21st Century Senior Scams: What to Look For and How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones

As technology continues to advance in our 21st century society, senior scams are becoming more sophisticated than ever before. In a recent interview, Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention at AARP, claimed that “cybercrime” has already cost older Americans over $300 million in 2022. What seems like a phone call from a bank or a text message from your utility company could be a swindler trying to gain sensitive and private information. A lifetime of savings is not the only thing at risk. The high-pressure tactics and victimization from “cybercriminals” can also leave lingering health issues and emotional distress. 

It’s important for all generations to be aware of and protect elders from online scams and fraud. Learn about 2022’s prominent senior scams and what you can do to protect yourself and loved ones.

Tech Support Scams

Computer technical support scams have been around for a long time, but over the last two years there has been a substantial increase in the number of tech support scams AND the amount of money lost.

Tech support scams can generally be described as a scam initiating with a “computer problem” that is solved by providing someone with “remote access”.  Typically a pop-up message appears on a computer with a phone number to call for assistance. The scams can also begin with a simple phone call. 

What to Look For

• Pop-up message on computer or blank screen stating device is “compromised”
• Support Representative requests for “remote access”
• Request to add “team viewer” to device
• Request to add “any desk” to device
• Request for IMMEDIATE payment after being provided “test results” or “diagnostic report”
• Payment demand to “fix” the device
• Example: FTC Tech Support Scam – Undercover Investigation

Protect Yourself

• • NEVER click links on a pop-up message
  • Do NOT call a number from a pop-up message that claims your device needs repair
  • Hang up on unexpected calls from anyone who claims to be tech support
  • NEVER give anyone “remote access” to your device
  • NEVER share passwords
  • Purchase and keep your security software up to date
  • Scan your computer for malware often
  • Report tech support scams to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint

Government Imposters

Government imposters or impersonators swindle unsuspecting seniors by pretending to be from the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Medicare, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or even made-up agencies. These cybercriminals often state that tax, Social Security, or Medicare benefits will be stopped unless personal identifying information, like a Social Security Number, is provided. Often these scammers will present their name and their “employee ID number” for you to record and make the conversation appear “official”.  They may even have information about you already, like your full name and address. Just remember government agencies DO NOT call, email, or text asking for IMMEDIATE money. 

What to Look For

• A phone number or email that looks similar to a government agency
• A phone call, email, or text from a government agency requesting IMMEDIATE payment
• A phone call, email, or text from a government agency threatening fines or arrest for not paying
• A phone call, email, or text from a government agency requesting a money wire (wire transfer), mailing in cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
• Any conversation with a government employee that requires you to provide your personal or financial information

   

Protect Yourself

• • If you think a call or message could be real because you might remember seeing a letter from the IRS somewhere, hang up the phone. Call the government agency directly at the number listed on the website ending with .gov
    • DO NOT call the number provided in a voicemail, email, or text
    • NEVER wire money to someone who claims they are with or from the government
    • DO NOT send cash to someone who claims they are with or from the government
    • NEVER use cryptocurrency to pay someone who claims they are with or from the government
    • DO NOT use gift cards to pay someone who claims they are with or from the government
    • NEVER provide your personal information to someone who calls, texts, or emails and says they are with the government
    • DO NOT provide your financial information to someone who calls, texts, or emails and says they are with the government
    • NEVER click on links in unexpected emails or text messages
    • DO NOT trust your caller ID
    • Caller ID can be faked. Phone numbers can be made to look like the real government agency’s number. Names can be made to read like “Social Security Administration”.
    • If you gave your personal information to a scammer, go to IdentityTheft.gov for steps you can take to protect your identity.

What to Know from the FTC: 

• “The real Social Security Administration won’t call, email, send text messages, or send direct messages on social media asking for payment.”
• “The IRS will not call you about your taxes unexpectedly. If you owe taxes, the IRS will contact you by mail.”
• “A real government agency won’t contact you to ask for your Medicare number or other personal information, unless you’ve called 1-800-MEDICARE first and left a message.”

COVID-19 Related Scams

With the COVID-19 vaccine approval, cybercriminals are using vaccine scams to steal personal and financial information. These scammers will ask for personal identifying information, like a Social Security Number, to create a vaccine appointment OR may request IMMEDIATE payment for your vaccine. Remember, Medicare covers the full cost of the COVID-19 vaccine.

What to Look For

• Any payment request for the COVID-19 Vaccine
• A payment request in order to create a COVID-19 Vaccine appointment or to obtain “early access”
• Advertisements for vaccines specifically through social media platforms
• Pop-up messages on your device about “FREE” vaccines
• Marketers requesting payment to ship doses of the vaccine to your home
• Shipping fees for a “Free Reward” after completing a survey or providing personal information regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine
• A request for your COVID-19 vaccination card

Protect Yourself

• • Use caution at a COVID-19 testing site that requests your financial or medical information in order to get your FREE test
  • When making a COVID-19 vaccine appointment online, make sure the testing site location is approved
  • DO NOT purchase “at-home” COVID-19 vaccine kits
  • Only purchase “ FDA approved COVID-19 test kits from legitimate providers”
  • NEVER provide your personal information to someone who calls, texts, or emails and says they need to set-up your Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment
  • DO NOT provide your financial information to someone who calls, texts, or emails and says they need to set-up your Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment
  • NEVER click on links in unexpected emails or text messages
  • If you believe you have experienced a COVID-19 scam or have been the victim of COVID-19 fraud, report your experience to the HHS-OIG Hotline: 1-800-HHS-TIPS I tips.hhs.gov

Sweetheart Scams

In 2021, the FTC reported $547 million lost in Romance Frauds. A romance fraud, also known as a sweetheart scam, is essentially when a person uses a fake online profile to gain a victim’s affection and trust in order to manipulate or steal from that victim. According to the NCO, National Council on Aging, scammers target older dating-app users because of their “polite and trusting nature”, as well as their “stable financial situation”.  However, AARP encourages elders to even be wary of users they meet on gaming apps, like Words with Friends. The best way to protect against a sweetheart scam is to recognize one and end contact with the scammer immediately. 

What to Look For

When using online dating apps, be cautious if another user:

• Quickly requests to chat on another app or website in order to speak “privately”
• Has poor spelling or grammar
• States they live in your home country or state but are “traveling for work”
• Has an online profile that does not match descriptions given in conversations
• Refuses to chat on video 
• Provides extreme excuses for not being able to meet in person, such as being in an accident or the death of a family member
• Requests money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
• Asks for financial support due to an emergency or hardship 
• Requests personal information, especially to book a flight
• Uses excessive flattery and praises early in the relationship

Protect Yourself

• • Use reverse image search to check the profile picture
  • If that image can be found on other pages or sites, the user might be a scammer
  • Be careful of the personal information you share in a dating profile
  • Sweetheart scammers can exploit your personal information
  • NEVER send intimate photos with someone you have met online
  • Intimate pictures could be used later for extortion
  • DO NOT send cash, wire money, buy cryptocurrency or gift cards for someone you have only chatted to online
  • Cut off contact immediately if you believe the user has a fake profile or is a scammer

False Utility Representatives

Another scam on the rise is the utility scam. Utility scams are similar to the government impersonator scams. Someone calls or even shows up at your home claiming to be from your utility company: gas, water, electric, and so on. The “utility representative” states that your service will be cut off if you do not pay immediately. The scammers create a sense of urgency to pressure the victim into making some type of payment. 

What to Look For

• • An unexpected call or unscheduled visit from someone claiming to be with your utility company
  • Request to enter the home for a “free” audit or inspection 
  • Immediate payment to prevent service from being cut off
  • Payments could be for an overdue bill, maintenance cost,  diagnostic results, meter report, or even for a bill on a utility account you did not open
  • Demands for payment by cash, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card
  • Requests for your existing energy provider account number or even a copy of your entire utility bill

Protect Yourself

• If the call or visit is unexpected, call your utility company, using the number on the bill, to verify if you missed or need to make a payment 
  • DO NOT call a number from an unsolicited voicemail, email, or text message
  • Remember: Most utility companies do not stop service without advanced warning
  • NEVER allow a utility employee to enter your home without an appointment
  • DO NOT provide your personal or financial information to someone who calls, emails, or texts claiming to be with your utility company
  • DO NOT send cash, wire money, or provide numbers from gift cards to someone who calls, emails, or texts claiming to be with your utility company
  • NEVER click on links in an unexpected utility-related email or text message

Key Takeaways:

The best way to protect yourself or your loved ones from senior scams is to simply be aware. Keep the look-fors and red flags of common scams in mind whenever answering unexpected phone calls or reading a suspicious email. Whether you are chatting to someone you met on a dating-app or making an appointment online, remember:

• NEVER share your personal or financial information
• Always verify that who you are talking to is who they are
• NEVER wire money or send cryptocurrency to unverified sources
• Take time to make a decision