a grandchild, niece or nephew, or other family member in distress asking for emergency money. As AI evolves, it’s even becoming easier to replicate a loved one’s voice over the phone.
To avoid a fake family member scam, you should always ask probing questions that challenge their stories. Remember not to ask surface-level security questions like “What’s your dog’s name?” or “What street did you grow up on?” as hackers can easily find this information on social media.
Additionally, if the supposed relative’s emergency seems to move too fast, too soon, or they’re calling or emailing you with a phone number or email address you don’t recognize, it’s likely a scam. You should also contact other family members to verify the situation further.
How To Avoid Getting Scammed
No matter how you vet the person contacting you, never rush to send money or share your personal information. Scammers rely on pressuring you or your older loved ones to trick you and swiftly steal your money or information. If someone is reaching out to you with a legitimate concern or request, they will never pressure or bully you to send money, install software on your computer, or provide passwords or personal information.
We recommend using several tools to avoid getting scammed, such as:
- Call blocking apps
- Making your social media accounts private
- Setting up account monitoring alerts for your bank account or credit card
- Installing legitimate anti-virus and malware protection
- Being cautious with who you share your personal information
- Using a password management app
Managing Passwords With Elderly Family
Technology can be challenging for seniors, especially since it’s one of the many platforms scammers use to trick them. If you or your loved one needs help managing your passwords, we recommend senior-friendly password managers like:
These services are user-friendly and have straightforward features that make tracking and protecting your passwords and devices easier.
Enjoy Peace of Mind Against Scammers With Living Life at Home Nurse Registry
Sometimes the most helpful way to avoid scammers is to have someone in your corner to vet calls or emails. As part of helping you or your loved one live comfortably at home, Living Life at Home’s caregivers can help keep an eye out for potential fraud.
We’re not just healthcare providers—we’re dedicated companions, and true companionship means taking your best interests into account. We’ll gladly educate you or your older family members about scams, help monitor finances, and maintain open communication for any questions or concerns. When you need support in keeping scammers at bay, count on Living Life at Home Nurse Registry. We offer in-home senior care throughout Southeast Florida, so our older friends and neighbors can enjoy peace of mind. Give us a call or contact us online to find your perfect care provider today.