Scammers often target people during the busy holiday season. With people shopping, sending gifts, and expecting deliveries, con artists target college students, working adults, and seniors. Older adults may receive the same suspicious calls, texts, and emails as younger people. Learning about common senior scams and how they work can help seniors recognize warning signs and avoid falling victim to fraud.

The Urgent Family Phone Call

One common holiday scam begins with a frightening phone call. Someone pretends to be a grandchild who has been arrested or injured while traveling. The caller may beg seniors to keep the situation secret and send money right away. Sometimes, a fake lawyer joins the call to make the story sound convincing.

Newer senior scams may involve AI-generated voices that sound like familiar family members. Scammers can also use personal details from public social media posts, such as a grandchild's name, school, or hometown, to make the call seem real.

Seniors should hang up and call the grandchild or their parents using a saved phone number. Taking a few minutes to verify the story can help prevent a costly mistake.

Gift Cards Are a Red Flag

Legitimate companies, government offices, and utility providers never ask seniors to pay with gift cards. Any caller who instructs them to buy gift cards and share the numbers over the phone is running a scam. The same warning applies to wire transfers, payments sent through apps to strangers, and cryptocurrency ATMs found in convenience stores and gas stations. Once the money is sent, it can be nearly impossible to trace or recover, making these tactics common in senior scams.

Texts and Emails About Packages and Accounts

Holiday shopping often brings fake delivery notices, texts claiming a package is being held, and emails pretending to be bank alerts about locked accounts. These messages are common in senior scams and often include links designed to steal personal or financial information. Seniors should avoid clicking links in unexpected messages. Instead, they can check delivery updates through the shipping company's official app, visit their bank's website directly, or call the number printed on their bank card.

Fake charities also become more common during the holiday season. Some use names that closely resemble legitimate organizations to trick people into donating. Seniors can avoid these scams by giving directly through an organization's official website or supporting a trusted church or local food pantry.

When Something Feels Off

Scammers often pressure seniors to respond immediately, leaving little room to question whether an offer or request is legitimate. Taking a moment to call a family member or friend can help prevent fraud. Seniors who have been targeted can submit a complaint through the Federal Trade Commission's ReportFraud site, which helps law enforcement identify fraud patterns. They can also visit AARP's scams and fraud page to learn about current schemes. If seniors have shared account details or sent money, they should contact their bank immediately and change any passwords they may have disclosed.

Let Us Help Protect Your Loved Ones From Senior Scams

A second set of eyes on a strange text or letter can stop senior scams before they start. Senior Helpers Kanawha Valley assists seniors and their families in Charleston, Fraziers Bottom, Milton, Scott Depot, and Winfield. Our caregivers can help sort the mail, review suspicious messages, and offer companionship throughout the busy season. Contact us to set up visits before the holiday mail starts piling up.