Online scams have become more common in recent years, and unfortunately, many are designed specifically to target seniors. These scams can look convincing, feel urgent, and catch anyone off guard. But with a little awareness and a few simple habits, you can stay safer, protect your personal information, and use technology with confidence.
Here is a practical guide to recognizing and avoiding some of the most common online scams that target older adults.
Be Careful With Unexpected Emails or Messages
Scammers often send emails or text messages pretending to be banks, government agencies, delivery services, or familiar companies.
Red flags include
- Messages asking you to “verify” personal information
- Emails with unusual spelling, grammar, or formatting
- Links that look suspicious or unfamiliar
- Unexpected attachments
- Offers that sound too good to be true
- Messages demanding immediate action
For example, you might receive a text saying, “Your bank account will be suspended in 30 minutes unless you verify your information now.” Instead of clicking the link, open your bank’s official app or contact the bank using the number on the back of your card.
If a message feels suspicious, don’t respond or click its links. Contact the organization directly using contact information you know is legitimate.
Never Give Out Personal Information Online
Be cautious whenever someone unexpectedly asks you to provide sensitive information by email, text message, social media, or an unsolicited phone call.
Protect information such as
- Social Security number
- Banking or credit card information
- Passwords
- Medicare or insurance numbers
- Verification codes sent to your phone
If you need to provide sensitive information, make sure you initiated the interaction and are using a verified website, phone number, or other trusted method.
The Social Security Administration offers guidance on recognizing Social Security scams and explains what to do if someone suspicious contacts you claiming to represent Social Security.
Watch Out for Fake Tech Support
Tech-support scams are a common way criminals try to frighten people into giving them money or access to their computers.
Warning signs
- A pop-up claiming your computer is infected
- An unexpected caller saying they are from Microsoft, Apple, or “Windows Support”
- Requests to access your computer remotely
- Demands for payment to “fix” a computer problem
- Instructions to purchase gift cards or send cryptocurrency
Do not call a phone number displayed in a suspicious pop-up. Close the window if possible and contact your computer manufacturer or a trusted technology professional yourself.
Never give someone remote access to your computer unless you initiated the contact and know who you are dealing with.
Be Cautious With Online Shopping and Advertisements
Scammers sometimes create fake online stores, advertisements, and social media offers that imitate legitimate businesses.
Protect yourself by
- Shopping with retailers you know and trust
- Checking reviews from multiple sources
- Being suspicious of unrealistically low prices
- Using secure payment methods
- Checking the website address carefully before entering payment information
Remember that a professional-looking website does not automatically mean a business is legitimate. Fake websites can copy logos, photographs, and other elements from real businesses.
Verify Charities Before Donating
Scammers sometimes take advantage of emergencies, natural disasters, and emotional stories by pretending to collect money for charities.
Before donating
- Research the charity independently
- Visit the charity’s official website directly
- Avoid donating through unexpected email or text links
- Be cautious if someone pressures you to donate immediately
- Be especially suspicious of requests for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
Take your time before donating. A legitimate charity should allow you to research the organization before making a decision.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Weak or reused passwords can make it easier for criminals to access multiple accounts if one password becomes compromised.
Tips
- Use long, difficult-to-guess passwords
- Create a different password for each important account
- Consider using a reputable password manager
- Never give your password to someone who unexpectedly contacts you
Instead of changing passwords on a fixed schedule, focus on using strong, unique passwords and changing them promptly if you believe an account or password has been compromised.
Enable Two-Step Verification When Possible
Two-step verification, also called two-factor authentication (2FA), adds another layer of protection to an account.
After entering your password, you may be required to confirm your identity using an authenticator app, security key, or code sent to a trusted device.
This is especially helpful for
- Email accounts
- Banking and financial accounts
- Social media
- Online shopping accounts
Even if a scammer obtains your password, this additional security step can make it much harder for them to access your account.
Be Careful With Online Romance Contacts
Romance scams can develop gradually. A scammer may spend weeks or even months building trust before asking for money.
Warning signs
- The person repeatedly avoids meeting in person
- They always have an excuse for avoiding video calls
- They claim to be working or traveling far away
- They suddenly experience a financial or medical “emergency”
- They ask you to send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or financial information
- Their stories are inconsistent
Never send money to someone you know only through the internet, especially when the relationship involves repeated emergencies or pressure.
If you’re uncertain, talk to someone you trust before sending anything.
Stay Alert to Medicare and Government Imposters
Scammers may pretend to represent Medicare, Social Security, the IRS, law enforcement, or another government agency.
Scams may
- Threaten you with arrest or penalties
- Demand immediate payment
- Request sensitive personal information
- Claim your benefits are about to disappear
- Ask you to provide your Medicare number
According to Medicare.gov’s fraud and abuse guidance, you should protect your Medicare number and only share it with trusted health care providers, insurers, and people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
If you’re unsure whether a call or message is legitimate, end the conversation and contact the agency yourself using its official website or phone number.
Secure Your Devices
Keeping your devices updated helps protect them from known security vulnerabilities and malicious software.
Do this regularly
- Install operating system updates for Windows, macOS, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices
- Turn on automatic security updates when available
- Use built-in or reputable security software
- Protect your home Wi-Fi with a strong password
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi for sensitive financial activities
Security updates are important because they often contain fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Talk With Family or Trusted Friends
Scammers frequently try to create a sense of urgency so you act before having time to think.
If something feels strange or makes you uneasy, ask someone you trust for a second opinion.
It helps to
- Share suspicious messages with a family member or friend
- Discuss unexpected requests for money
- Talk about new online contacts before sending them money
- Ask for help setting up security features
- Wait before making a financial decision under pressure
There is rarely a good reason to send money immediately because of an unexpected phone call, email, or text message. Taking a few minutes to verify the situation can prevent an expensive mistake.
Final Thoughts
Staying safe online doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge—just awareness, caution, and a few simple habits.
Be especially careful when someone unexpectedly asks for money, passwords, account information, verification codes, or immediate action. Slow down, verify who you are dealing with, and contact organizations through their official websites or phone numbers rather than information provided in a suspicious message.
By recognizing common scam tactics, protecting your personal information, and talking with trusted friends or family when something seems unusual, you can enjoy the benefits of technology with greater confidence and peace of mind.
