< Aging Your Way – Senior Care Resources
Many seniors are targeted by scammers who exploit their trust and financial stability. To avoid these scams, never give out personal or financial information over the phone or online unless you initiated contact. If you didn’t call the person, don’t give out personal information. Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages requesting money or sensitive details. Verify the identity of anyone asking for payment—contact agencies or family members directly using official numbers. Do not click on suspicious links, and keep your computer security software up to date. Finally, report any suspected scams to local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help protect yourself and others.
Imposter scams, also referred to as impersonation scams, constitute a prevalent form of fraud in which a perpetrator falsely assumes the identity of a trusted individual or entity to deceive victims. The objective is typically to extract money, gain access to financial accounts, or obtain sensitive personal information.
According to authoritative sources such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), an imposter scam occurs when a scammer pretends to be someone they are not—often a representative from a government agency, a well-known business, a family member, or another authoritative figure—in order to build trust and manipulate the victim into compliance with their demands.
These scams are executed through various communication channels, including telephone calls, emails, text messages, social media, or even in-person encounters. Scammers frequently employ tactics such as spoofing caller ID numbers to appear legitimate, creating urgency or fear, or presenting fabricated emergencies to pressure immediate action.
Common Types of Imposter Scams
Imposter scams manifest in several distinct categories, with the following being among the most frequently reported:
Perpetrators pose as officials from agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration (SSA), or Medicare. They may claim unpaid taxes, benefits issues, or legal threats, demanding immediate payment or personal details. Legitimate government agencies do not initiate unsolicited contacts to request funds or sensitive information in this manner.
Scammers impersonate representatives from banks, credit card companies, or major corporations (e.g., Amazon or tech support services like Geek Squad). They often alert victims to alleged suspicious account activity and request account credentials, payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to “resolve” the issue.
The fraudster pretends to be a relative (commonly a grandchild) in distress—such as being arrested, injured, or stranded abroad—and urgently requests money to resolve the situation.
Often beginning through online dating platforms or social media, the scammer cultivates a false romantic relationship before fabricating an emergency that requires financial assistance from the victim.
These include charity impersonations (especially following disasters), law enforcement threats, or technical support frauds.
Imposter scams rank among the most reported and financially damaging fraud types, with victims experiencing significant losses annually. Prevention relies on skepticism toward unsolicited contacts, verification of identities through official channels (without using provided contact information), and avoidance of payments via irreversible methods such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. Should you encounter a suspected imposter scam, reporting it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or other relevant authorities is recommended to aid in tracking and disrupting such operations.
Medicare and health insurance scams encompass fraudulent schemes that exploit individuals’ health coverage, particularly targeting beneficiaries of Medicare (the U.S. federal health insurance program primarily for those aged 65 and older, or with certain disabilities) and those with private health insurance plans. These scams generally fall into two broad categories: imposter scams (where fraudsters impersonate legitimate entities to steal personal information or money) and provider-level fraud (where unethical providers or entities submit false claims to insurers or Medicare for payment).
Such scams frequently intensify during periods like Medicare Open Enrollment (typically October 15 to December 7), when beneficiaries review and change plans, but they occur year-round.
Key Characteristics of These Scams
Scammers often contact victims unsolicited via phone calls, texts, emails, or in-person visits, using spoofed caller IDs or professional-sounding tactics to appear credible. They create urgency, fear (e.g., threats of coverage cancellation or legal consequences), or enticing offers (e.g., free equipment or lower premiums) to prompt immediate action.
Common Types of MEDICARE SCAMS
Fraudsters pretend to be from Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), or affiliated entities. They may claim the need to “verify” or “update” information for a new Medicare card (which Medicare issues automatically and free of charge), process a medical equipment claim, or resolve alleged issues with benefits. They request the victim’s Medicare number, Social Security number, bank details, or credit card information. Legitimate Medicare never initiates unsolicited contact to demand such details or payments.
Scammers promise free braces, equipment, genetic testing, or other supplies in exchange for the Medicare number, then use it to file fraudulent claims.
During Open Enrollment, perpetrators pose as agents and pressure victims to switch to a “better” or “pre-approved” Medicare Advantage, Part D drug, or supplemental plan, often requiring upfront fees or personal information. They may also sell nonexistent or worthless plans.
Using stolen Medicare information to submit fake claims for services, supplies, or prescriptions never received.
Common Types of HEALTH INSURANCE SCAMS (Private or Marketplace Plans)
Fraudsters impersonate private insurers (e.g., Blue Cross Blue Shield) or government entities related to the Health Insurance Marketplace, offering bogus policies, free screenings, gifts, or urgent “policy updates” in exchange for personal or financial details.
Scammers sell counterfeit health insurance policies or misrepresent “medical discount plans” as comprehensive coverage, collecting premiums for nonexistent or inadequate protection.
Unsolicited contacts warn of impending policy cancellation unless victims provide information or payments to “reinstate” coverage.
These include upcoding (billing for more expensive services than provided), phantom billing (charging for unrendered services), unbundling (splitting services to inflate costs), or kickbacks, which ultimately increase premiums for all policyholders.
Prevention Measures
- Never share personal information (Medicare number, Social Security number, bank details) in response to unsolicited contacts claiming to be from Medicare, insurers, or government agencies.
- Verify independently: Hang up and call official numbers (e.g., 1-800-MEDICARE for Medicare issues; contact your insurer directly using numbers from your card or official website).
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially those promising free items, urgent action, or unusually low premiums.
- Review Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements and Medicare summaries for unauthorized services.
- Protect against identity theft by guarding your Medicare card and monitoring accounts.
If you suspect a scam or encounter fraud, report it promptly: Contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for Medicare-related issues, submit details to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, or notify your private insurer. Reporting aids authorities in disrupting these operations and protecting others from financial and identity harm.
Prize, lottery, and sweepstakes scams are fraudulent schemes in which perpetrators deceive individuals into believing they have won a substantial prize, lottery jackpot, or sweepstakes award. The primary objective is to extract money or personal information from the victim, typically through demands for upfront payments or sensitive details under false pretenses. These scams rank among the most commonly reported types of fraud, with victims losing hundreds of millions of dollars annually, as documented by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
In legitimate sweepstakes or contests, prizes are awarded by chance, entry is free (or requires no purchase to improve odds), and winners never pay fees to claim rewards. Lottery winnings require purchasing a ticket from an authorized source. Scammers exploit these distinctions by fabricating notifications and creating urgency to prompt hasty action.
Key Characteristics of These Scams
Scammers initiate contact via unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages, social media, postal mail, or even fake checks. They frequently impersonate reputable organizations such as Publishers Clearing House (PCH), state lotteries, Mega Millions, or fictitious entities like the “National Sweepstakes Bureau” or “Federal Sweepstakes Board.” They may use official-looking documents, spoofed caller IDs, or fabricated congratulations to build credibility.
A hallmark of these scams is the request for payment—often framed as “taxes,” “shipping and handling,” “processing fees,” “customs duties,” “insurance,” or “legal fees”—to release the prize. Victims may also be asked to provide bank account details, wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal identifiers for “verification.” Once paid, the funds are irrecoverable, and no prize materializes.
Common Types of Prize, Lottery, and Sweepstakes Scams
Victims receive messages claiming they have won a large sum (e.g., millions in cash, vehicles, or electronics) without entering a contest. This is a clear indicator of fraud, as legitimate wins require prior participation.
The most prevalent tactic: scammers demand payment to “unlock” or “claim” the prize. Real prizes are free; any upfront cost signals a scam.
Fraudsters pose as PCH Prize Patrol, government agencies, or lottery officials. They may send fake checks (which appear to clear initially but later bounce, leaving victims liable for overdrafts).
Promotions for overseas lotteries (e.g., from Europe or Australia) violate U.S. law when solicited via mail or phone. Most such offers are fraudulent.
Scammers claim buying products, entering additional contests, or paying boosts winning chances—illegal in legitimate promotions.
Victims receive a check for more than the prize amount and are instructed to wire back the “excess” (the check is counterfeit).
These scams often target older adults or vulnerable populations, with reports indicating significant losses among seniors.
Prevention Measures
- Recognize that legitimate prizes do not require payment to claim, nor do they demand upfront fees for taxes or processing.
- Ignore unsolicited prize notifications, especially if you did not enter.
- Verify claims independently using official contact information from the organization’s website or statements (never use provided details).
- Avoid sharing personal, financial, or account information.
- Be cautious of pressure tactics urging immediate action or irreversible payment methods (e.g., gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency).
- Legitimate entities do not request sensitive data unsolicited or promise guaranteed wins.
If you encounter a suspected scam, do not engage further. Report it promptly to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, your state attorney general, or local authorities. Reporting contributes to investigations and helps prevent further victimization.
Online and phone scams represent two overlapping categories of fraud that exploit digital communication channels and telephone systems to deceive individuals into providing money, personal information, or access to accounts. These scams often rely on imposter tactics, urgency, fear, or enticing offers to manipulate victims. They are among the most reported and costly forms of fraud, with significant financial losses reported annually to authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Online Scams
Online scams primarily occur through emails, text messages (smishing), websites, social media platforms, dating apps, or online advertisements. Perpetrators use these channels to impersonate trusted entities, distribute malware, or facilitate fraudulent transactions.
Fraudsters send emails or texts that appear to originate from legitimate sources (e.g., banks, government agencies, or companies like Amazon or PayPal). These messages contain urgent requests to “verify” account details, claim prizes, or resolve alleged issues, often including malicious links or attachments that steal credentials or install malware.
Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media to build emotional relationships, eventually fabricating emergencies (e.g., medical issues or travel problems) that require financial assistance via wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
Victims encounter fake websites, misleading advertisements, or social media posts offering unrealistically low prices for goods. Payments are made, but items never arrive, are counterfeit, or refunds are denied.
Fraudulent job postings (often work-from-home opportunities) promise high earnings with minimal effort. Scammers may request upfront fees for training, equipment, or “background checks,” or involve reshipping schemes that unwittingly facilitate illegal activities.
Pop-up messages or unsolicited contacts claim device infections or security issues, leading victims to grant remote access or provide payment for nonexistent services.
Promises of high returns on fake platforms, often promoted via social media or email, result in victims losing funds to fraudulent schemes.
Phone Scams
Phone scams involve direct voice calls (including robocalls), voicemails, or text follow-ups, frequently using caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate. These scams leverage immediate pressure tactics.
Perpetrators pose as government officials (e.g., IRS, Social Security Administration), law enforcement, bank representatives, or family members in distress. They demand immediate payment for taxes, fines, or emergencies, often via irreversible methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Callers offer to reduce debts, repair credit, or forgive loans in exchange for upfront fees, which are never delivered.
Scammers claim to be a relative (e.g., grandchild) facing arrest, injury, or other crises, urging quick money transfers without verification.
A brief ring prompts callbacks to premium-rate international numbers, incurring high charges.
Automated calls promote bogus prizes, warranties, or services, leading to requests for personal or financial details.
Many scams blend online and phone elements (e.g., a phishing text followed by a call, or an online contact escalating to phone demands). Advanced techniques, including AI-generated deepfakes for voice cloning, have increased sophistication in recent years.
Prevention Measures
- Treat unsolicited contacts with skepticism, especially those creating urgency or demanding immediate action.
- Never share personal, financial, or login information in response to unexpected requests.
- Verify independently using official contact details from your statements or verified websites (do not use numbers or links provided in the contact).
- Avoid payments via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps when pressured.
- Use call-blocking features, register with the National Do Not Call Registry, and enable spam filters for emails and texts.
- Monitor accounts regularly and review statements for unauthorized activity.
If you suspect involvement in such a scam or have been targeted, report it immediately to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, your local authorities, or relevant agencies (e.g., FBI for investment fraud). Prompt reporting assists in tracking perpetrators and mitigating harm to others.
Romance scams, also known as sweetheart scams or catfishing frauds, constitute a form of confidence trick and fall under the broader category of imposter scams. In these schemes, perpetrators create fabricated online identities to establish a romantic or intimate emotional connection with victims. Once trust and affection are cultivated, the scammer manipulates the victim into sending money, sharing sensitive personal information, or engaging in other financially harmful actions under false pretenses.
These scams typically begin on dating applications, social media platforms (such as Facebook, Instagram, or others), or through unsolicited messages. The fraudster uses stolen photographs, scripted communications, and persistent engagement—often involving daily conversations, declarations of love, or future plans—to build a convincing illusion of a genuine relationship.
Key Characteristics and Tactics
Perpetrators employ emotional manipulation to exploit the victim’s goodwill. Common red flags include:
- Rapid progression of affection, such as professing love quickly or discussing marriage early in the interaction.
- Excuses for avoiding in-person meetings, such as being deployed overseas (e.g., military service), working on an offshore oil rig, or facing travel restrictions.
- Reluctance to use video calls or provide verifiable personal details.
- Requests for money framed as urgent needs, including medical emergencies, legal troubles, travel expenses, investment opportunities (often in cryptocurrency), or assistance for family members.
- Instructions to use irreversible payment methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps.
A prevalent variant involves cryptocurrency investment scams, where the scammer poses as a knowledgeable partner and encourages the victim to invest in fraudulent platforms or schemes.
Common Types and Examples
The scammer builds a long-term emotional bond before requesting funds for fabricated crises (e.g., illness, injury, incarceration, or stranded situations).
The perpetrator claims to be active-duty military personnel deployed abroad, leveraging sympathy to explain inability to meet and justify money requests.
After establishing trust, the scammer directs the victim toward bogus cryptocurrency or stock investments, often resulting in total loss of funds.
In some cases, scammers escalate to threats involving compromising material to extract additional payments.
These scams affect individuals across all demographics, though reports indicate higher median losses among certain age groups, particularly those 55 and older.
Financial Impact
Romance scams consistently rank among the costliest fraud types. According to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) data, reported losses frequently exceed $1 billion annually in recent years, with median individual losses often in the thousands of dollars—substantially higher than many other imposter scam categories. Underreporting is common, suggesting actual losses are significantly greater.
Prevention Measures
- Never send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or other funds to someone you have not met in person.
- Exercise caution with unsolicited romantic overtures online; verify identities through independent means (e.g., reverse image searches on profile photos or official channels).
- Refrain from sharing financial details, account access, or personal identifiers.
- Be wary of pressure to act quickly or stories involving emergencies and sadness—these are frequent deception tactics.
- If a contact shifts focus to money, investments, or urgent needs, discontinue communication immediately.
Should you suspect involvement in a romance scam, cease all contact, preserve evidence (such as messages and transaction records), and report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov), or your local law enforcement. Reporting supports efforts to identify patterns, disrupt operations, and protect others from similar exploitation.
Utility scams, also referred to as impostor utility scams or utility impersonation scams, are fraudulent schemes in which perpetrators falsely present themselves as representatives of legitimate utility companies—such as providers of electricity, natural gas, water, or other services—to deceive victims. The primary goals are to extract immediate payments, obtain sensitive personal or financial information, or both. These scams exploit fear of service disconnection, particularly during periods of high utility usage (e.g., extreme weather) or billing cycles.
Utility companies do not initiate unsolicited contacts to demand immediate payment, threaten abrupt shutoffs without prior formal notice, or require payment through unconventional methods. Legitimate providers follow established protocols, including advance written notices for non-payment and standard payment channels.
Key Characteristics of Utility Scams
Scammers employ high-pressure tactics to create urgency, often using spoofed caller IDs, professional-sounding scripts, or fabricated account details to appear authentic. Common communication channels include phone calls (the most frequent), text messages, emails, fake websites, or in-person visits. They may reference real utility company names, logos, or partial account information (obtained through data breaches or public sources) to enhance credibility.
Common Types of Utility Scams
The most prevalent variant: Scammers claim an overdue balance exists and threaten immediate service termination (e.g., power, gas, or water cutoff) unless payment is made right away—often within minutes or hours.
Victims are instructed to pay via irreversible methods, including gift cards (e.g., iTunes, Amazon), prepaid debit or reload cards (e.g., MoneyPak), wire transfers (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram), cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin), or peer-to-peer apps. Legitimate utilities accept standard payments like checks, credit cards through official portals, or automatic drafts.
Perpetrators claim a billing error, overpayment, or eligibility for assistance, then request bank details to “process” a refund—leading to unauthorized withdrawals.
Fraudsters pose as utility workers (e.g., inspectors or technicians) and demand access to the home or payment for “repairs” or “testing” equipment.
Messages direct victims to fraudulent sites mimicking the utility’s portal to steal login credentials or payment information, or contain malicious links.
Small businesses receive calls during peak hours, claiming imminent service interruption unless immediate payment is provided.
These scams often target vulnerable populations, including older adults, non-native English speakers, or those with limited digital literacy, and they persist year-round with seasonal spikes.
Prevention Measures
- Treat unsolicited contacts claiming utility issues with skepticism, especially those demanding urgent action.
- Never provide personal, financial, or account details (e.g., bank information, Social Security number) over the phone, email, or text in response to unexpected requests.
- Verify independently: Hang up (or ignore the message) and contact your utility company directly using the phone number or website listed on your official bill or statement—do not use any number or link provided by the contact.
- Refuse demands for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or reloadable cards—these are hallmarks of fraud.
- Be cautious of in-person visitors: Legitimate utility employees carry identification, provide advance notice for visits, and do not demand on-the-spot payment.
- Monitor bills and accounts regularly for unauthorized activity.
If you suspect a utility scam or have been targeted, do not engage further. Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, your utility provider (using official channels), your state attorney general’s office, and local law enforcement if appropriate. Reporting supports investigations and helps protect others from these persistent and damaging frauds.
Jury duty and bail scams are variations of imposter scams in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers, court officials, or bail bondsmen to create fear and urgency, thereby extracting money or personal information from victims. These schemes exploit concerns about legal consequences—such as arrest warrants, fines, or incarceration—to pressure individuals into immediate compliance.
Both types rely on high-pressure tactics, including threats of arrest, spoofed caller IDs (often appearing as local police or court numbers), fabricated badge or case numbers, and demands for payment through irreversible methods. Legitimate courts, law enforcement agencies, or bail services never request payments over the phone, via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps to resolve such matters.
Jury Duty Scams
Jury duty scams involve perpetrators falsely claiming that the victim has missed jury service, resulting in an outstanding warrant for arrest or other penalties. These scams remain prevalent, with recent reports (including in 2025 and 2026) documenting ongoing incidents across the United States, as noted by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and various court systems.
Contact typically occurs via unsolicited phone calls, emails, text messages, or voicemails. The scammer, posing as a police officer, U.S. Marshal, court clerk, or sheriff’s deputy, states that the victim failed to appear for jury duty (despite no prior summons having been received). They assert an arrest warrant exists and demand immediate payment of a “fine,” “bond,” or “processing fee” to avoid detention. In newer variants, victims are directed to fake websites to enter personal details (e.g., Social Security number, date of birth) or make payments, sometimes up to thousands of dollars, via cryptocurrency kiosks or other untraceable means.
No legitimate court summons arrives by phone or email demanding payment; official jury notices are sent by mail. Government entities do not accept payments via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid cards. Threats of immediate arrest without due process are fabricated.
Bail Scams (Including Pretrial or “Preemptive” Bail Variants)
Bail scams target individuals by claiming a loved one (often a family member or friend) has been arrested and requires immediate bail money for release. A related subtype involves “preemptive bail” claims tied to jury duty or other alleged violations.
Scammers call claiming to be bail bondsmen, law enforcement, or court-affiliated personnel. They state that a relative is in custody (e.g., following an accident, minor offense, or fabricated charge) and needs funds for bail, additional fees (e.g., ankle monitor, court costs), or to prevent re-arrest. In jury duty-linked versions, they may blend claims of missing service with a warrant requiring “preemptive bail” payment to avoid jail. Victims are instructed to send money via wire transfer, Cash App, Bitcoin machines, gift cards, or in-person pickup. Scammers may use real names of bonding companies or officials for credibility.
Legitimate bail processes involve official channels (e.g., courts or licensed bondsmen) and do not demand urgent payments from unsolicited callers. Real bondsmen do not cold-call family members or request unconventional payment methods without verification.
These scams frequently target vulnerable individuals, including older adults, and have resulted in substantial losses—sometimes tens of thousands of dollars per victim—in documented cases.
Prevention Measures
- Remain skeptical of unsolicited contacts alleging legal emergencies or missed obligations.
- Never provide personal, financial, or account information in response to such calls or messages.
- Verify claims independently: Hang up, then contact your local court, police department, or a known bail bondsman using official numbers from government websites or directories (not those provided by the caller).
- Refuse demands for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps, or prepaid cards—these are consistent indicators of fraud.
- Official jury summons arrive by mail; courts do not threaten arrest over the phone for non-payment.
- For bail matters, confirm any arrest through official jail records or direct court contact before sending funds.
If you receive a suspected jury duty or bail scam communication, disengage immediately and preserve any evidence (e.g., caller ID, messages). Report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, your local law enforcement, the relevant court system, or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov) for federal matters. Prompt reporting aids authorities in identifying patterns and pursuing perpetrators.
