How to Spot Scams Targeting Older Adults: A Guide to Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Financial scams targeting older adults are unfortunately becoming more common. Scammers often rely on urgency, fear or emotional manipulation to trick people into sending money or sharing sensitive information. Learning how to recognize the warning signs can help you and your loved ones stay safe. 

Below are some of the most common scams targeting seniors and the simple steps you can take to avoid them. 

Grandparent Scam: “I Need Help Right Now” 

In a grandparent scam, a caller pretends to be a grandchild or another family member who needs urgent help. They may claim they are in trouble, traveling overseas, or dealing with a legal emergency and need money immediately. 

Scammers often ask that the situation be kept secret to avoid “embarrassing” the family member. 

How to protect yourself: 

• Hang up immediately. 
• Call your family member directly using a number you already have saved. 
• Never send money based on a single unexpected phone call. 

If the request is real, you’ll be able to verify it through a trusted family member. 

Tech Support Scams: Fake Computer Warnings 

Another common scam starts with a pop-up message claiming “Your computer is infected” or “Your device has a virus.” The message usually includes a phone number for “technical support.” 

If you call, the scammer may ask for remote access to your computer or request payment to “fix” the issue. 

How to protect yourself: 

• Do not call the number listed in the pop-up. 
• Never allow a stranger remote access to your computer. 
• Close the browser window or restart your device. 

Legitimate technology companies will not contact you this way. 

Impersonation Scams: Bank, IRS, or Medicare

In an impersonation scam, criminals pretend to be from a trusted organization such as your bank, the IRS, Social Security or Medicare. They may claim there is suspicious activity on your account or that you owe money. 

The scammer may request personal information, account numbers, or even ask you to send payment through unusual methods such as gift cards or wire transfers. 

Remember: 

• Financial institutions and government agencies will not ask for passwords, PINs or one-time codes. 
• They will never request payment using gift cards.

If you receive a suspicious call or message, hang up and contact the organization directly using the number on your card or statement. 

Romance Scams: Online Relationships and Requests for Money 

Romance scams often begin on social media, dating websites, or messaging apps. A scammer builds a relationship over time and eventually claims they need money for travel, medical expenses or an emergency. 

Because the relationship feels personal, it can be difficult to recognize the deception. 

How to protect yourself: 

• Be cautious if someone you have never met in person asks for money. 
• Avoid sending funds, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you only know online. 
• Talk to a trusted friend or family member before sending money. 

A quick conversation with someone you trust can help identify red flags. 

Charity Scams: Fake Fundraising Appeals 

Scammers often take advantage of natural disasters, global crises or emotional causes by creating fake charities. 

They may send links through text messages, emails or social media direct messages asking for immediate donations. 

How to protect yourself: 

• Research the charity independently before donating. 
• Visit the charity’s official website rather than clicking a link in a message. 
• Be cautious of urgent appeals that pressure you to give immediately. 

Package and Delivery Text Scams 

You may receive a text message saying a package delivery failed and asking you to click a link to reschedule delivery. These messages often appear to come from major shipping companies. 

The link typically leads to a fake website designed to collect personal information or payment details. 

How to protect yourself: 

• Do not click links in unexpected delivery messages. 
• Check delivery updates through the carrier’s official website or mobile app. 
• Delete suspicious texts immediately. 

Urgency Is a Major Red Flag 

Many scams rely on creating panic or urgency. Scammers may threaten legal action, claim an account will be closed, or insist you must act immediately. 

Take a moment to pause. 

Legitimate organizations will not pressure you into making immediate financial decisions. 

If a caller or message demands quick action, end the conversation and verify the situation independently. 

Protect Your Personal Information 

One of the most important ways to avoid scams is protecting sensitive information. 

Never share: 

• PIN numbers 
• Online banking passwords 
• One-time security codes 
• Account numbers with unknown callers 

Even if a message appears official, scammers can spoof phone numbers and email addresses. 

What to Do If You’re Unsure 

If something feels suspicious, trust your instincts. 

Instead of responding to the message or call: 

• Contact the organization directly using the number on your debit card, credit card, or account statement. 
• Speak with a trusted family member or friend. 
• Report suspicious activity to your financial institution. 

Taking a few minutes to verify a request can prevent financial loss. 

Staying Informed Helps Keep You Safe 

Scammers constantly change their tactics, but most scams share the same warning signs: urgency, requests for personal information and unusual payment methods. 

Service Credit Union works around the clock to help protect your accounts. With continuous fraud monitoring, secure digital banking tools, and support teams ready to assist, members can quickly report suspicious activity and take action if something doesn’t look right.