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How Can Seniors Avoid Phone, Text and Online Scams
- Chad A. Ritchie, Esq.
- Mar 7
- 5 min read
Senior citizens are increasingly targeted by scammers through phone calls, text messages, and online platforms. Understanding and recognizing these fraudulent schemes is the best way to avoid them.
Best Advice: If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be your bank, a government agency, or even a family member in trouble — hang up and call back using a known, official number.
Below, you will find Five Essential Steps anyone can take to protect themselves from fraud and financial exploitation as well as the Top 10 Most Common scams affecting seniors today.
Top 5 Steps Seniors Can Take to Protect Themselves from Scams via Text, Phone, or Online
Step 1: Never Share Personal or Financial Information Over the Phone or Online
Why? Scammers impersonate banks, government agencies, or well-known companies to trick seniors into revealing sensitive data.
How to Protect Yourself:
Hang up if an unknown caller asks for personal details like Social Security numbers, credit card information, or banking details.
Never click on links or reply to text messages from unknown numbers claiming to be from financial institutions.
Verify the source by calling the official number listed on the company’s website.
Step 2: Enable Call and Text Blocking Features
Why? Many scam calls and texts come from fraudulent or spoofed numbers. Blocking them reduces exposure to scams.
How to Protect Yourself:
Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov.
Enable spam call blocking on your phone. Many carriers offer free call filtering services, such as:
AT&T Call Protect
Verizon Call Filter
T-Mobile Scam Shield
Use third-party apps like RoboKiller or Hiya to filter unwanted calls.
Step 3: Be Skeptical of Urgent Requests and Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers
Why? Scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into making hasty decisions.
How to Protect Yourself:
If someone claims to be a family member in trouble, call a trusted relative to confirm.
Avoid sending money via wire transfers, prepaid gift cards, or cryptocurrency—these are red flags for scams.
Ignore messages about winning a prize or lottery, especially if you never entered.
Step 4: Strengthen Online Security Practices
Why? Scammers use phishing emails, fake websites, and social media tricks to steal personal information.
How to Protect Yourself:
Use strong, unique passwords for different online accounts. A password manager can help.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on email, banking, and social media accounts.
Update software regularly to protect against malware and hacking attempts.
Step 5: Verify Before You Act—When in Doubt, Pause and Ask for Help
Why? Scammers rely on impulsive decisions. Taking a moment to verify information can prevent fraud.
How to Protect Yourself:
Ask a trusted family member or friend before responding to suspicious requests.
Check with official sources (e.g., bank, government agency) by calling the number from their official website.
Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Top 10 Most Common Scams Affecting Seniors Today
1. Social Security Administration (SSA) Impersonation Scams
Scam Tactics: Fraudsters pose as SSA officials, claiming issues with the recipient's Social Security number or benefits, and request personal information or immediate payments to resolve fabricated problems.
Protection Strategies:
Verify Communications: The SSA typically contacts individuals via mail. If you receive a suspicious call or message, contact the SSA directly using official channels to verify its legitimacy.
Avoid Immediate Actions: Do not provide personal information or make payments based on unsolicited communications.
2. Technical Support Scams
Scam Tactics: Unsolicited calls or pop-up messages warn of non-existent computer issues, prompting victims to grant remote access or pay for unnecessary services.
Protection Strategies:
Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Alerts: Legitimate tech companies do not initiate unsolicited support calls.
Consult Trusted Professionals: If concerned about your computer's security, seek assistance from reputable local service providers.
3. Phishing Emails and Text Messages
Scam Tactics: Messages appear to be from trusted organizations, urging recipients to click on links or provide personal information to resolve urgent issues.
Protection Strategies:
Inspect Sender Details: Verify the sender's email address or phone number for authenticity.
Avoid Clicking Unknown Links: Access official websites directly through your browser rather than clicking on unsolicited links.
4. Romance Scams
Scam Tactics: Scammers create fake profiles on dating platforms to build relationships, eventually requesting money for emergencies or travel.
Protection Strategies:
Be Cautious with Online Relationships: Avoid sending money to individuals you have not met in person.
Consult Trusted Individuals: Discuss new online relationships with friends or family members for perspective.
5. Grandparent Scams
Scam Tactics: Callers impersonate grandchildren in distress, requesting immediate financial assistance for emergencies like bail or medical expenses.
Protection Strategies:
Verify the Caller: Contact the grandchild or other family members directly to confirm the situation before taking any action.
Ask Personal Questions: Inquire about details only the real grandchild would know to verify identity.
6. Lottery and Prize Scams
Scam Tactics: Notifications claim the recipient has won a lottery or prize, requiring payment of fees or taxes to claim winnings.
Protection Strategies:
Remember: Legitimate lotteries do not require upfront payments.
Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid providing personal or financial details to unsolicited prize notifications.
7. Charity Scams
Scam Tactics: Fraudsters solicit donations for fake charities, especially after natural disasters or during holidays.
Protection Strategies:
Research Charities: Verify the legitimacy of charities through official websites or trusted resources before donating.
Avoid Pressure Tactics: Legitimate charities do not pressure individuals into making immediate donations.
8. Medicare Scams
Scam Tactics: Scammers pose as Medicare representatives to obtain personal information or offer fraudulent medical services for billing purposes.
Protection Strategies:
Protect Medicare Numbers: Share your Medicare number only with trusted healthcare providers.
Review Statements: Regularly check Medicare statements for unauthorized charges.
9. Investment Scams
Scam Tactics: Unsolicited offers promote high-return, low-risk investment opportunities, which are often fraudulent.
Protection Strategies:
Consult Financial Advisors: Discuss investment opportunities with licensed financial advisors before committing funds.
Be Wary of Unrealistic Returns: Skeptically evaluate promises of high returns with little or no risk.
10. Fake Prescription Drug Scams
Scam Tactics: Illegitimate online pharmacies offer discounted medications that may be counterfeit or harmful.
Protection Strategies:
Use Verified Pharmacies: Purchase medications only from pharmacies accredited by recognized authorities.
Consult Healthcare Providers: Discuss any online medication purchases with your doctor or pharmacist.
Additional Resources:
By staying vigilant and informed, Seniors can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these prevalent scams.
This article is a service of Attorney Chad A. Ritchie and the Ritchie Law Office, Ltd.
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