Be Wary of Phone Scams Impacting Older Adults

A phone scam targeting seniors is a fraudulent call designed to deceive older adults into giving away money, personal information, or access to their financial accounts. Scammers often exploit common vulnerabilities such as loneliness, trust, or lack of familiarity with modern technology. These calls may involve impersonating government agencies, technical support, family members in distress, or even fake prize offers. Seniors are particularly at risk because they are often more likely to answer unknown calls and may be less skeptical of aggressive or urgent-sounding requests. Phone scams can lead to serious financial loss and emotional distress, making it crucial for seniors and their caregivers to stay informed, be cautious with unsolicited calls, and report suspicious activity to authorities.

Here are some tips on how to avoid falling victim to a scam:

• Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers
• Never Share Personal Information
• Hang Up on Suspicious Calls
• Use Call Blocking Technology
• Be Skeptical of “Too Good to Be True” Offers
• Verify Caller Identity
• Talk Openly with Family
• Report Scam Calls

For more information on phone scams, from a story by AARP, CLICK HERE.