Scam category
Senior-targeted scams
Senior-targeted scams are specifically designed to exploit the trust, isolation, and unfamiliarity with technology that some older adults experience. Criminals impersonate Medicare representatives, announce fake sweepstakes winnings, pose as grandchildren in distress, and run tech support schemes. These scams cause billions in losses annually and often go unreported due to embarrassment.
Category activity
“grandparent scam”
↑ 85%Watch for
- A caller claims you have won a prize but need to pay taxes or fees before it can be delivered.
- Someone posing as a government health agency asks for your Medicare number over the phone.
- A family member you cannot verify calls in distress asking you to wire money and keep it secret.
Common searches
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medicare supplement telemarketing scam
Callers impersonate Medicare representatives and pressure seniors into purchasing unnecessary or nonexistent supplemental insurance plans, collecting personal health information and payment details.
Hang up immediately — Medicare will never call you unsolicited to sell supplemental plans.
Seniors
U.S.
funeral insurance scam targeting seniors
Scammers sell fake or grossly overpriced funeral insurance policies to seniors by exploiting fears about burdening their families with burial costs.
Verify any insurance company's license with your state's Department of Insurance before paying anything.
Seniors
U.S.
reverse mortgage pitch scam
Fraudulent advisors pressure seniors into taking out reverse mortgages with hidden fees and unfavorable terms, sometimes redirecting loan proceeds to themselves.
Only work with FHA-approved reverse mortgage lenders and always attend HUD-required counseling before signing.
Seniors
U.S.
computer repair door-to-door scam
Individuals go door to door offering computer repair or virus removal services to seniors, then install malware, steal data, or charge exorbitant fees for unnecessary work.
Never allow unsolicited visitors access to your computer — legitimate tech companies do not make door-to-door service calls.
Seniors
U.S.
sweepstakes phone call scam targeting seniors
Callers tell seniors they have won a sweepstakes or lottery and must pay taxes or fees upfront to claim the prize, which does not exist.
Remember that legitimate sweepstakes never require upfront payment — it is illegal under US and Canadian law.
Seniors
U.S.
fake grandchild social media message scam
Scammers hack or impersonate a grandchild's social media account and message grandparents with an urgent request for money, claiming an emergency.
Always verify by calling your grandchild directly on their known phone number before sending any money.
Seniors
U.S.
romance scam on senior dating site
Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites popular with seniors, build emotional relationships over weeks or months, then request money for fabricated emergencies.
Never send money to someone you have only met online, regardless of how strong the connection feels.
Seniors
U.S.
home security pushy sales scam targeting seniors
Aggressive door-to-door salespeople pressure seniors into signing long-term home security contracts with hidden fees, equipment charges, and difficult cancellation terms.
Never sign a contract at the door — take the materials, read everything, and consult family or a lawyer first.
Seniors
U.S.
fake pharmacy discount card scam
Scammers offer seniors free or low-cost pharmacy discount cards that either do not work, charge hidden membership fees, or are used to harvest personal health and financial information.
Use only verified discount programs like Medicare Extra Help or GoodRx, and verify any card with your pharmacist before providing personal information.
Seniors
U.S.
retirement account advisor impersonation scam
Scammers impersonate financial advisors or representatives from brokerage firms and convince seniors to transfer retirement savings into fraudulent investment accounts.
Never transfer retirement funds based on an unsolicited call — hang up and call your brokerage directly using the number on your account statement.
Seniors
U.S.
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