Protecting Older Adults from Scams: What Every Family Should Know

America is aging rapidly. Today, nearly one in six Americans is over the age of 65, and the number continues to grow.

As we age, concerns about cognitive decline become increasingly important. Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia affect millions of older adults, making them more vulnerable to financial exploitation and scams. Unfortunately, scammers know this and often target seniors specifically.

The problem is significant. According to the FBI, Americans over age 60 reported more cybercrime complaints and greater financial losses than any other age group in 2025, with losses exceeding $7.7 billion.

The good news is that awareness remains one of the most effective forms of protection.

Common Scams Targeting Older Adults

Government agencies such as the FBI, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Delaware Department of Justice consistently report that imposter scams are among the most common fraud schemes.

In an imposter scam, a criminal pretends to be someone trustworthy, such as:

• The IRS
• Social Security Administration
• Medicare
• A bank representative
• A utility company employee
• Even a family member in distress

The scammer often claims there is an urgent problem that requires immediate action. They may say you owe money, your account has been compromised, or a loved one needs emergency financial assistance.

Other common scams include:

• Fake charities seeking donations
• Debt collection scams involving debts you do not owe
• Lottery or sweepstakes scams claiming you've won a prize
• Romance scams involving online relationships
• Fraudulent home foreclosure or loan modification offers
• Online sellers offering goods or services that do not exist

Warning Signs to Watch For

While scams come in many forms, several red flags appear repeatedly.

Be cautious if someone:

• Contacts you unexpectedly
• Pressures you to act immediately
• Threatens arrest, fines, or legal action
• Requests personal information over the phone or email
• Asks for payment through wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps
• Tells you to keep the matter secret

A simple rule can help prevent many scams:

If someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for money or personal information, stop and verify before responding.

Instead of using the phone number, email address, or website provided by the caller, contact the organization directly using information from an official website, account statement, or trusted source.

How Families Can Help Protect Loved Ones

Family members can play an important role in preventing fraud.

Consider:

• Regularly reviewing bank and credit card statements
• Discussing common scams with older relatives
• Encouraging loved ones to call a trusted family member before sending money
• Researching companies and service providers before making payments
• Monitoring credit reports for suspicious activity

Open conversations can make a tremendous difference. Many scam victims feel embarrassed and hesitate to tell others what happened, which often allows the fraud to continue.

If You Suspect a Scam, Act Quickly

If you or a loved one has been targeted by a scam, report it immediately.

For Delaware residents:

• File a consumer complaint with the Delaware Department of Justice Consumer Protection Unit at de.gov/consumercomplaint.
• Call the Consumer Protection Unit at (800) 220-5424.

You can also report scams to:

• The Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

If money has already been sent, contact your bank, credit card company, or wire transfer provider immediately. Acting quickly may improve the chances of recovering funds.

Staying Vigilant

No one is immune from scams. Criminals continuously adapt their tactics, making fraud prevention an ongoing challenge for individuals and families alike.

The best defense is awareness. Share this information with parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. A simple conversation today could help prevent a devastating financial loss tomorrow.

If you have questions about protecting an aging loved one or planning for future incapacity, our office is always available to help guide families through these important conversations.