With advances in technology, scams have become increasingly sophisticated, and seniors are often targeted because scammers assume they may be less familiar with digital security measures. Whether through phone calls, emails, social media, or even face-to-face interactions, scammers employ clever tactics to exploit trust and create urgency. By learning to recognise the signs of common scams and following key tips, you can confidently protect yourself and your finances.
1. Types of common scams targeting seniors
Tech support scams:
Scammers may call claiming to be from a well-known tech company like Microsoft or Apple, saying they’ve “detected a virus” on the person’s computer. They ask for remote access to “fix” the problem, which gives them control of the computer to steal personal data
Impersonation scams (HMRC, police, and family):
Fraudsters may impersonate government agencies like HMRC, claiming immediate action is needed for unpaid taxes. Some may pretend to be police officers, saying a fine is due or a warrant will be issued. In the “grandparent scam,” a caller claims to be a grandchild or another relative in urgent need of money, often for bail or medical expenses.
Sweepstakes and lottery scams:
This classic scam informs the person that they’ve won a large sum of money, but to claim the prize, they must first pay a “processing fee” or “taxes.” No legitimate sweepstakes or lottery will ever ask for payment to receive a prize.
Investment and pension scams:
Fraudsters may offer “can’t miss” investment opportunities, sometimes guaranteeing high returns with little risk. These are often Ponzi schemes or other fraudulent investments targeting pensioners looking to increase their retirement income.
2. Signs of a potential scam
Recognising common red flags is crucial in avoiding scams. Here are some warning signs:
Urgency and pressure: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency, saying things like, “You must act immediately,” or, “This offer expires today.” Pressure to act quickly is often a sign of fraud.
Requests for personal information: Be cautious of any unsolicited request for your personal details, such as your Social Security number, bank account, or Medicare ID.
Upfront payments for a “prize” or “service”: Legitimate businesses and organizations will not ask you to pay upfront to receive a prize or lottery winnings. Any request for payment to claim a prize is a clear red flag.
Too good to be true offers: Promises of unusually high investment returns or exclusive deals that sound too good to be true likely are.
Unknown callers or email senders: If a phone call, text, or email comes from someone you don’t know, especially if they are asking for money or information, approach with caution.
3. How to protect yourself from scams
Verify the caller or sender: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and directly contact the organization they claim to represent using an official contact number. For example, call Medicare or your bank directly to verify any claims.
Limit personal information shared online: Be cautious when sharing personal information on social media platforms. Scammers often gather information from social media to make their impersonation attempts more believable.
Use strong passwords and security measures: Create unique, complex passwords for online accounts and enable two-factor authentication when possible. Consider using a password manager to help keep track of your passwords securely.
Avoid clicking on links in unfamiliar emails: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments in unsolicited emails. These can contain viruses or lead to phishing websites designed to steal your information.
Use call-blocking technology: Many landline and mobile providers offer call-blocking services to screen potential spam calls. You can also add your number to the National Do Not Call Registry, although this doesn’t block all scams.
Shred personal documents: Shred old bank statements and any other documents containing personal information before discarding them to prevent identity theft.
4. What to do if you’ve been scammed
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, it’s essential to act quickly.
Contact your bank or credit card company: If you provided financial information, contact your bank or card issuer immediately to freeze or monitor your accounts for suspicious activity.
Report the Incident: Report scams to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) at report.ncsc.gov.uk or your local police. For impersonation scams involving the HMRC or your bank, contact those agencies directly.
Talk to family or friends: Don’t be embarrassed if you’ve been scammed. Sharing your experience can help prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes, and family members can help monitor accounts and offer support.