How to Spot (and Stop) the Scams Targeting You

Scammers go after older adults on purpose, and they can be convincing. But they almost always lean on the same few tricks, and once you can spot the pattern, most of them fall apart. You don't need any technical skill, just a few firm rules.

The feeling that gives it away: urgency

Nearly every scam manufactures urgency and fear so you'll act before you think. "Your account will be closed." "There's a warrant out for you." "Your grandchild is in trouble and needs money now." Real institutions don't work that way. Pressure to act this very minute is the single biggest red flag. When you feel it, that's your cue to slow down, hang up, and check.

The common ones to know

• The "grandchild in trouble" call. A panicked voice claims to be a relative who needs bail or emergency cash. Hang up and call your family member back on their real number. Scammers can fake voices now, so don't trust the voice alone.
• Tech-support pop-ups. A scary message says your computer is infected and tells you to call a number. It's fake. Don't call, and never let anyone take remote control of your computer.
• Fake bank, IRS, or Medicare messages. Texts or emails about a "problem" with your account, with a link to fix it. Don't click. Contact the institution using the number on your card or statement.
• "You won" or "your package couldn't be delivered." A prize you never entered, a delivery problem for a package you never ordered. Both are designed to get you to click or pay a small "fee."

Simple rules that stop almost all of them

1. Don't click links in unexpected texts or emails. Go to the company's website or app yourself instead.
2. Never give out codes, passwords, or card numbers to someone who contacted you. A one-time code is for you alone, and anyone asking you to read it back is stealing your account.
3. Hang up and call back on a number you look up yourself. Caller ID can be faked.
4. Talk it over with someone. Scammers want you alone. "Let me check with my family first" stops most of them cold.

If you think you've been targeted

You didn't do anything wrong, and acting fast limits the damage. Call your bank if money or card details were involved, change the passwords on any affected accounts, and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Telling family helps them watch for follow-up attempts, since scammers often circle back. Setting your phone up well, like in our easy setup guide, makes it easier for someone you trust to lend a hand.