Top 5 Scams Targeting Seasoned adults This Summer

It’s heartbreaking how quickly a simple phone call or email can turn someone’s day upside down. Over the past few months, scammers have targeted older adults in sneakier ways than ever before. Here are the five most common scams right now, each paired with advice to help you or a loved one stay safe.

1. The Grandparent Scam: “Grandpa, I need help!”

Just last month, authorities uncovered a scam that hit nearly every corner of the country. Seasoned adults were getting frantic calls from someone pretending to be their grandchild. The voice on the line begged for bail money, claimed there was a car accident, or said they were arrested. One woman even handed over $9,000 to a man she thought was helping her grandson.

Protect yourself:

• Pause before reacting. Call your grandchild or another family member directly.

• Create a family password for emergencies (that you will say to each other or mention that others don’t know).

• Don’t give cash to anyone who shows up at your door without verifying them first. Please do not verify the information using the information they gave you. Call a friend, family member to help you verify just in case you are not sure.

Sources: ncoa.org, nypost.com

2. Home Repair Traps: “You need this fixed today”

In Texas, dozens of seasoned adults were tricked into signing up for home repairs that were never done. A man came to their door, offered a great deal, and had them sign something on a tablet. Later, they found out they had signed up for loans worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Here’s what to do:

• Get second opinions. Call a friend or neighbor before agreeing to work.
• Always read the fine print or ask someone to review it with you.
• Don’t sign anything under pressure.

Sources: expressnews.com, fbi.gov

3. Fake Officials: “Your benefits are in danger”

More and more, scammers are pretending to be from the IRS or Social Security. They’ll say you owe money or your benefits will be suspended. Sometimes they even threaten arrest.

How to handle it:

• Hang up. Real agencies don’t call and threaten you like that.

• Call the agency using the number listed on their official website.

• Never give your Social Security number or banking details to a stranger.

Sources: justice.gov, texasattorneygeneral.gov

4. Tech Support Scams: “Click here to fix your device”

You get a popup saying your computer has a virus. Or a call from “Microsoft” offering help. But once you let them in, they steal your personal data—or worse, your money.

Stay safe by following this:

• Never let a stranger take control of your computer.

• Hang up and contact a trusted local technician if needed.

• Delete emails or texts that seem odd, even if they look real.

Sources: fbi.gov, uchealth.org

5. Romance and Crypto Cons: “I love you, now invest with me”

Scammers build emotional connections through dating apps or Facebook, then slowly ask for money or investment help. A recent story shared how one woman lost over $500,000 this way.

What to remember:

• Be careful with online relationships. Take your time.
• If someone you’ve never met asks for money, it’s a red flag.
• Talk to someone you trust before sending any funds.

Sources: wsj.com, marketwatch.com

Final Thoughts

Scammers go after seasoned adults because they think they’ll be too polite or too trusting to say no. But that doesn’t have to be the case. With a little awareness and a lot of community support, you can stop them before they even start.

Tips to keep in mind:

• Keep conversations open with family and friends.

• Use strong passwords and avoid giving personal details over the phone.

• If something feels off, it probably is. Ask Ndungu Consulting for advice before you click that link.

You’ve lived through decades of change. You’re wise. And that wisdom is your greatest defense.