Protecting our Seniors

Current Scams Targeting Our Elders

Current Scams Targeting the Elderly and How to Stay Safe

As the senior population continues to grow, so does the number of scams targeting them. Fraudsters often view older adults as easy targets due to factors like social isolation, trust in authority figures, and in some cases, cognitive decline. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans aged 60 and older lose billions of dollars each year to scams. Staying informed is the first step to staying safe.

Top Scams Affecting Older Adults in 2025

Medicare and Health Insurance Scams

Scammers pose as Medicare representatives to gain access to personal information. They may offer fake services or ask for payment to 'renew' or 'verify' coverage.

Tech Support Scams

Seniors may see pop-ups or get phone calls claiming there’s a virus on their computer. They’re told to give remote access or pay for fake software.

Romance and Companion Scams

Online fraudsters pretend to form relationships, then ask for money for emergencies, travel, or 'investment opportunities'.

Grandparent Scams

The caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble, claiming they need money fast and begging the senior not to tell anyone.

Government Impersonation Scams

These include IRS, Social Security, or FBI imposters who threaten arrest, fines, or loss of benefits if immediate payment isn’t made.

Bank or other Account Scams

These are often emails sent with the banking institutions logo. PayPal, credit cards, and other financial agencies are seeing a rise in these scams that use their “official” logos claiming that there are outstanding balances, or the account has insufficient funds.

Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams

Seniors are told they’ve won a prize but must pay fees or taxes upfront to claim it.

A Real-Life Example: A Scam Disguised as Church Outreach

Recently, members of our local community were targeted through an email that appeared to come from their church pastor. The message was polite and seemingly thoughtful—it asked recipients to purchase $10 gift certificates to thank the church staff for their hard work. Because it came from what looked like a familiar and trusted source, many didn’t think twice. Some even sent multiple gift cards. Fortunately, a few cautious members contacted the pastor directly to confirm the request. The pastor quickly clarified that no such email had been sent, and it was a scam designed to prey on their good intentions and faith. Sadly, by that time, several individuals had already been scammed out of money. This situation is a powerful reminder that scammers are becoming more sophisticated and are targeting people where they feel safest—in their faith communities. Always verify unexpected requests, even from familiar names, especially if they involve money or gift cards.

Why Seniors with Dementia Are Especially Vulnerable

Seniors living with dementia face heightened risk when it comes to financial scams. Cognitive changes can impair memory, judgment, and decision-making. This makes it harder for them to detect suspicious activity, remember warnings, or differentiate a scam from a legitimate communication.

Common Scam-Related Challenges for People with Dementia:

·  Repetitive phone answering and engagement with scammers.

·  Increased confusion and difficulty recognizing red flags.

·  Heightened trust in strangers who “seem familiar.”

·  Social isolation, leading to unchecked exploitation.

Protective Steps for Caregivers and Families

·  Limit phone access with caller ID, call blockers, or approved contact lists.

·  Monitor financial accounts with alerts and trusted contacts.

·  Reduce junk mail and telemarketing; register for do-not-call lists and opting out of mail offers.

·  Simplify banking with prepaid cards and automatic payments.

·  Educate in simple terms and provide frequent reminders about scams.

·  Post 'Do Not Engage' reminders near phones and entryways.

·  Use legal tools like Power of Attorney before cognitive decline progresses.

General Tools and Tips for All Seniors

·  Know the warning signs: urgency, secrecy, or unfamiliar payment methods.

·  Use call blocking and let unknown calls go to voicemail.

·  Sign up for scam alerts from FTC and AARP.

·  Keep personal information private.

·  Involve a trusted contact in financial decisions.

·  Shred sensitive documents regularly.

·  Report scams to authorities and educate others.

·  Attend local scam prevention workshops or classes.

Final Thoughts

Seniors with dementia are among the most vulnerable members of our communities when it comes to financial exploitation. Prevention requires a proactive, compassionate approach from caregivers, family, and professionals. Education, supervision, and the right tools can help protect loved ones from serious financial harm—and from the emotional trauma that often follows.If you're caring for someone with dementia and need help setting up safeguards, contact me as your dementia coach and Aging Life Care Manager, or an elder law attorney. I can be reached at janet@stilmee.com or (469) 471-6943. You can also book an online meeting through www.StilMee.com.