Brenda Lyle – Florida Today
Q: How can I protect my mother from scams?
A: It’s sadly true: older adults are a favorite target of scammers. Fraudsters tend to target seniors because of their relative naivety, trust– and financial stability. The FBI reports, “Scams targeting individuals aged 60 and older caused over $3.4 billion in losses in 2023. The average victim of elder fraud lost $33,915.” Here are just a few common scams.
Phone Calls
Seniors are frequently targeted with fraudulent phone calls. Scammers pose as bank representatives, IRS agents, and even impersonate family members asking for money. Be skeptical! Never share personal information over the phone.
Emails & Texts
Scammers use “phishing” emails and texts to try and gain your personal information. The messages often cleverly impersonate well-known companies or government agencies to get your social security number, bank details, or login credentials. They will ask you to click on links or attachments. Don’t do it!
Alix Desulme owns A Touch of Geek, a 17-year provider of on-site computer support in Brevard. He says, “DO NOT BE IN SUCH A HURRY! I’ve found that over 80% of people who fall for these scams read a sentence or two, then click. When you slow down and read more, it usually becomes obvious that it’s a scam.”
Charities
Scammers will take advantage of a senior’s kind heart by impersonating charitable organizations– and then pocketing the money for themselves. Others are “boiler room” telephone operations, where up to 90% of your donation goes to the professional fundraiser. Verify their legitimacy at CharityNavigator.org or GuideStar.org and donate directly–not over the phone.
Medicare & Health Insurance
Medicare or health insurance scammers abound, offering fake policies. They push you to buy a Medicare supplement plan or a new insurance policy to receive certain benefits. Verify the validity of these claims by contacting the official insurance provider directly.
Tech Support
Scammers will call or email you claiming they represent technical support companies. They ask for remote computer access or payment to fix non-existent problems. Seek assistance from a trusted source in person.
Romance
Social media romance scams have exploded. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) notes, “In 2022, nearly 70,000 people reported a romance scam, with losses a staggering $1.3 billion.”
Where to get help
If you suspect you have been scammed, report the incident and seek help from a trusted individual. Both the Department of Justice (833–372–8311) and AARP (877-908-3360) maintain hotlines with free guidance to callers. Scam reports are compiled by the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov — and shared with law enforcement partners. You are not alone.
One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Questions for this column are answered by professionals in nursing, social work, care management and in-home care. Send questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging. Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando.
