Scams Targeting American Seniors

6. Robocalls or Phone Scams

You may receive a phone call from an unfamiliar number. The caller might simply ask, “Can you hear me?” If you say “yes”, your voice could be recorded and later used for fraudulent purposes, especially where voice authentication is required.

Some scammers use AI to mimic voices or create fake emergencies. Others pose as charities, medical suppliers, or even government agents. They might pressure you to donate, order products, or share personal details.

Apart from that, this is a way for scammers to identify potential victims for others cams. In both ways, you are the loser. Many of these kinds of scams originate in foreign countries and there is usually no way to trace the scammer or get your money back or take any legal action.

Other phone scams include calls from people offering you medical supplements or devices at highly discounted rates. Or they may solicit donations to charities. In case you are in a charitable frame of mind and get taken in, before sending any money check out the credentials on legitimate charity sites

Never share personal and financial details with callers as your credentials can be used to commit credit card frauds.

7. Government Officials Imposter Scams

You might receive a phone call, email, or even a letter from someone claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or another government agency. It may say you owe taxes, your benefits are at risk, or that you’re eligible for a medical device or refund.

They may say that you owe taxes, that your new Medicare ID is ready that you are eligible for a medical device, or that your Social Security Benefits are going to expire because of some vague reason or the other.

They may also contact you via email. First, they win your trust and they also threaten you with possible prison or loss of benefits if you don’t share your ID proof with them, your credit card details, or other financial information.

Do not continue a conversation with the person, simply hang up and block the number. Do not click on links from unknown sources. Scams from people posing as government officials have become very common, so don’t take phone calls emails, or postal mail from such people at face value.

Check also :

• IRS warnings about tax scams
• SSA Scam notes
• FTC on government officials impersonation scam

8. Investment Scams

Scammers often target older adults with “exclusive” investment opportunities that promise quick returns or guaranteed profits. These can sound tempting especially if you’re trying to grow your savings but they’re usually too good to be true.

You might get a call, email, or even a letter offering a low-risk, high-reward investment in real estate, gold, cryptocurrency, or “private” funds. The scammer may sound professional, offer fake credentials, or claim it’s backed by a government agency.

Some scams even involve real-looking websites or official-looking documents. But once you send money, it disappears — and the company or person becomes unreachable.

Always be cautious with any investment offer that pressures you to act quickly or doesnt allow time to review details. When in doubt, speak to a trusted financial advisor or family member before committing to anything.

9. Home Repair Scams

Scammers often go door to door and offer home repairs, driveway paving, roofing work, or energy-saving upgrades ( can be frequent especially after a storm or natural disaster ). They may claim they’re working nearby or have leftover materials and can offer a “great deal”.

They’ll ask for cash up front and promise to return later — but often disappear without doing the work, or do a poor job and refuse to fix it.

These scams often target seniors who are home during the day.

Before hiring anyone for repairs, always ask for identification, proof of licensing, and references. If possible, get multiple estimates and never pay the full amount up front.

10. Phishing or Email Scams

Phishing scams often come as emails or texts that look like they’re from your bank or another trusted organization. They may say your account has a problem or that you’re due a refund or ask you to click a link or enter personal details.

These messages often look official and may even use your name, but they’re fake. Clicking the link can take you to a fake website that collects your information or install malware on your device.

Scammers use these tricks to steal your identity, access your bank accounts, or make purchases in your name. If you receive a suspicious email or text, don’t click anything. Instead, contact the company or agency directly using a trusted phone number or website.

Final Words

You may have grown up in a time when people were more trusting and scams were rare. But in today’s world of constant phone calls, emails, and social media, scams can happen with just a click or a call.
Scammers often target older adults, not because they are less capable but because they know seniors tend to be polite, generous, and more financially stable.
Reporting a scam is always worth doing, but it’s not always possible to recover lost money. That’s why prevention is the best protection.

So keep in mind those red flags and stay alert!

Stay Safe!

Smiti Munwani

Smiti is a web content writer, journalist, book author, and dietitian whose work has appeared in Tribune India, Apollo Life, Indian Express, Women’s Era, and other print and digital publications. She transitioned from writing for the print media to web content writing and has ghost-written various kinds of content in a variety of niches.