This scam preys on emotion and urgency. A fraudster pretends to be a grandchild (or someone helping them) in distress, claiming they need money for an emergency such as bail, medical bills, or travel.

They often:

• Ask for immediate payment
• Request secrecy (“Don’t tell anyone”)
• Use gift cards, wire transfers, or even in-person pickups

With new technology, scammers can even mimic a loved one’s voice, making these scams more convincing than ever.

These scams appear to come from trusted institutions like banks, lenders, or debt collectors.

Scammers may:

• Claim your account has been compromised
• Ask for personal information (passwords, Social Security numbers)
• Pressure you to transfer money immediately

They often use fake caller IDs and realistic emails to appear legitimate.

One of the most common scams affecting seniors, tech support fraud typically begins with a pop-up warning on a computer or phone.

Victims are told:

• Their device has a virus or security issue
• To call a support number immediately
• To grant remote access to “fix” the problem

In reality, scammers gain control of the device and may steal personal or financial information.

In this scheme, scammers pretend to represent agencies such as:

• The IRS
• Social Security Administration
• Medicare

They may threaten:

• Arrest or legal action
• Loss of benefits
• Fines or penalties

Victims are pressured to act quickly, often paying through unusual methods like prepaid cards or wire transfers.

Romance scams exploit emotional connection. Fraudsters build relationships online through dating apps or social media, then request money for emergencies, travel, or medical expenses.  These scams can continue for months, resulting in significant financial and emotional loss. In 2023 alone, romance scams accounted for over $1.1 billion in reported losses.