Stay Informed: Protect Seniors from Common Fraud

National Senior Fraud Awareness Day: May 15

May 15 marks National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, an initiative dedicated to highlighting and combating the various scams targeting older adults. If you have elderly loved ones or are concerned about fraud affecting seniors, understanding and remaining vigilant against these evolving scams are crucial defenses.

Tech Support Scams

Fraudsters may impersonate tech companies and claim that there's a problem with your device, asking for remote access. This strategy aims to steal your personal information or demand payment for unnecessary 'repairs.'

Government Impersonation Scams

In these scams, imposters pose as officials from agencies like the IRS, threatening legal action to illicitly obtain your personal data.

Grandparent Scams

These scams exploit the love and concern grandparents have for their family. Scammers pretend to be a grandchild in distress, urgently seeking money to escape supposed trouble.

Romance Scams

Con artists build trust in online relationships, then manipulate victims into sending money, often claiming long-distance hardships or emergency situations.

Medicare Scams

Scammers posing as Medicare representatives offer fake services to collect sensitive information, putting both personal data and finances at risk.

Sweepstakes Scams

Victims are told they've won a prize but are asked to pay upfront fees to claim it, which is a clear red flag for fraud.

Awareness is your best tool in preventing these scams. Share this information with your loved ones to protect them from falling victim. If confronted with suspicious activity, report it to the proper authorities immediately. For more information, visit the FTC's fraud reporting website or contact their hotline for support.