Many victims lose tens or hundreds of thousands, sometimes draining life savings or retirement accounts.
The good news? Awareness and simple precautions can significantly reduce risks. This guide focuses on the most common online scams targeting seniors in 2025, warning signs, and practical prevention tips.

Why Seniors Are Targeted

Scammers view older adults as prime targets due to factors like accumulated savings, politeness, and sometimes less experience with digital red flags. AI advancements make scams more sophisticated, including deepfake voices or videos. Common tactics include urgency, fear, emotional manipulation, or promises of quick gains.

Most Common Online Scams Targeting Seniors in 2025

Here are the top threats based on FTC, FBI, and AARP reports:

1. Tech Support Scams: Pop-ups or calls claim your computer has a virus. Scammers request remote access or payment to “fix” it, stealing data or money.

2. Government Impersonation Scams: Fake calls/texts from Social Security, IRS, or Medicare threaten arrest or benefit loss unless you pay immediately.

3. Grandparent Scams: Caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble (e.g., jailed abroad) needing urgent money.

How to Spot and Avoid Grandparent Scams

Red Flags to Watch For

• Urgency or Threats: “Act now or lose benefits/arrest imminent.”
• Unsolicited Contacts: Unexpected calls, emails, or pop-ups.
• Requests for Unusual Payments: Gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or Bitcoin ATMs.
• Too Good to Be True: High investment returns or big prizes.
• Personal Info Requests: Asking for SSN, bank details, or passwords.
• Poor Grammar/Strange Links: Common in phishing.

Practical Tips to Stay Safe Online

Protect yourself with these straightforward steps:

• Verify Before Acting: Hang up and call back using official numbers (e.g., from your card or SSA.gov).
• Never Share Sensitive Info: Legitimate organizations won’t ask for passwords, PINs, or payments via gift cards/crypto.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Enable two-factor authentication everywhere.
• Install Antivirus Software: Keep it updated; use anti-phishing tools.
• Be Cautious with Links/Attachments: Hover over links to check URLs; avoid clicking unknowns.
• Shop Securely: Use trusted sites (look for “https://” and padlock); avoid public Wi-Fi for banking.
• Limit Shared Info: Be careful on social media—scammers mine details for impersonation.
• Talk to Trusted People: Discuss suspicious contacts with family or friends before responding.
• Monitor Accounts: Check bank/credit statements regularly; set up alerts.
• Educate Yourself: Visit sites like FTC.gov, AARP.org/FraudWatch, or FBI.gov for updates.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

• Stop Communication: Hang up, block, or delete.
• Report It: File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, ic3.gov (FBI), or call 1-877-FTC-HELP.
• Contact Your Bank: Freeze accounts if info was shared.
• Seek Help: Talk to family; consider credit monitoring.