The internet can be a helpful tool for older adults. Seniors can use smartphones, computers, and tablets to stay connected with family, manage appointments, shop, pay bills, and access important information. However, online scams are also a growing concern, and older adults can be targeted by scammers through emails, text messages, phone calls, social media, and fake websites.
For families and caregivers, learning how to protect elderly loved ones from online scams can help reduce the risk of financial loss and protect personal information.
The good news is that a few simple habits can make online activity safer.
Why Are Seniors Targeted by Online Scammers?
Scammers often target older adults because they may have savings, retirement accounts, Social Security benefits, or other financial resources. Some scammers also take advantage of trust, loneliness, or unfamiliarity with newer technology.
Scams can be designed to look very convincing. A message may appear to come from a bank, government agency, delivery company, healthcare provider, family member, or even a friend.
This is why seniors should know what warning signs to look for before clicking a link, sending money, or providing personal information.
Common Online Scams Targeting Older Adults
Understanding common scams is one of the best ways to help protect a loved one. The Federal Trade Commission offers additional information about common scams targeting older adults and how families can help prevent and report fraud.
1. Phishing Emails and Text Messages
Phishing scams use fake emails or text messages to trick people into providing information such as passwords, account numbers, or credit card information.
A message may claim that there is a problem with a bank account, payment, delivery, or online account and ask the recipient to click a link.
Warning signs include:
- Unexpected messages asking for personal information
- Links asking you to log into an account
- Urgent language or threats
- Spelling or grammar mistakes
- Requests for passwords or financial information
When in doubt, don’t click the link. Instead, contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate.
2. Government Impersonation Scams
Scammers may pretend to represent a government agency and claim that the person owes money, has a problem with their benefits, or could face legal consequences.
A legitimate government agency will generally not demand immediate payment through unusual methods such as gift cards or cryptocurrency.
If a message seems suspicious, stop and verify it independently.
3. Online Shopping Scams
Fake online stores can advertise products at unusually low prices and collect payment information without delivering the promised product.
Before purchasing from an unfamiliar website, look for:
- A legitimate business address
- Reliable contact information
- Secure payment options
- Independent reviews
- A clear return policy
Be especially cautious when a deal seems too good to be true.
4. Romance and Friendship Scams
Some scammers create fake social media or dating profiles and develop relationships with victims over time.
Eventually, the scammer may ask for money because of an emergency, medical problem, travel expense, or financial crisis.
Families should remember that scammers may spend weeks or months building trust before asking for money.
5. Tech Support Scams
A pop-up message or phone call may claim that a computer has a virus or security problem.
The scammer may then ask for remote access to the computer or request payment for technical support.
Don’t give an unknown person remote access to a computer or provide passwords or financial information because of an unexpected warning.
6. Family Emergency Scams
A scammer may pretend to be a grandchild, child, or another family member who needs money urgently.
The message may say something like, “Please don’t tell Mom and Dad,” or claim that the person has been arrested, injured, or stranded.
Before sending money, contact the family member directly using a trusted phone number.
Teach Seniors to Stop Before They Click
One of the simplest habits families can teach older adults is:
Stop. Think. Verify.
Before clicking a link, sending money, or sharing personal information, ask:
Was I expecting this message?
If not, don’t immediately respond.
Who is asking for this information?
Make sure the person or organization is actually who they claim to be.
Am I being pressured to act immediately?
Urgency is one of the most common tactics used by scammers.
Can I verify this another way?
Contact the organization or family member through a trusted phone number or website instead of using the contact information provided in the suspicious message.
Help Your Loved One Create Strong Passwords
Passwords are an important part of online safety.
Encourage older adults to use different passwords for important accounts rather than using the same password everywhere.
A password manager can help keep track of passwords without requiring someone to remember every password individually.
For important accounts, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever available. MFA provides an additional layer of protection beyond a password.
Be Careful With Personal Information
Teach your loved one to avoid sharing sensitive information online unless they are certain they are dealing with a legitimate organization.
This can include:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account information
- Credit card numbers
- Passwords
- Medicare or insurance information
- Security codes
- Online banking information
A legitimate organization should not need someone to send a password or security code through an unexpected text message or email.
Keep Computers and Phones Updated
Software updates can include important security improvements.
Encourage your loved one to keep their:
- Smartphone
- Tablet
- Computer
- Web browser
- Security software
updated when updates are available.
Automatic updates can make this process easier for many people.
Talk About Scams Without Making Your Loved One Feel Embarrassed
This is one of the most important things families can do.
Scammers are skilled at manipulating people, and anyone can fall for a convincing scam. If an older adult feels embarrassed or afraid of being judged, they may be less likely to tell someone when something goes wrong.
Instead of saying, “You should have known that was a scam,” try saying:
“Scammers are getting very convincing. If you ever receive something you’re unsure about, please ask me before responding.”
Creating an open and supportive environment makes it easier for seniors to ask for help.
Create a Simple Family Safety Plan
Families can create a simple plan for handling suspicious messages.
For example:
- Don’t send money immediately.
- Don’t click unexpected links.
- Don’t share passwords or security codes.
- Call a trusted family member if something seems suspicious.
- Contact the organization directly using a verified phone number or website.
- Report suspected scams when appropriate.
You can also place this checklist near the computer or save it somewhere easily accessible.
What to Do If Your Loved One Has Already Been Scammed
If you believe your loved one has already given information or money to a scammer, act quickly.
Depending on what happened, you may need to:
- Contact the bank or credit card company
- Change affected passwords
- Contact the relevant company or organization
- Monitor financial accounts
- Report the scam to the appropriate authorities
- Consider placing fraud alerts or credit freezes when appropriate
Don’t blame or shame your loved one. Focus on protecting them and preventing additional losses.
How Caregivers Can Help With Online Safety
Caregivers and family members can provide an extra layer of support by helping seniors recognize suspicious messages and encouraging safe online habits.
For example, a caregiver may remind a senior not to respond to unexpected requests for money or personal information and encourage them to ask a trusted person before taking action.
At Comfort Home Healthcare, our caregivers provide compassionate in-home support for seniors and individuals who need assistance with everyday activities. We believe that helping older adults remain safe, comfortable, and supported at home includes encouraging good safety habits.
Our services include companionship, personal care assistance, meal preparation, medication reminders, mobility assistance, light housekeeping, and other daily support.
If your family is looking for compassionate in-home support for a senior loved one in Denver or surrounding Colorado communities, Comfort Home Healthcare is here to help.
Call us today at (303) 324-6962 to learn mo.re about our in-home care services.