November 5, 2026
Taking the Scare Out of Scams
By Joanne Kaldy
With the rise of AI and growing dependence on social media and online banking and shopping, fraud and scams are rampant. While older adults are among the most common targets, anyone can become a victim as criminals become increasingly savvy. The sheer volume and types of scams may tempt you to go off the grid and keep your money under a mattress, but there are ways to identify and prevent scams—for your residents, your teams, and even yourself—and recover when scams happen.
Targeting Older Adults
According to a 2025 FBI report (https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/cryptocurrency-and-ai-scams-bilk-americans-of-billions), older adults (60 years of age and up) reported $7.7 billion in losses from scams, compared to $4.6 billion for their younger counterparts. Michael DeChellis, senior financial crimes fraud scam investigator in the Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office, says, “Scams targeting older adults are more common than ever as more of these individuals use technology on a regular basis and scammers get increasingly sophisticated.”
There are many types of scams. The most common scams targeting older adults include tech-support scams, romance/financial scams, government agency impersonation scams, online purchase scams, and sweepstake scams.
Each type of scam has its own method of contact and general process. For instance, an online purchase scam often starts with an email or text message asking the recipient to verify a purchase, such as $400 for a phone or $768.50 for a computer. The person then calls a phone number or clicks a link, and the scammer uses the interaction to access bank accounts and other personal information.
A widespread tech-support scam involves a pop-up window that appears to be an official message from Apple or Microsoft and freezes the user’s screen. An urgent message says there is a problem with the person’s account and gives a phone number to call. Then the perpetrator claims, for instance, that the user’s accounts have been hacked, their credit card was used to purchase pornography, and the police are preparing a warrant for their arrest. However, the scammers say they are the only ones who can help you, and they need access to your bank accounts or other personal information to do so.
Government agency impersonation scams involve phone calls, letters, emails, or text messages claiming to be from entities such as the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Medicare, or the FBI. The message is often dire: your Social Security account has been suspended due to suspicious activity, you owe back taxes and must pay immediately to avoid arrest, or you are suspected of Medicare fraud. The scammers use these scare tactics to get people to share personal information such as Social Security or Medicare numbers or make credit card or bank account payments.
Sweepstakes scams involve scenarios like victims receiving a phone call telling them that they won an expensive car, trip, or other big-ticket item, but they have to pay some fees and taxes before they can collect their prize.
Another type of scam involves someone calling an older adult using an AI-generated voice of a loved one. For instance, it will be a granddaughter’s voice claiming to be in trouble and needing money. With so many young people posting videos on TikTok and other platforms, it’s not hard to capture someone’s voice and use it for such purposes, Mr. DeChellis says.
The Risks of Romance
One type of scam involves the heart, and that can be very challenging to counter. Mr. DeChellis says, “These are insidious because of the emotional investment. The gratification victims get from the ‘relationship’ can mean more than protecting their life savings.”
In fact, he says, “One of the most dangerous things an older adult can do is pursue online dating [via dating sites or Facebook] because scammers will randomly connect and develop a ‘relationship,’ preying on someone’s loneliness.”
Romance and investment scams tend to “blur together,” he notes. For example, the scammer will tell the person about “great investment opportunities,” ask for money to travel so they can meet in person, or claim they need money for a sick family member. Sometimes the scammer will even impersonate a celebrity. “There will always be a reason why they can’t meet in person, such as they’re a vice admiral in the Navy, or they’re living or traveling abroad,” Mr. DeChellis says.
Avoiding Scams
Thinking before you click or speak is a good rule of thumb for preventing scams. This means efforts such as checking email addresses and URLs, not taking calls from unknown numbers, and never sharing personal information with someone whose identity cannot be verified. However, scammers are more sophisticated than ever, and AI and other technologies enable them to convincingly impersonate family members or other credible contacts.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The chances of getting rich off Bitcoin are slim to none in 2026, and Brad Pitt is not looking for love online. “If you can’t meet someone you meet online in person within a week of that first communication, they’re very likely a scammer,” Mr. DeChellis says.
Not only is something that sounds too good likely not true, Mr. DeChellis notes, but something that sounds too bad also is likely false, such as a claim that you are being investigated for fraud or having child pornography on your computer. “You know you haven’t done these things, and a valid investigation would show that,” he says.
Another red flag, Mr. DeChellis suggests, is if someone wants you to pay a fee or fine via Bitcoin or gift card or says a representative will come by to pick up an envelope with cash.
Screening for Scams
Mr. DeChellis offers several ways to avoid scams, many of which are fairly simple and common sense. For instance, he says, “Make your Facebook profile private so that strangers can’t see it, and don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know or individuals claiming to be celebrities.”
Among Other Tips:
- Refrain from calling a phone number provided in an unsolicited communication, such as an email, text, or pop-up message. For instance, if someone says they are from Microsoft, look up an independent and verified number.
- If someone claims to be from your bank, don’t give them any information. Call the bank or office directly. If there is a real issue, they will be able to address it.
- If someone claiming to be a family member calls and asks for money or personal information, ask them a question only they would know the answer to. Additionally, try to verify their claims. For instance, call the person or next of kin directly.
- If someone threatens you with arrest, fines, or some other punishment, contact your local police or FBI office.
- Change email and other passwords regularly, but especially if you suspect you’ve been hacked or your personal information has been exposed. Don’t keep a list of passwords where others can see them.
Scam Response
In the event of a scam, quick action is essential. If someone has been scammed, several prompt steps can help:
- Stop all contact and payments.
- Notify the bank and credit card companies.
- Document everything. Keep all emails, texts, voicemail messages, etc.
- Change passwords on all accounts and, if possible, freeze credit accounts with major bureaus.
- Report the issue to authorities, including local law enforcement and agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission and FBI.
- Warn others via messaging or social media. Caution others in the facility or community, including family members, that a scam has occurred and how they can help protect their loved one.
The Helpful Detective
Residents have a right to privacy and choice. They can talk with people on the phone or use their computers to access social media and emails. However, according to Anna Fisher, PhD, a Nebraska-based clinician and educator, “They count on us to be advocates. We know our residents, and we need to trust our intuition if something doesn’t look or sound right. There needs to be a protocol about what to do if you suspect someone is being scammed in some way.”
Some signs might be a resident who suddenly starts talking about a new online friend or love interest, is giving credit card information over the phone, brags about coming into money or winning a prize, seems unusually upset or agitated about something, or talks about a family member being in trouble or needing money.
It’s okay, says Dr. Fisher, to inquire if you see or hear something unusual. She explains, “If a photo suddenly appears on the nightstand or the resident tells you she has a new boyfriend, it is perfectly acceptable to say something like, ‘Tell me about your new friend. How did you meet?’” She adds, “Trust your instincts. Follow the protocol and report your concerns accordingly.”
Family clearly plays a role in helping to prevent scams, Dr. Fisher notes, so it will be useful to alert them about any scams you encounter and let them know your protocol for preventing and addressing such situations.
Education for residents, staff, and families is important. Consider visits from local law enforcement during a family night to offer tips and answer questions about scams, videos, and/or articles about scam prevention on the facility’s website and/or social media platforms, and posters and signs with scam prevention tips throughout the facility.
Whether someone is a victim of a scam or the problem is averted, Dr. Fisher stresses, “We need to refrain from shaming or blaming people. The smartest person in the world can get caught up in a scam. Instead, encourage people to use their story to propel action moving forward and prevent others from similar situations.” In the end, she says, “The more we can alert people, the better.”
Joanne Kaldy is a freelance writer living in New Orleans, LA.