This scam exploits a senior's love and concern for their family. Scammers often target landline phones, posing as a terrified grandchild. They can claim to be in trouble with the law, need money for bail or legal bills, or be caught up in an unexpected travel situation requiring immediate funding.
The urgency of the situation is a key tactic here. Scammers will often instill a sense of desperation, asking the grandparent not to inform other family members and to move quickly to give money electronically or via prepaid gift cards. They can also use voice modification methods to sound more like an actual grandchild.
This fraud takes advantage of a senior's natural desire to help their loved ones in need. However, a red flag should go up if the caller refuses to identify themselves clearly, refuses to connect the senior to the supposed parent, or insists on untraceable payment methods. Always encourage elders to verify the story directly with their child or another trusted family member before sending any money.
Scammers also target seniors who are on Medicare or are stressed about their health insurance coverage. They may contact elders by phone, email, or in person, disguised as representatives from Medicare, a health insurance company, or a government body.
These fraudsters provide seemingly useful services, such as enrolling the senior in a new "better" plan or updating their Medicare information. However, the end goal is to steal personal information such as Social Security numbers or Medicare ID numbers. This information might be used to file fake medical claims or commit identity theft.
Seniors should contact their current Medicare provider directly to confirm the legitimacy of any unsolicited offer that requires sharing personal information or paying upfront fees for Medicare services. They may also pressure seniors into purchasing unnecessary health insurance plans or overpriced medical equipment, which is a red flag.
Related: These Are the Major Online Scams You Should Be Aware Of
The lure of winning a life-changing sum of money can be enticing, particularly for seniors living on a limited income. Sweepstakes and lottery scammers prey on this desire by pestering elders with unsolicited calls, letters, or even emails saying they've won a massive prize.
The catch? To claim their "winnings," the victim must first pay upfront fees or taxes. These expenses are sometimes disguised as processing fees, administrative charges, or "insurance" to secure the prize. However, after sending the money, the victim never receives the winnings, and the fraudster disappears.
Legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes will never ask for money to claim a prize. Seniors should never send money based on unsolicited offers, even if they appear to be legitimate.
In funeral and cemetery scams, scammers prey on the vulnerable emotions of seniors who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Funeral and burial scams prey on seniors' emotional frailty as they grieve the loss of a loved one. Scammers may target families after an obituary is published or attend funerals disguised as funeral home or cemetery representatives.
They use high-pressure techniques and play on the family's emotional state to persuade them to buy pricey funeral services or needless cemetery sites. In addition, they may provide "discounted packages" that involve hidden costs or superfluous services.
Be wary of any aggressive sales pitch or pressure that forces you to make a quick decision during a difficult time. Before making any decisions, seniors and bereaved families should compare funeral and burial services and discuss their alternatives with trusted friends or family members.
The scam targets older adults searching for love or companionship online. Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media platforms, pretending to be someone younger, and share interests that appeal to seniors. They engage in emotional conversations, express similar values, and shower the senior with affection to establish trust.
However, the scammer's actual motive is financial gain. They may eventually justify the need for money by making up financial situations such as an unexpected illness or travel issues. They use their emotional connection to persuade the elderly to send money online or through untraceable means.
Related: 7 Common Bank Scams and How to Avoid Them
This scam is particularly dangerous, as it preys on loneliness and the desire for connection. We recommend that you remain cautious of warning signals such as requests for money, refusal to meet in person, and exaggerated stories. Elderly individuals must exercise caution online and involve trustworthy loved ones in their online dating activities.
