Elder Fraud Prevention: Protecting Seniors from Scams

The Grandparent Scam

A scammer calls pretending to be a grandchild in crisis. "Grandma, it's me. I've been arrested/in an accident/need money for school. I need $5,000 by tonight. Don't tell mom and dad—I'm embarrassed."

How to prevent:

Have a family code word. If someone calls claiming to be a grandchild, ask for the code word before sending money. Verify through other family members before sending any money.

Tech Support Scams

Pop-ups appear on the screen claiming the computer has a virus or security problem. A number to call appears. When the senior calls, scammers claim to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another tech company and request remote access to "fix" the problem.

IRS / Tax Scams

Phone calls or emails claiming to be from the IRS threatening legal action, arrest, or liens unless immediate payment is made. Often targets seniors around tax time.

Medicare / Health Insurance Fraud

Calls or letters claiming to be from Medicare or health insurance asking to "verify" Social Security numbers or Medicare numbers, claiming errors in records, or offering special health services.

Lottery / Prize Scams

Notifications that the person has won a lottery they didn't enter or a prize, but must pay taxes or fees to claim it.

Romance Scams

A lonely senior meets someone online who quickly becomes romantic and then requests money for an emergency, travel, or investment opportunity. These can target isolated seniors of any age.

Home / Charity Repair Scams

Door-to-door solicitors claiming to offer discounted home repairs or work for charities, then disappearing after payment or doing substandard work.

Have open conversations about scams

Talk to older family members about common scams. Approach the conversation with respect—many seniors don't appreciate being talked down to. Frame it as "these are tricks that fool even smart people."

Establish a "verification code"

Create a family code word that grandchildren, close friends, and trusted people use when calling in an emergency. If someone calls claiming to be a grandchild without using the code, it's likely a scam.

Create a "do not call" list

Register phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov). While not perfect, it reduces unwanted sales calls that are often fronts for scams.

Help with financial oversight

If appropriate, offer to help review financial accounts, check bank statements, and monitor for unusual transactions. Watch for large unexpected transfers or wire transfers to unknown people.

Use scam alert apps and services

Apps like RoboKiller or Nomorobo can block many scam calls. Many phone companies offer call screening services. Consider setting up a feature that requires unknown callers to identify themselves.

Keep contact information current

Ensure seniors have direct contact numbers for family members so they can verify information if someone calls claiming to be a relative. A simple callback to a known number can prevent the grandparent scam.

Help with technology security

Help seniors update software, use password managers, and understand email verification. Tech support scams thrive on seniors' uncertainty with technology.

Power of Attorney

A legal document granting someone trusted (usually a family member) authority to manage financial or healthcare decisions. This allows a trusted person to monitor accounts and prevent scams. Should be set up while the senior is mentally competent.

Guardianship or Conservatorship

A court-appointed arrangement where a guardian manages the legal and financial affairs of someone who can no longer manage their own. Used when someone is cognitively impaired. More restrictive and requires court involvement.

Joint accounts

Adding a trusted family member as a joint account holder allows oversight of spending and transactions, and prevents scammers from easily draining accounts. Discuss the implications carefully, as it affects both parties' assets.

Take emotional support seriously

Seniors often experience profound shame and embarrassment after being scammed. Reassure them that they're not alone and that intelligent people get scammed. Don't express anger or blame—they're already suffering.

Report immediately

The faster you report, the better chance of recovering funds or preventing further loss. Report to:

• The senior's bank or financial institution
• Local police (get a case number)
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov)
• Federal Trade Commission (reportfraud.ftc.gov)
• AVASC (avasc.org)

Monitor for follow-up scams

Scammers sometimes sell lead lists to other scammers. The senior may receive increased scam attempts. Warn them about this and increase monitoring.

Seek professional help if needed

A therapist or counselor can help process trauma. Many seniors experience depression or anxiety after being scammed. Professional support is valuable.