10/07/2025
Safety for Seniors in the Age of Scams and Misinformation
In today’s world of Artificial Intelligence (AI), propaganda, and the manipulation of information, it’s harder than ever to tell what’s real. Even something as familiar as a phone call can be deceptive; Caller ID can be manipulated to display a trusted name or number, masking the true identity of the caller.
I recently received a scam call from someone pretending to be with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Department, warning me that a warrant would be issued for my arrest for missing jury duty. Fortunately, I hung up before the caller could get to the usual next step: demanding payment to “clear” the warrant.
These calls and texts often follow the same script. And while I wasn’t fooled for long, many people, especially seniors, fall victim to these scams every day.
Scammers targeting seniors use all kinds of tricks to manipulate and pressure people. Here are some of the most common schemes:
Sweepstakes (or Lottery) Scams: You’re told you have won a big prize, but you must pay a “fee” to collect it.
Government Impersonator Scams: Criminals pose as IRS agents, police, or other officials threatening to arrest or prosecute you unless you pay a fine.
Tech Support Scams: A fake tech support representative says there’s a virus or issue on your device. They ask for remote access to your computer, which they use to steal your personal data or access your bank accounts and steal your money.
Real Estate Scams: Criminals send a spoof email to homebuyers with false instructions for wiring closing funds.
Business Email Compromise: You receive what looks like a legitimate email from your bank or another known source, urging you to click a link, make a payment, or call them to verify information.
Investment Scams: Scammers promote a “once in a lifetime opportunity” that promises high returns quickly.
Romance Scams: Fraudsters build emotional relationships online to manipulate victims into sending them money to rescue them from a crisis.
Grandparent/Family Member in Need Scam: Someone pretends to be a relative – usually a child or grandchild – asking for urgent financial help, often saying they’re in jail or the hospital.
Facebook Marketplace Scams: These scams involve fake listings or buyers sending fake payment confirmations. Red flags include suspiciously low prices, requests to move the conversation off the marketplace platform, or using unusual payment methods like gift cards or wire transfers.
While this sounds like a lot to w**d through, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
Be Wary of Urgency
If something gives you a sense of urgency, it is probably a scam. Almost every scam above involves the scammer trying to lure you into immediate action through a sense of urgency. “Do this now or else the police will come and arrest you.” They urge you to communicate through your personal email or text instead of a neutral platform, such as a dating app or Facebook Marketplace. They tell you to “act now” or risk losing the sweepstakes reward you have won. If someone says you must act immediately, hang up the phone or log off of your computer. If you are still concerned, look up the official number on the website.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, ask yourself:
How did they contact me?
Did I click on any links in an email or text message?
Did I call the person back at the number they provided in a voice mail?
Are they asking for personal or protected information like a credit card number, presumably to verify it?
Slow Down and Verify
Don’t answer calls from a number you don’t recognize. If someone leaves you a message from a government agency or business, see if you can find the same phone number on the government or business website. Never click on a link in a text or email. If you want to see if what they claim is valid, call the agency directly to confirm if it is a scam. Tell them they must speak to your family member. Ask for their phone number and you’ll have your loved one call them back.
If you are constantly getting calls that are scams or if you have already been scammed, consider changing your phone number. You are already in their network of vulnerable people.
Protect Your Information
Never give remote access to your computer or payment information to an unsolicited caller.
Do not call a number on a pop-up virus alert.
Do not click any links on a pop-up, even a prompt to “close the window.”
Do not provide your login ID, password, or access codes to anyone.
Never provide personal or financial information with someone who contacts you unexpectedly. Be especially cautious of requests for payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. These are red flags – scammers use them because they are hard to trace. Additionally, consider setting up two-factor authentication. Yes it makes it more complicated to get online, but it also makes it harder for criminals to access your information without your knowledge.
Use a Family Password
Create a shared verbal password or phrase with your loved ones (and don’t tell anyone what the password or phrase is). In a real emergency, this can help confirm someone’s identity.
Final Thoughts
It is important to know these things:
Social Security and Medicare will not threaten to end your benefits, nor will they suspend your personal ID number.
The IRS communicates primarily through mail, including cases with delinquent taxes. The IRS will never demand immediate payment, nor will they make threats to call the local police.
Law enforcement agencies do not call individuals and demand money.
Scams are everywhere, but awareness is your best defense. Slow down, pay attention to your instincts, and protect your information. Share this with a friend or loved one – it could prevent them from becoming the next victim.
By Betsy Morris
https://seniorlivingspecialistssatx.com/
