Scams Targeting Seniors – What We’re Seeing Right Now

Seniors are increasingly targeted by sophisticated scams designed to exploit trust, urgency, and life savings. In 2026, fraud experts report that schemes aimed at older adults are more frequent, costly, and technologically advanced than ever before, with financial losses mounting into the billions nationwide.

Understanding what these scams look like — and how to respond — is essential for families and caregivers who want to protect their loved ones’ security and peace of mind.

Why Seniors Are Frequent Targets

Scammers often believe older adults may be more trusting of authority figures, more likely to answer phone calls or emails, and more financially stable with retirement savings or home equity, making them prime targets for fraud.

In addition, scams have gotten increasingly sophisticated with artificial intelligence, including voice-cloning and deepfake tools that impersonate family members or trusted professionals to deceive victims.

Scams Targeting Seniors: Common Scams to Watch for in Early 2026

While fraud tactics evolve, many classic schemes remain prevalent, often updated with modern technology or psychological tricks:

1. Government and Benefit Impersonation Scams

Scammers pose as representatives from Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, or other agencies, claiming there’s a problem with benefits that requires immediate action. Victims are urged to verify personal data or send payments to “resolve” the issue. Legitimate agencies will not ask for money or account information over the phone.

2. Grandparent or Emergency Scams

A caller pretends to be a distressed relative — often a grandchild — needing urgent financial help for bail, medical care, or travel expenses. The scam uses fear, urgency, and pressure to prompt quick money transfers, often via wire or gift cards.

3. Tech Support and Computer Scams

Fraudsters contact seniors with claims of malware or security issues on their computers or devices, offering to “fix” the problem, then charge excessive fees or install malicious software that steals sensitive data.

4. Lottery, Prize, and Sweepstakes Scams

These scams tell victims they’ve won a significant prize but must first pay a fee for taxes, shipping, or customs to claim it. Once the money is sent, the prize never arrives.

5. Charity and Donation Scams

Scammers exploit goodwill, especially after natural disasters or during holiday seasons, by soliciting donations for fake charities. These bogus causes often look legitimate but divert every dollar into scammers’ pockets.

6. Utility or Service Shut-off Scams

Fraudsters threaten to disconnect power, water, or other essential services unless immediate payment is made via prepaid cards or wire transfer, tactics that prey on fear and urgency.

7. Crypto Kiosk and Cryptocurrency Scams

Some scams direct victims to use crypto machines or kiosks, often instructing them to deposit cash to buy cryptocurrency as part of a fake security or government requirement. Once the funds are converted to crypto, they are very difficult to trace or recover.

The Cost of Scams Is Rising

According to federal and independent reports, losses from scams targeting older adults have skyrocketed, with estimates of billions lost annually and average losses per victim in the tens of thousands of dollars. Many incidents go unreported due to embarrassment or lack of awareness, so the true scope is likely even larger.

Actions Caregivers Can Take to Protect Older Adults

• Open communication is critically important. Talk regularly with your loved one about scams and encourage them to verify any unexpected calls, emails, or financial requests before taking action.

• Never rush or pressure a decision. Scammers rely on urgency. Caregivers can help slow down the conversation and confirm details before money or information is shared.

• Use technology safeguards. Register phone numbers on do-not-call lists, install call-blocking tools, and enable email junk filters. Specialized financial products (like fraud-aware debit or prepaid cards) can also help limit risk.

• Monitor financial accounts. Review statements regularly for unusual activity and set up alerts with banks to flag large or out-of-pattern transactions.

• Report scams promptly. If a scam is suspected, report it to local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your bank, and appropriate agencies like Social Security or Medicare. Reporting helps authorities track trends and shut down fraud networks.

  
  

Protecting vulnerable elders from scams isn’t just about technology or training, it’s about staying connected, informed, and involved. With vigilance and support, caregivers can help ensure that scammers don’t get a foothold in your loved one’s financial and emotional well-being.

Are you caring for elderly loved ones? Could you use some help? Kimbrough Law is here for you. Call 706.850.6910 to schedule a family consultation.