Many people, including older adults, fall victim to phone scams. Seniors might be targeted more often because they are less familiar with technology and online safety. While younger generations might delete spam texts or ignore unsolicited calls, older adults may be more likely to entertain conversations with strangers — causing them to share personal information without realizing it.
It’s essential to take steps to protect loved ones. In our guide, we’ll discuss common tactics to look out for and tips for protecting elderly adults from phone scams.
What Are Phone Scams?
Phone scams are deceptive schemes that manipulate people into giving away personal information. Scammers can pose as a business or person the senior knows, using various tactics to get them to give up financial information.
Common phone scams targeting seniors include:
- Lottery and prize scams: Scammers might tell seniors they’ve won a prize or cash award, making them pay a fee or give personal information to claim it.
- IRS and government impersonation scams: Scammers can impersonate government officials, claiming that the victim owes taxes and threatening legal action if an immediate payment isn’t made.
- Tech support fraud: Scammers might pose as tech support representatives, claiming that the victim’s computer has a virus and offering assistance for a fee. This usually leads to the scammer gaining access to the senior’s personal information.
People 60 years and older lost over $724 million to government impersonation and tech support scams from call centers in 2022. It’s important to understand the risks and common scams to keep your loved ones safe.
Common Tactics Used by Scammers
It’s critical for caregivers and loved ones to be aware of common tactics phone scammers use. Awareness can go a long way in protecting your loved one from the risks of scams.
Impersonation
Scammers often pretend to be someone the victim trusts, such as a family member or a government official. For instance, scammers could call pretending to be from Medicare or the Social Security Administration. They might say the person’s benefits will be cut off if the person doesn’t provide personal information.
Another example would be the caller impersonating someone close to the older adult, such as a grandchild making a desperate phone call claiming they are in an urgent financial situation and need money right away.
Targeting Emotions
Scammers may use emotional manipulation techniques and scare tactics to gain trust. They might target emotions like:
- Fear: For example, claiming the senior is under investigation for fraud, pressuring them to pay to avoid arrest.
- Elation: Older adults who have recently lost a partner might be vulnerable to scammers seeking online relationships and eventually requesting money. In 2022, almost 70,000 people reported a romance scam, resulting in a loss of $1.3 billion.
- Desire for wealth: Scammers may claim the senior has won the lottery or invested in cryptocurrency.
Urgency to Act Immediately
Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to manipulate their victims into making fast decisions. They may say immediate action is needed to prevent the loss of money, legal action or even arrest. This tactic plays on fear and anxiety, making it harder for seniors to stop and think rationally before giving away personal information.
Preventive Measures for Protecting Seniors
Here are some preventive tips you can take to protect an older adult in your life from phone scams:
1. Educate Older Adults
As a family member of an older adult, you can help them by educating them on scams. Teach them about the common tactics scammers use on the phone. Let your loved one know that legitimate organizations won’t ask for personal or financial information over the phone — especially in unsolicited calls.
Remind them to keep sensitive details private, and encourage them to be cautious about what they disclose. Simple steps, such as not sharing Social Security numbers or bank details while on the phone, can protect their financial security.
2. Establish Regular Contact
People living alone in their later years or those without trusted friends or family nearby are especially vulnerable to these scams. When people feel secure and believe they aren’t at risk, they are less likely to protect themselves. Checking in with your loved one occasionally might give them someone to share concerns. You might also encourage them to stay active in their community.
3. Enlist Help From a Financial Advocate
You can provide more protection by listing a trusted contact who will act as a financial advocate for your loved one. If the advisor or banker notices a concerning trend in the client’s bank account, they can call the contact to let them know. You might even create a financial inventory with your loved one. That way, you can track income, savings, investments and other monetary items — including the financial obligations they owe on a regular basis.
4. Provide Steps for Handling Suspicious Calls
Older adults should also learn how to navigate suspicious calls when they arise. You can provide clear steps to help them, such as:
- Verify the caller’s identity by asking for a callback number.
- Research the organization on their own or call a trusted person for advice.
- Hang up if they feel pressured or uncomfortable.
Let them know it’s perfectly OK to end a call with someone who is making them uneasy. They can also reach out to you or another family member for help if they’re unsure about a call.
5. Block Unknown or Suspicious Numbers
Call-blocking features can reduce the risk of scams. Many smartphones have call-blocking options or can even automatically silence calls from unknown numbers. These features can add another layer of security, making it less likely for your loved one to pick up the phone when a scammer calls. If their phone doesn’t have these features, you might install call-screening apps or other services that identify and block scam calls.
Steps to Take if a Phone Scam Occurs
If a phone scam occurs with your loved one, here are some steps you can take:
- Report the scam: If your loved one falls victim to a phone scam, the first step is reporting it. Have them contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or their local consumer protection agency so authorities can track patterns and warn others.
- Notify financial institutions: Anyone impacted by a scam should notify their bank right away. If your loved one has provided bank account details or other financial information, they’ll need to freeze the account or change their password to prevent the scammers from having access. Many financial institutions have dedicated fraud departments that can help them safeguard their account.
- Support your loved one: Let your relative know they are not alone and that scams can happen to anyone. Talk about the situation and the importance of scam prevention to help restore their confidence. You can even look for educational resources and support on scams so your loved one can stay informed and vigilant.
Get Personalized In-Home Care for Your Loved One at Village Caregiving
Protecting seniors from phone scams is critical in ensuring their safety and financial security. As a family member, you are often the first line of defense in helping your loved ones stay aware and protected from phone scams. By learning more about these scams and discussing them with loved ones, you can reduce the risk of them falling victim.
At Village Caregiving, we understand the unique challenges faced by older adults. Our compassionate in-home care services are designed to help your loved ones navigate their daily lives safely. From providing companionship and assistance with daily activities to offering guidance on technology and phone safety, our dedicated family caregivers are here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and discover how we can help your family navigate the aging process with confidence and peace of mind. Together, we can create a safer environment for your loved ones.
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