The Most Common Scams Targeting Older Adults and How to Avoid Them
As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics used by scammers. While the internet offers endless convenience, it also opens the door to a variety of digital dangers. At TechPals, we’re committed to helping you stay safe online by raising awareness of the most common scams targeting older adults and showing you exactly how to avoid them.
Being tech-smart means understanding what red flags to look out for. Whether you’re browsing the internet, checking emails, using social media, or taking a phone call, knowing the signs of a scam can protect your identity and your money. Many scams today use the same playbook: urgency, fear, and requests for personal information or money. Knowing how to spot these tricks is your best defense.
Here are the top scams to watch for, how they work, and what to do if you suspect something fishy.
1. Medicare and Health Insurance Scams
Scammers often target Medicare users, trying to steal personal information or money using official-sounding language and urgent tactics. Here's how these scams typically work:
Someone calls claiming to be a “Medicare advisor” offering to upgrade your plan for a fee.
You receive a postcard or letter saying you're “required to call” to avoid losing coverage.
Scammers claim you’re eligible for a “free medical device” (brace, wheelchair, monitor) but need your Medicare number.
Unsolicited calls offering “genetic testing kits” to check for cancer, dementia, or heart disease — they just want your ID info.
Someone says you must “reactivate” your Medicare benefits by confirming your Social Security number.
Fake emails instructing you to “log in to your Medicare portal” using a link (phishing).
Calls offering fake COVID-19 tests, vaccines, or benefits requiring your Medicare number.
Scammers tell you Medicare is switching to a “new chip card” and need to verify your identity.
A fake agent says your current plan is being discontinued and you must sign up today to avoid losing coverage.
Messages that say your new Medicare card is ready but require a shipping or processing fee.
Read More: How to Tell If a Website Is Fake
Tip: Treat your Medicare number like your Social Security number. Never share it unless you're sure you're speaking to your actual provider.
2. Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams are increasingly common. These often start with a pop-up alert or a phone call claiming your device has been hacked. They may even impersonate companies like Microsoft, Apple, or Norton.
A pop‑up claims your banking information has been stolen and urges you to “call now for immediate help.”
Scammers say your computer sent “error reports” and your system is infected.
Fake Apple/iCloud warnings stating your account will be locked within 2 hours.
Emails pretending to be from Microsoft saying your subscription is expired.
A caller claiming to be from your internet provider saying your router has been hacked.
Someone asks you to install remote-access programs like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or GoToAssist.
A scammer claims your email account has been compromised and asks for passwords to confirm ownership.
You’re told hackers are using your IP address for illegal activity and you must pay to “reset” it.
Scammers say your phone is part of a criminal investigation and ask for remote access.
Someone texts saying your laptop warranty expired and asks you to click a renewal link.
Related: 3 Ways to Identify a Phishing Email, How to Stop Robocalls on Your Cell Phone
Tip: Don’t give remote access or click unfamiliar links. Call the official number listed on the company’s website instead.
3. Grandparent Scams
These emotional scams prey on the love grandparents feel for their grandchildren. Scammers use AI voice tools to sound like a loved one and fabricate emergencies that require money.
Caller says they’ve been in a car accident and need immediate money for repairs.
A scammer claims to be calling from a hospital and needs payment for emergency treatment.
Fraudsters say they’re stranded while traveling and need money for a hotel or to get home.
Someone claims the grandchild was arrested for DUI or drugs and needs “bail money.”
The scammer says, “Don’t tell Mom or Dad — they’ll be mad.”
They insist on payment via gift cards, Bitcoin, or wire transfers.
A fake lawyer or police officer joins the call to pressure you.
Scammers request money be handed to a “courier” who will come to your home.
They claim your grandchild’s phone was stolen, so they’re using a friend’s number.
You receive a text saying, “Grandma, I changed phones. Can you help me?”
Tip: Always verify. Hang up and call your family member directly using their known number. Never send money or gift cards based on a call or text.
Bonus: How to Set Up Emergency Contacts on Your Phone
4. Romance Scams
Romance scams often begin on dating apps or social media. Scammers build trust over time before asking for money.
The person avoids video calls, always blaming “bad Wi‑Fi.”
They quickly profess deep affection or love after a few days/weeks.
They say their bank account is frozen and need help.
They request you buy and send gift cards or electronics.
Their stories often include dramatic events: accidents, hospitalizations, arrests.
They promise to visit but “something came up” each time.
They ask you to invest in crypto projects they “know are safe.”
They ask you to receive money or packages for them (money‑laundering risk).
Their photos look professionally taken or overly glamorous.
Their social media profile is almost empty or recently created.
Tip: Never send money or invest based on an online relationship if you haven’t met in person.
Related Reading: Can You Really Be Tracked Through Your Phone?
5. Government Impersonation Scams
These scammers pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or local law enforcement. They use fear to trick you.
Caller says your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity.
Someone claims you owe unpaid taxes and police are on the way.
A scammer says there is a warrant for your arrest unless you pay immediately.
They claim you’re owed a refund but need bank details to process it.
Fraudsters say you missed jury duty and must pay a fine.
Fake census workers ask for financial or personal details.
Emails pretending to be from the IRS saying you’re eligible for a stimulus payment.
Text messages claiming to be from the DMV saying your license is suspended.
Someone claiming to be from the U.S. Border Patrol says your identity is linked to smuggling or trafficking.
You get a call from “Customs and Border Protection” saying a package in your name contains illegal items.
Tip: Government agencies will never demand money over the phone or ask for gift card payments.
Read More: How to Spot and Avoid the DMV Text Scam
6. Fake Prize or Sweepstakes Scams
You get an email, text, or call saying you’ve won a prize or entered a giveaway. But you’ll need to pay a "processing fee" to claim it.
A message says you won a contest you don’t remember entering.
They claim you must pay shipping or taxes before receiving the prize.
You’re told to keep your “win” a secret until it’s processed.
Fake checks are mailed to you as “advance winnings” (they bounce).
The prize page asks for your Social Security number.
They say you’re a finalist for a sweepstakes and need to confirm your banking details.
Scammers use the names of real companies like Publishers Clearing House.
A message claims you won a government grant, but must pay a fee upfront.
You’re told to click a link to “verify your identity” to claim the reward.
Someone encourages you to act fast or lose your prize.
Tip: If you didn’t enter a contest, it’s a scam. Never pay to claim a prize.
7. Utility and Bill Scams
Scammers pose as your utility company and threaten to shut off service unless you pay immediately.
Someone claims your electricity will be shut off in 30 minutes unless you pay now.
You receive a text with a link saying your “recent payment failed.”
Fake gas company representatives come door-to-door asking for bill information.
A scammer claims a new “smart meter fee” must be paid immediately.
You’re told your water service is being disconnected due to suspicious activity.
They ask for unusual payment types (gift cards, prepaid cards, apps).
You get a fake invoice for services you never used.
Scammers say your automatic payment was declined and ask for card numbers.
A fake technician says they must inspect your home for safety, but require payment first.
Bills arrive with slightly altered email addresses or phone numbers.
Tip: Always verify by calling your utility provider directly using the number on your bill.
Helpful Reads: Why You're Getting So Many Spam Texts & How to Stop Them, How to Unsubscribe from Spam Emails
More Ways to Stay Safe with TechPals
How to Choose a Good Password — weak passwords are a scammer’s dream.
If you ever feel unsure about a suspicious message, don’t respond. Reach out to TechPals or your bank, and report any fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Final Thoughts from TechPals
Scammers never rest, but neither do we. The best way to protect yourself is to stay informed, slow down before acting on any request, and double-check everything. If something seems off, it probably is.
