Older adults are targets for scams because they are perceived as being both unfamiliar with technology and financially secure. While scams against older adults continue to rise, senior living organizations can help keep those they serve safe by learning about common ploys.

A recent white paper from Thomson Reuters, “Fraudsters targeting senior citizens with multiple financial scams,” outlines the top scams and how to keep older adults safe. See the summary and the full white paper for details and red flags.

Spotting Common Scams

• Government Imposter Scams: Watch for someone contacting an older adult and pretending to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration (SSA), Medicare or other government agency, and demanding payment for a debt.
• Sweepstakes Scams: Look for someone telling an older adult they have won a prize but must wire money to claim it—and should not tell anyone else.
• Illegal Robocalls and Phone Scams: Have older adults be on alert for callers who ask, “Can you hear me?” If they receive these calls, they should not answer and should hang up immediately. According to a scam alert from the Better Business Bureau, scammers can edit their “yes” answer to make it sound like they authorized a purchase.
• Computer Tech Support Scams: Watch for communications said to come from computer companies such as Microsoft or Apple that ask for remote access to a device. Granting access can result in theft of private information, passwords, and money. Scammers can also lock computer access until the older adults pays a ransom.
• Grandparent Scams: These scammers ask older adults to wire money to help a grandchild in trouble. Encourage older adults to pause, call the grandchild directly, verify the story with another family member, and ask questions that only family members could answer.
• Romance Scams: Watch for new, overly attentive love interests who then ask for money. Advise older adults to not give money to anyone they have not met in person, to tell someone else about the romance, and be alert for a romance scam.

Additional Resources for Older Adults

Additional resources include the “THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK” five-step checklist from CHIME and WEDI, which helps older adults safely share health information.

Senior Planet offers online technology classes; older adults can search for “staying safe online” to find the right class. The AARP Foundation is a LeadingAge CAST Patron.

The nonprofit Cyber-Seniors, which provides senior citizens with tech-training using an intergenerational, volunteer model, offers cybersecurity resources for older adults through a partnership with Aura, a leader in intelligent safety for consumers.

Resources for Aging Services Providers

To shore up security for your organization, use the LeadingAge CAST Cybersecurity Resources. You will learn how to recognize threats, mitigate risk, and respond to an attack. The resource includes a white paper, case studies, a benchmarking questionnaire, and the guidance “New Smart Voice Technology in Senior Living.”