Avoid Scams
How to Avoid Scams
Scams targeting seniors have become more sophisticated and convincing. What were once obvious fraud attempts have evolved into believable phone calls, emails, and voice messages that appear to come from trusted sources. Older adults are often targeted — but a few simple habits can significantly reduce the risk.
Download the Free Life Planning GuideWhy Seniors Are Targeted — and What You Can Do
Scams targeting seniors have become more sophisticated and convincing. What were once obvious fraud attempts have evolved into believable phone calls, emails, and voice messages that appear to come from trusted sources. Older adults are often targeted, but a few simple habits can significantly reduce the risk.
Americans age 60 and older reported around $5 billion in losses to scams in 2024, according to the FBI — and that figure represents only the cases that were reported. Many more go unreported out of embarrassment or uncertainty. The best defense is knowledge: knowing what scams look like, how they work, and how to slow down before responding.
Scammers rely on urgency and fear. The best defense is to slow down, verify the information, and avoid making quick decisions. Taking a moment to confirm can protect both your finances and your peace of mind.
The Most Common Scams to Know
Understanding how each type of scam works is your first line of defense. Here are the schemes most frequently used against Bay Area seniors.
Impersonation Scams
A caller poses as a bank, credit card company, or government agency — claiming there is an issue with your account and asking you to verify information. Never provide personal or financial details to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Hang up and call the institution directly using the number on the back of your debit or credit card.
Family Emergency Scam
A caller claims to be a relative in urgent need of money. With modern technology, scammers can even mimic a loved one's voice using AI. If you receive such a call, do not act immediately. Contact another family member or call your relative directly using a known number to confirm the situation before doing anything.
Phishing Emails & Texts
Fraudulent emails or text messages appear to come from banks, Medicare, the IRS, or well-known companies — asking you to click a link or provide personal information. Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources. When in doubt, go directly to the organization's official website.
Tech Support Scam
A pop-up or phone call warns you that your computer has a virus and instructs you to call a number or allow remote access. Legitimate tech companies do not contact you this way. Hang up, close the window, and contact your actual tech support provider independently if you have concerns.
Gift Card & Wire Transfer Demands
Any request for payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency is a red flag — these are common methods used in fraud because they are nearly impossible to reverse. No legitimate business, government agency, or family emergency will ever require payment this way.
IRS & Government Imposters
Scammers pose as IRS agents or government officials, claiming you owe back taxes or unpaid fees and threatening legal action unless you pay immediately. The IRS and government agencies will never call, text, or email demanding immediate payment — they always communicate by mail first.
Simple Habits That Protect You
You don't need to be a technology expert to protect yourself. These straightforward practices go a long way.
| The Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Someone contacts you unexpectedly | Hang up or ignore the message. Call the organization back directly using a number you find independently — not one provided by the caller. |
| You feel rushed or pressured | Slow down. Scammers rely on urgency and fear. Legitimate organizations will not demand an immediate decision. Take time to verify. |
| Payment is requested via gift card, wire, or crypto | Stop. No legitimate business or government agency accepts these payment methods. This is always a scam. |
| A "family member" calls in distress | Do not act immediately. Call a second family member or contact your relative directly using a number you already know. |
| You receive a suspicious link or attachment | Do not click. Go directly to the organization's official website instead, or call them using a verified phone number. |
| You're asked to keep something secret | This is a major red flag. Scammers frequently ask victims not to tell family members. Tell someone you trust immediately. |
It can be helpful to establish a family verification method — such as a shared phrase or a designated contact — to confirm real emergencies. If someone calls claiming to be a family member in crisis and cannot provide the phrase, that's your signal to hang up and call the family member directly using a number you already have stored.
If You Think You've Been Scammed
If you believe you've been targeted or have already sent money or personal information, act quickly — and know that this happens to people of all backgrounds and intelligence levels. There is no shame in reporting it.