Scammers target older adults by phone, mail, email, text, and even at the front door. The good news: almost every scam follows the same few patterns. Once you know them, they are much easier to spot.

Common scams we hear about

Government imposter calls. Someone says they are from Social Security, Medicare, or the IRS and that your benefits are in danger or you owe money.
"Senior benefits" and "benefits checkup" pitches. Calls, letters, or ads promising free money or coverage, then asking for personal numbers or a fee.
Grandparent scams. A caller pretends to be a grandchild (or a lawyer or police officer) in trouble who needs money right away and asks you to keep it secret.
Medicare card and equipment offers. A caller offers a "new Medicare card," free braces, test kits, or equipment if you just confirm your Medicare number.
Tech support scams. A pop-up or caller says your computer has a virus and asks to take control of it or be paid.
"Your account is locked" texts and emails. A message that looks like it's from your bank, Amazon, or a delivery company asks you to click a link and sign in.
Romance and friendship scams. A new online friend you have never met in person starts asking for money, gift cards, or help moving money.
Home-repair door knockers. Someone shows up saying your roof, driveway, or trees need work today, wants cash up front, then does little or nothing.
Fake charities. Calls asking for donations, especially after storms or disasters, with pressure to give right now.
Prize and lottery scams. You "won" something, but must pay a fee or taxes first.
Gift card requests. Anyone asking to be paid with gift cards is a scammer.

Red flags — stop right there if:

They pressure you to act now or keep it a secret.
They ask for your Social Security number, Medicare number, or bank details.
They want payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash pickup.
They charge a fee to apply for a benefit. Applying for real benefits is always free.
They threaten arrest, lawsuits, or losing your benefits.
The caller ID looks official. Caller ID can be faked, so it proves nothing.

Before you answer

Let calls from numbers you don't know go to voicemail. Real agencies leave a message.
Real government agencies usually contact you by mail first, not with a surprise call demanding money.
Check a letter by looking up the agency's number yourself (on an old statement, your card, or by asking us), not the number printed on the letter.
If a family member is "in trouble," hang up and call that person, or another relative, at the number you already have.

Protecting your numbers

Treat your Social Security number, Medicare number, and bank card like cash. Give them only when you made the call.
Never read a code sent to your phone to someone who calls you. That code is how they get into your accounts.
Never let a stranger take control of your computer or phone.
Shred old bank statements, medical bills, and pre-approved credit offers.
Check your bank and Medicare statements for charges or services you don't recognize.

What to do

Hang up, close the door, or throw the letter away. You never owe a stranger an answer.
Call back using a number you already trust — never one the caller gives you.
Do not click links in unexpected texts or emails.
Talk to someone you trust before sending any money.
Call us at (860) 774-1243, Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM. We'll help you check.

If you already paid or shared information

Don't be embarrassed — this happens to careful, smart people. Act quickly:

Call your bank or card company right away and tell them it was a scam.
If you paid with a gift card, call the number on the back of the card and keep the card and receipt.
Change any passwords you shared.
Report it to your local police department, using their non-emergency number.
Call us at (860) 774-1243 and we'll help you with the next steps.

Keep this by the phone

I don't give my numbers to anyone who calls me.
I don't pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cash pickup.
I don't act in a hurry. Real help can wait while I check.
I hang up and call back at a number I trust.
When in doubt, I call the senior center: (860) 774-1243.

Questions about this?

Call us at (860) 774-1243 — free, confidential, no appointment needed.

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Avoid Scams: A Complete Guide