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Top 5 Senior Scams to Look Out for in 2025
Stay aware of these scams to keep your money safe
If you’ve been a victim or know a victim, please contact us and we will try to assist
Quick Overview
Happy New Year!
Happy 2025! I hope your holidays were amazing and you got to spend time with the ones you love.
When you’re thinking about resolutions, make a commitment to yourself to stay informed about scams. It’s important for you and your loved ones. Globally, scammers steal hundreds of billions from victims and prey heavily on teenagers and seniors.
This year, I’m committed to keeping you posted on the latest scams so you can keep the money you earned.
Stay safe out there,
Top 5 Senior Scams to Look Out for in 2025
In 2024, scammers stole more money than ever before. These criminals used timeshare scams, utility scams, and many more to steal from countless victims.
There have been hundreds of data leaks by the likes of Verizon, ATT, hospitals, etc… What does that mean to you? Most of these scammers likely know your name, address, and other information that may have been leaked, including your social security number.
Here are 5 scams to look out for in 2025 to protect yourself and your loved ones.
1. Romance Scams
The romance scam is one of the biggest scams out there, stealing Billions from victims. Operated by criminal syndicates around the world, this is a very sophisticated scam.
Romance scammers exploit victims by building fake relationships online, often through dating sites or social media. Scammers research their victims, including the names of their family and friends, the types of posts they like, and any other information they can use to gain trust.
Once scammers gain trust, they fabricate emergencies or financial needs and ask for money or gift cards. Usually, these requests continue until the victim has nothing left.
Here’s what to look for to know if you are in a romance scam:
Is this romantic relationship completely by phone or online after a few weeks?
Does the person claim to be in a distant location (e.g., working abroad or in the military)?
Have there been requests for money for emergencies, travel, or other urgent needs?
Remember, these scammers are likely part of a major crime syndicate. They will use AI to mask their face and voice, prey on your emotions, and come up with a million excuses to ensure you keep sending money. If you believe you or a loved one is caught in a romance scam, please email us and we can direct you to the proper authorities to help.
2. Grandparent Scams
The grandparent scam continues to be used because it exploits grandparents' love and willingness to help, often resulting in quick money transfers to the impostor
In grandparent scams, con artists impersonate grandchildren in distress. The scammer calls:
Calls claiming to be a grandchild in trouble or an officer that states their child is in trouble
Requests immediate financial assistance for emergencies like bail, medical treatment, or travel
Urges secrecy and discourages contacting other family members
With AI, the ability to replicate the voice of a grandchild is much easier. Here’s what to look for to help spot this scam:
Does the phone number match your grandchild’s number or the police/sheriff department?
Is there an urgency? If you don’t pay this amount by tomorrow, your grandchild will be… is commonly used.
Do they require you to pay via cash, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or any other non-traceable form of currency?
3. Technology and Tech Support Scams
Technology or tech support scams are quite common and often originate in countries where tech support teams are based, such as India, Nigeria, and the Philippines.
These scams exploit seniors' potential unfamiliarity with technology. Common tactics include:
Impersonating tech support from well-known companies like Microsoft, Apple
Claiming there's a problem with the victim's computer
Requesting remote access to "fix" the issue
Charging for unnecessary services or stealing personal information. This includes accessing your bank account.
Even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim to these convincing scams. Here’s what to look for with the tech scams:
Did the person contact you out of the blue? If so, it’s a scam.
Did you get a pop-up, email or text with a number to call? If so, don’t call that number. Google the number of the company that is requesting a call - Microsoft, Apple, etc…. before you even think about making a call.
Are they asking for money using non-traceable currencies - gift cards, cryptocurrencies, etc…?
4. Government Impersonation Scams
Scams that impersonate authorities are going to continue to flourish in 2025 because it makes everyone tense up when someone tells you they are from the IRS, local police/sheriff offices, FBI, bank, etc…
Normally, Scammers often pose as representatives from government agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare. They may claim:
The victim has unpaid taxes and threaten arrest or deportation
Social Security or Medicare benefits will be cut off without verification of personal information
There is an outstanding warrant because of a parking ticket, missed jury duty, etc…
There's unusual activity on the victim's bank accounts requiring immediate action
Here are ways to spot these impersonation scams:
Do you have caller ID and did the number come from that number?
Is there urgency stressed? You need to pay this amount by today or you will be arrested.
Are they asking for money using non-traceable currencies - gift cards, cryptocurrencies, etc…?
In most of these scams, the criminals won’t let the victim get off the phone. Impersonating an officer or government official is illegal. If you suspect you are speaking with a criminal, please contact us and we will assist in connecting you with the proper authorities.
5. Medicare Scams
The Medicare scam is so prolific that there is an organization dedicated to helping end Medicare fraud - the Medicare Strike Force.
Medicare scams target seniors by attempting to obtain their personal information.
Scammers may:
Claim to be from Medicare or a related organization
Offer "free" medical equipment or services in exchange for Medicare information
Pressure seniors to switch Medicare plans
Threaten to cancel coverage if personal information isn't provide
These scams can lead to identity theft and fraudulent Medicare claims. To protect yourself or your loved ones from these scams:
Be skeptical of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages
Never share personal or financial information with unknown individuals
Verify the identity of callers claiming to be relatives in distress
Consult trusted family members or friends before making financial decisions
Report suspicious activity to relevant authorities
By staying informed and vigilant, seniors can better protect themselves from these predatory scams.
Hope this was helpful. Any questions, let us know.