Few things make me angrier than when scammers target older or lonely people. They call pretending to be friends, helpers, or officials—but they’re really out to steal your money and personal information.
Here are the 10 most common scams you need to watch out for:
- Medicare/Health Insurance Scam
The caller pretends to be from Medicare, offering a “free food card” or other benefits. All they really want is your name, county, and Medicare status, which they sell to insurance salespeople. Hang up immediately. - The Grandparent Scam
The caller pretends to be your grandchild in trouble—arrested, injured, or stuck overseas—and begs for money. Their voice is muffled, so you’re unsure if it’s really them. They’ll demand a money transfer, which is cashed instantly. - IRS Tax Scam
A threatening voice claims to be from the IRS, saying you owe back taxes and must pay immediately. Sometimes they even demand gift cards as payment. Remember: the IRS never calls you like this, and they don’t take Walmart gift cards. - Tech Support Scam
A scammer posing as Microsoft, Apple, or another company claims your computer has a virus. They’ll try to trick you into installing software that gives them access to your files, banking info, and Social Security number. Never let a stranger take control of your computer. - Sweepstakes/Lottery Scam
They call saying you’ve won money—maybe $11,000 or more—but you must pay taxes or fees upfront. What they really want is your bank account information. Once you give it, they clean you out. - Charity Scam
Scammers call pretending to represent police charities, veterans’ groups, or disaster relief efforts. They tug at your heartstrings and ask for credit card donations. Always research charities and donate directly, never over the phone. - Utility Scam
A caller claims your water or electric bill is overdue and your service will be shut off within the hour unless you pay by phone. Utilities don’t operate like that—always call your utility company directly to check your account. - Prescription Drug Scam
You’re promised an 80% discount on your medications if you pay a membership fee. Once they have your credit card or debit card number, they empty your account. - Romance Scam
This one often develops over time. A scammer calls or texts, builds trust, and pretends to be in love. Eventually, they ask for money to “visit” you or escape hardship. It’s all a lie designed to drain your finances. - Social Security Scam
The caller claims your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. They’ll ask you to verify personal information like your Social Security number, driver’s license, or bank account. With just a little information, they can do a lot of damage.
How to Protect Yourself
Back in the 1980s, the “Do Not Call” list worked well because legitimate companies followed the law. Today, 90% of scam calls come from overseas using spoofed local numbers. They may look like they’re calling from your area code, but they’re not.
Here are the rules to live by:
- Don’t engage. The moment you realize it’s a scam, hang up.
- Don’t share personal information. Never give out your Social Security number, banking info, Medicare number, or even your birthday.
- Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can fake local numbers.
- Don’t pay by gift card, wire transfer, or prepaid debit card. No legitimate business or government agency will ask for those.
- Verify directly. If someone claims to be from the IRS, Social Security, your bank, or your utility company, hang up and call the official number yourself.
If you want something—insurance, medication savings, a donation opportunity—you make the call. Don’t let strangers on the phone talk you into anything.
The best protection is skepticism. Scammers are skilled talkers, but if you shut down the conversation, they can’t steal from you. Protect yourself, and spread the word so others don’t fall victim.