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What Are Common Elder Abuse Scams?
Elders are sadly a common target for scamming and fraud by criminals who use deceptive methods — including posing as investors with financial opportunities, necessary tech support, or gaining friendship […]
Elders are sadly a common target for scamming and fraud by criminals who use deceptive methods — including posing as investors with financial opportunities, necessary tech support, or gaining friendship or love via social media or texts — to earn an elder’s trust so they will send money.
Some common elder abuse scams include:
- Impersonation Scams
- Scammers pretend to be government officials, bank representatives or family members in urgent trouble to trick elders into sending money or sharing personal information
- Tech Support Scams
- Fraudsters call and claim there’s a virus or security problem on the elder’s computer and offer fake tech support, often trying to gain remote access or payment for unnecessary services
- Lottery or Prize Scams
- Seniors receive messages saying they’ve won a lottery or prize but must pay fees or taxes upfront to claim it, which is a trap to steal their money
- Nonpayment or Failed Delivery Scams
- A criminal will reach out and claim a package is undeliverable, and request sensitive info; or a shoddy/fake company never delivers a good or service the elder has paid for
- Romance or Confidence Scams
- Scammers build fake romantic (or friend) relationships online, gaining trust, then ask for money citing emergencies or travel expenses
- Caregiver or Family Scams
- Caregivers, family members or acquaintances of the senior exploit or abuse them to gain access to their money
- Investment or Financial Advisor Scams
- Scammers offer fake investment opportunities or financial advice promising high returns, tricking elders into handing over life savings
- Grandparent Scam
- A criminal will pretend to be one of the elder’s relatives, often a child or grandchild, claiming they urgently need money
Sources
“Elder Fraud”. FBI.gov. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/elder-fraud
“Holiday Scams”. FBI.gov. https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/holiday-scams
