Scams Targeting Seniors in 2025

With every new leap in consumer technology, scammers become more sophisticated and more relentless. In 2025, there’s a whole host of scams specifically targeting seniors. Whether it’s a phone call that sounds official, an email that looks legitimate, or a friendly message from someone new online, many scams are designed to prey on older adults’ trust, financial stability, and unfamiliarity with evolving digital tools.

It’s never been more important to know the signs. Here’s a breakdown of today’s most common scams, and how you or your loved ones can avoid becoming a victim.

1. Imposter Scams

This classic scam is still one of the most dangerous. A scammer poses as someone you trust, a grandchild, a police officer, or even the IRS, claiming there’s an emergency that needs urgent action.

Red Flag: They’ll pressure you to act fast and keep it a secret.
What to do: Hang up and contact the person via your saved contact or the agency directly using their official line. Don’t trust caller ID, it can be faked.

2. Tech Support Scams

A window pops up on your screen: “Your computer is infected!” Or a caller claims to be from Microsoft or Apple, saying they need remote access to fix a problem. 

Red Flag: Any call or pop-up telling you your device is compromised.
What to do: Never allow someone remote access to your computer unless you have called them first. Shut down and reach out to a trusted computer service or call the real support line. A legitimate company will wait for you to contact them if you’re having technical problems, they will not cold call you. 

3. Medicare, Insurance & Pharmacy Scams

Some scammers pretend to be with Medicare or private insurance providers. Others offer discount prescriptions online, cheap and with no prescription required. They may be trying to steal your private information or money.

Red Flag: Requests for your Medicare number or banking info over the phone.
What to do: Medicare won’t call you out of the blue. If you’re even the slightest bit unsure, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE to verify.

4. Romance Scams

More seniors are using dating apps and social media, and scammers know it. They create fake profiles, build a relationship and trust over time, then hit you with a personal emergency and ask for money.

Red Flag: They avoid video calls or in-person meetings, and their story starts sounding like a soap opera.
What to do: Don’t send money to anyone you haven’t met in real life. Talk to a trusted friend if something feels off and ask for their advice. 

5. Lottery or Prize Scams

“You’ve won $50,000 — just pay a small fee to claim your prize!” These scams haven’t gone away, in fact they’ve only gotten more sophisticated at presenting as official.

Red Flag: You’re asked to pay fees or taxes upfront for something you never entered.
What to do: Real sweepstakes never ask for payment to collect winnings. The golden rule remains: it feels too good to be true, it probably is. 

6. Charity Scams

Natural disasters, tragedies, and even the holidays bring out scammers pretending to be from real charities to take advantage of kindness and generosity. They may call, email, or even knock on your door.

Red Flag: Pressure to donate on the spot or vague answers when you ask questions.
What to do: Look up charities on CharityNavigator.org or Give.org. Only give to organizations you’ve verified.

7. Investment Scams

Scammers target older adults with retirement savings, offering “risk-free” investments or urgent financial opportunities.

Red Flag: Promises of high returns with no risk, or pressure to act now.
What to do: Always consult a licensed financial advisor. Check the legitimacy of investment opportunities at Investor.gov.

Protecting Loved Ones From Scams Targeting Seniors

Scammers are becoming more advanced, but their tactics still rely on creating pressure, urgency, or confusion. Here are some tips to recognize and stop a scam in its tracks before it’s too late. 

• Verify through another platform: If a “loved one” messages you online (say, through Facebook) asking for help or money, call or text them at their phone number to confirm it’s really them.
• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person: Even if their story is emotional or dramatic, take time to verify.
• Stay informed: Visit consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts for the latest scams and safety tips.
• Talk it over: If something feels strange, speak to a trusted family member or friend. Scammers rely on you feeling isolated and pressured.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

There is nothing to be embarrassed about if you feel you’ve been scammed. Fraudsters are skilled manipulators, and often use cutting edge technology that legitimizes the look of their scam. The important thing is to act quickly.

If you think you’ve been scammed:

• Contact your bank or credit card company
• Notify your local police
• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP
• If Medicare is involved, call 1-800-MEDICARE
• If identity theft is suspected, go to IdentityTheft.gov

Conclusion

Scams targeting seniors in 2025 are more convincing than ever. But knowledge, caution, and a little healthy skepticism go a long way. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Hang up, close the email, or walk away, and talk to someone you trust. These tips can help you stay independent and confident in your use of technology, and if you’re looking to maintain physical independence as well, this guide on 6 Ways a Walker Can Help You Stay Independent is a great place to start.