Scam Alerts
The latest scams, fraud schemes, and phishing attacks explained in plain English. We update this page regularly so you always know what to watch out for.
Latest Warning
Medicare scam calls are surging this month. If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare and asks for your Social Security number, hang up immediately. Medicare will never call and ask for this information.
All Scam Alerts
Sorted by most recentThe SSA "Fake Call Transfer" Scam: Why No One Can Actually Transfer You to Social Security
A scammer calls posing as Social Security, then 'transfers' you to a fake supervisor to make it feel real. Here's why that transfer proves it's a scam.
The FBI's 'Phantom Hacker Scam': How Seniors Are Losing Their Life Savings in Three Calls
The FBI says the Phantom Hacker Scam has cost victims over $1 billion since 2024. Here's how the three-call con works and how to stop it before it starts.
The New Medicare $2,100 Drug Cap Scam: What Callers Are Saying Right Now
Scammers are exploiting Medicare's new $2,100 out-of-pocket drug cap. Learn the exact phone script they use and how to protect your Medicare number.
Crypto ATM Bans Hit 3 States in 2026 — What It Means If You (or a Parent) Still Use One
Indiana, Tennessee, and Minnesota moved to restrict crypto ATMs in 2026 after seniors lost millions. Here's what changed, why it matters, and what to do.
The 'Free Estate Planning Seminar' That Isn't Free: Living Trust Mill Scams
A free dinner seminar promising to help you 'avoid probate' can end with a $3,000 trust you didn't need and a sales pitch for unsuitable annuities. Here's how trust mills work.
The 'Free Policy Review' That Costs You Thousands: Annuity and Life Insurance Churning
A 'free annuity review' can talk seniors into replacing a good policy with a worse one for a hidden commission. Here's how insurance churning works and how to stop it.
Vacation Rental Scams Targeting Seniors: How to Spot a Fake Airbnb or VRBO Listing
Fake vacation rental listings are costing travelers thousands. Learn the warning signs of Airbnb and VRBO scams and how seniors can book trips safely.
Online Puppy Scams: How to Avoid Losing Money to Fake Pet Sellers
Fake puppy websites cost buyers millions every year, and seniors are frequent targets. Learn the warning signs, the exact scam script, and how to verify a seller before you pay.
Bitcoin ATM Scams: How Seniors Are Being Targeted at Crypto Kiosks
Learn how bitcoin ATM scams work, why callers pressure seniors to deposit cash into crypto kiosks, and the exact steps to take if you're targeted.
You Searched for Help. A Scammer Answered First.
You were told never to click links in suspicious emails — so you search for the number yourself. Here's why that 'safe' habit now leads straight to scammers.
How to Spot a Credit Card Skimmer at the Gas Pump: A Senior's Guide
Card skimmers at gas pumps steal your card number in seconds. Learn the 5 warning signs, safer ways to pay, and what to do if you've been skimmed.
Timeshare Exit Scams Targeting Seniors: How 'We'll Sell It for You' Cons Take Thousands More
Timeshare resale and exit companies charge seniors thousands upfront to 'sell' or 'cancel' a timeshare — then vanish. Here's how the scam works and how to actually get out.
Contractor Scams Targeting Seniors: How Fake Roofers and Driveway Crews Steal Thousands
Storm-chaser roofers, driveway sealcoating crews, and tree-removal con artists target senior homeowners every year. Here's how the scam works and how to avoid it.
Debt Collector Scam Calls: How Seniors Can Tell a Real Collector From a Fraud
Getting calls demanding payment on a debt you don't recognize? Learn the exact signs of a fake debt collector scam and the steps to verify any debt safely.
Home Warranty Scam Calls: How to Spot the 'Your Coverage Is About to Expire' Pitch
Learn how the home warranty renewal scam call works, the exact phrases scammers use, and the steps to verify, report, and stop these calls for good.
Why Scammers Always Ask for Gift Cards (And What to Do)
Learn why gift cards are scammers' favorite payment method, how to recognize the request before you're in the checkout line, and what to do if you already bought them.
Deepfake Video Call Scams: How to Tell If That 'Grandchild' on Video Is Real
Scammers now use AI to fake a live video call, not just a voice. Learn the 5 warning signs, the one test that works every time, and what to do if you're targeted.
The 'Pig Butchering' Scam: How a New Online Friend Becomes a $100,000 Loss
Pig butchering scams combine a fake romance or friendship with a fake crypto investment. Here's how the con works, the warning signs, and what to do if it's happening to you.
Old Security Advice vs. What Actually Protects You Now (Side-by-Side)
The security advice you learned years ago made sense then. See exactly why it fails today, side by side with what actually keeps you safe now.
Your House Can Be Stolen Without a Break-In — Here's the Threat Nobody Warned You About
No broken window, no stolen password — just paperwork. Home title theft lets criminals put your paid-off house in someone else's name while you still live in it. Here's the reframe.
Best Background Check Sites to Verify Someone You Met Online in 2026
Before you send money or meet someone in person, verify who they really are. We compared 6 background check and people-search sites for seniors — here's which ones actually help.
Cybersecurity Myths vs. Facts: What Seniors Actually Need to Know
9 common cybersecurity beliefs seniors trust that are quietly wrong — and the facts that actually keep your money and identity safe.
Jury Duty Scam Calls: How to Spot a Fake Arrest Warrant Threat
Learn how the jury duty scam call works, the exact threats scammers use to demand payment, and what to do if you get one — before or after you've responded.
Amazon Impersonation Scams: How to Tell a Real Amazon Email From a Fake One
Fake 'your Amazon account has been suspended' and 'unusual order' emails are one of the most common scams targeting seniors. Here's how to spot them in seconds.
Facebook Marketplace Scams: A Senior's Guide to Buying and Selling Safely
Learn the most common Facebook Marketplace scams targeting seniors — fake buyers, bad checks, and phishing links — and exactly how to avoid them.
7 Security Decisions You'll Actually Face — And What to Do in the Moment
Most cybersecurity advice is theory. Here are 7 real split-second decisions seniors face — the call, the pop-up, the text — and the right move for each one.
Extended Car Warranty Scam Calls: How to Recognize Them and Make Them Stop
Learn how the 'your car warranty is about to expire' robocall scam works, the exact phrases scammers use, and the steps to verify, report, and stop these calls for good.
How to Tell If an Online Store Is Fake Before You Enter Your Card Number
Fake online stores cost shoppers billions every year. Learn the 7 warning signs of a fraudulent website and how to check any store before you buy.
The Scam That Could Cost You Your Independence — Not Just Your Money
One wired payment or confused phone call can trigger frozen accounts or a guardianship petition. Here's how to protect your autonomy, not just your bank balance.
The Real Risk After Losing a Spouse Isn't a Scam Call — It's the Man With a Business Card
Widows and widowers are warned about scam calls after a death. The bigger threat is the licensed, legitimate-looking pitch that shows up in the first 90 days. Here's how to recognize it.
IRS Scam Calls: How to Tell If It's Really the IRS (And What to Do If It's Not)
Learn the exact differences between a real IRS contact and an IRS scam call, the phrases scammers use to create panic, and the steps to take if you've been targeted.
Unpaid Toll Text Scam: How Seniors Can Spot the Fake E-ZPass or SunPass Message
Getting texts about an 'unpaid toll' from E-ZPass, SunPass, or FasTrak? Learn the exact signs of this fast-growing text scam and what to do instead of clicking.
How to Set Up a Password Manager: A Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors
Tired of forgetting passwords or writing them on sticky notes? Here's a plain-English, step-by-step guide to choosing and setting up a password manager safely.
Tech Support Scam Calls: How to Spot Them and What to Do If You Already Let Them In
Learn the exact warning signs of a tech support scam call, what to do if you're on the phone right now, and the recovery steps if you already gave a scammer remote access.
How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication: A Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors
Two-factor authentication stops most account takeovers cold. Here's exactly how to turn it on for email and banking, in plain English, step by step.
Why 'Trust No One' Is the Advice That Makes Scammers' Jobs Easier
You've been told to trust no one and verify everyone. Research on elder fraud shows the opposite is true — isolation, not gullibility, is the strongest predictor of who gets scammed.
Your Password Is Strong. Your Grandson's Isn't. Here's Why That's Your Problem Too
You've locked down your own accounts, but the real backdoor into your digital life may be a family member's weak password, shared photo library, or infected phone. Here's how to close it.
Package Delivery Text Scam: How Seniors Can Spot the Fake Before Clicking
Getting texts about a 'held package' or 'delivery fee'? Learn the exact signs of a fake package delivery text scam and what to do instead of clicking the link.
QR Code Scams: How Seniors Can Spot a Fake Code Before It's Too Late
QR codes on parking meters, menus, and mail can hide scam links. Here's how to tell a real QR code from a fake one, and what to do if you've already scanned one.
The Obituary Is the Scam: How a Grief Notice Becomes a Criminal's Blueprint
Obituaries feel harmless — just a tribute. But they hand scammers a family tree, a timeline, and proof someone is now alone. Here's the reframe that changes how you grieve in public.
Fake Virus Alerts on Your Computer: What Seniors Need to Know (And What to Do)
That scary virus pop-up on your screen is almost certainly a scam. Here's how to tell, what to do right now, and how to make sure it never happens again.
The Overpayment Scam: How Seniors Are Tricked Into Sending Their Own Money
The overpayment scam costs seniors billions each year. Learn exactly how it works, the warning signs, and how to protect yourself before it's too late.
The Security Trap: Why Most Online Protection for Seniors Fixes the Wrong Problem
Antivirus, strong passwords, firewalls — but seniors still lose billions to fraud. Here's the real threat and what actually keeps you safe.
Is Apple Pay Safe? A Senior's Complete Guide to Mobile Payments
Apple Pay and mobile wallets are often safer than plastic cards — here's why, plus the real risks to know and how to stay protected as a senior.
You're Protected Against the Wrong Crime: The Fraud Loophole Banks Won't Tell You About
Banks cover unauthorized fraud. But the scam targeting seniors most often isn't unauthorized — you sent the money yourself. Here's the gap nobody warns you about.
How to Use PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App Safely — A Senior's Guide to Digital Payments
Learn how to send money safely with PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App. This senior-friendly guide covers scam tactics, security settings, and step-by-step protection tips.
The $5 File Scammers Buy Before They Call You — And How to Disappear From It
Scammers don't guess who you are — they pay data brokers for your full file. Here's what's in it, how it's used, and how to shrink your target.
Hackers Don't Want Your Password — They Want Your Fear (The Real Cybersecurity Threat)
The biggest cyber threat to seniors isn't a hacker at a keyboard — it's emotional manipulation. Learn how to spot it and use your life experience as your best defense.
Government Grant Scams Are Targeting Seniors — Here's How to Spot Them
There are no free government grants for personal expenses. Learn how grant scams work, 6 red flags to spot them, and how to protect your money and identity.
What to Do If You've Been Scammed Online — An Immediate Action Guide for Seniors
Got scammed online? Don't panic. Follow these 8 steps right now to limit the damage, protect your accounts, and start recovering your money.
Is Zoom Safe for Seniors? How to Video Chat Without Getting Hacked
Zoom itself is secure — but scammers use it as a storefront. Learn 5 settings to change, how to spot a fake invite, and exactly what to do if something goes wrong.
Bank Impersonation Scams: How to Tell If That 'Bank Call' Is Really a Criminal
Scammers spoof your real bank's phone number and trick seniors into wiring thousands. Learn the 7 things your bank will never ask — and what to do instead.
How to Pay Bills Online Safely: A Senior's Step-by-Step Security Guide
Learn how to pay bills online safely as a senior. Simple steps to protect your bank account, avoid payment scams, and stay secure — no tech expertise needed.
Work-From-Home Scams Targeting Retirees: How to Spot a Fake Job Offer
Retirees are prime targets for fake job offers that steal identities and money. Learn the 7 warning signs and exactly what to do to stay safe.
Medicare Scams: How to Spot Fake Calls, Cards, and Websites (And What to Do)
Medicare scams cost seniors billions each year. Learn the exact warning signs of fake Medicare calls, cards, and websites — and the steps that protect you.
Utility Company Scams: How to Spot an Impersonator Before You Pay
Fake electric and water company calls cost seniors millions every year. Learn the red flags, the exact scripts scammers use, and how to protect yourself.
What to Do If You Clicked a Phishing Link — Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors
Accidentally clicked a suspicious link? Don't panic. Follow these 7 steps immediately to protect your accounts, identity, and money — explained simply.
Why Security Experts Have Been Giving Seniors the Wrong Advice
Most cybersecurity advice targets technical threats. But 90% of attacks on adults 60+ exploit your kindness — not your password. Here's what actually works.
Online Dating Safety for Seniors: How to Protect Your Heart and Your Wallet
Step-by-step guide to staying safe on dating sites and apps if you're over 55 — practical rules, red flags, and the tools that keep you protected.
Subscription Renewal Scams: How to Spot Fake Emails Before You Lose Money
Fake McAfee, Amazon, and antivirus renewal notices are fooling thousands of seniors. Learn to spot them in seconds and protect your accounts.
AI Voice Cloning Scams Targeting Seniors: How to Spot Them Before It's Too Late
AI can now fake your grandchild's voice in seconds. Here's how AI voice cloning phone scams work and exactly how seniors can protect themselves.
The Phone Call Feels Safe — That's Exactly the Problem
You learned to distrust suspicious emails. Scammers noticed. AI voice cloning now targets the one channel seniors still trust: the sound of a family member's voice.
You're Not Being Hacked — You're Being Trusted to Death
The security industry has the story wrong. Seniors aren't targeted because they're weak — they're targeted because of exactly what makes them strong.
Is ChatGPT Safe for Seniors? What You Should (and Shouldn't) Share With AI
Thinking about using ChatGPT or other AI chatbots? Here's what every senior needs to know before sharing personal information with AI assistants.
The Security Advice You're Following Is Theater — Here's What Actually Protects You
Most common cybersecurity tips look safe but do almost nothing. Learn which habits are security theater and what actually stops real threats to seniors.
Investment Scams Targeting Seniors: How to Spot Gold, Crypto, and Fake 'Safe' Offers
Learn how to spot investment scams targeting seniors — from fake gold dealers to crypto fraud — and protect your retirement savings before it's too late.
Your Good Manners Are Making You a Target Online — Here's the Reframe That Changes Everything
Scammers don't target seniors for being naive. They target you for being trustworthy, polite, and cooperative — and that reframe changes how you protect yourself.
Charity Scams Targeting Seniors: How to Give Safely This Season
Scammers exploit generous seniors with fake charities year-round. Learn the red flags, how to verify any charity before you give, and what to do if you've been targeted.
Grandparent Scam: The Exact Script to Use When a Stranger Claims Your Grandchild Is in Trouble
How grandparent scams work step by step, what to say (and never say) when the call comes, and a printable phone script to keep by your phone.
Can You Spot the Fake? 5 Real vs. Fake Emails — Phishing Quiz
Think you can tell a real email from a phishing scam? Test yourself with 5 side-by-side examples and learn exactly what to look for.
How to Report a Phishing Email — FTC, FBI IC3, and Your Inbox
Step-by-step guide to reporting phishing emails to the FTC, FBI IC3, Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo in under 10 minutes.
Social Security Phone Scams: What the 'Number Suspended' Call Really Means
If someone calls saying your Social Security number is suspended, it's a scam. Here's exactly what they say — and what to do.
How to Use Public Wi-Fi Safely: A Step-by-Step Guide for Seniors
Public Wi-Fi at coffee shops and airports can expose your passwords and bank info. Here's exactly how seniors can stay safe — in plain English.
Fake Check Scams: How They Work and Why They're So Easy to Fall For
A check arrives unexpectedly — and then things go wrong. Learn how fake check scams work, the 5 most common variations, and exactly what to do if it happens to you.
How to Safely Use Your Doctor's Patient Portal — A Senior's Complete Guide
Learn how to log in to MyChart and other patient portals without getting hacked. Protect your medical records and health identity in 7 simple steps.
Online Pharmacy Safety for Seniors: How to Spot Fake Medication Websites
Fake online pharmacies steal money, identities, and ship dangerous counterfeit drugs. Here's how seniors can safely buy prescriptions online.
Online Pharmacy Safety for Seniors: How to Spot Fake Medication Websites
Fake online pharmacies steal money, identities, and ship dangerous counterfeit drugs. Here's how seniors can safely buy prescriptions online.
Social Security Scam Calls: How to Spot Them, Hang Up, and Stay Protected
Getting a call claiming your Social Security number is suspended? It's a scam. Here's exactly what these calls sound like and what to do right now.
Sweepstakes Scams: How to Tell If You Really Won (And What Happens If You Respond)
Fake sweepstakes and prize scams steal millions from seniors each year. Learn the 7 red flags, what scammers do with your info, and how to protect yourself.
Why Seniors Are the #1 Target for Online Fraud — And the 3-Layer Defense That Actually Works
Seniors lose $3.4 billion a year to online fraud. Here's exactly why scammers choose you, and the 3-layer defense system that shuts them out.
Why Seniors Are the #1 Target for Online Fraud — And the 3-Layer Defense That Actually Works
Seniors lose $3.4 billion a year to online fraud. Here's exactly why scammers choose you, and the 3-layer defense system that shuts them out.
Smishing Scams: How to Spot Fake Text Messages Before You Click
Scammers are targeting seniors with fake text messages. Learn the warning signs of smishing, what to do if you clicked, and how to stay protected.
The Grandparent Scam: How to Recognize It and Protect Your Family
Learn how the grandparent scam works, the exact warning signs to watch for, and simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Updated 2026.
IRS Tax Scams Targeting Seniors: How to Protect Yourself This Tax Season
IRS scam calls targeting seniors are surging every spring. Learn the exact warning signs, what the real IRS will never do, and how to protect yourself.
Investment Scams Targeting Retirees: How to Protect Your Nest Egg
Ponzi schemes, fake crypto platforms, and affinity fraud are draining retirement accounts. Learn how to identify investment scams and verify any opportunity before risking your savings.
How to Spot a Pig Butchering Scam (The Scam That Steals Millions)
Pig butchering is the FBI's most reported scam type by dollar amount. Here's how it works, why smart people fall for it, and the warning signs.
The QR Code Scam That's Catching Everyone Off Guard
Scammers are placing fake QR codes on parking meters, restaurant tables, and public signs. Here's how the scam works and how to protect yourself.
How to Recognize a Spoofed Phone Number (It Looks Like Your Area Code)
Caller ID spoofing lets scammers fake any number — even one from your neighborhood. Learn how it works and what to do about it.
Zelle Scams Are Exploding — How to Send Money Safely
Zelle scam losses exceeded $870 million last year. Learn how the most common Zelle scams work and how to protect every transaction.
The 8 Most Common Amazon Scams and How to Avoid Every One
Amazon scams cost consumers millions yearly. Here are the 8 most common types, real examples of each, and how to protect yourself.
How to Recognize AI-Generated Scam Calls (They Sound Incredibly Real)
AI can now clone voices in seconds. Scammers are using it to impersonate your bank, your grandchild, even the police. Here's how to tell the difference.
Facebook Marketplace Scams: 7 Red Flags Buyers and Sellers Miss
Facebook Marketplace is full of scams targeting both buyers and sellers. Here are 7 specific red flags to watch for and how to protect yourself.
Gift Card Scams: Why the IRS, Amazon, and Your Grandchild Will Never Ask You to Buy One
Gift card scams cost Americans hundreds of millions per year. Here's how they work, why they're so effective, and the one rule that stops them cold.
Romance Scams: How to Protect Yourself on Dating Sites
Red flags that someone online is a romance scammer, real examples of how these scams work, and what to do if you suspect you're being targeted.
SIM Swap Scams: How Thieves Steal Your Phone Number and What to Do
SIM swapping lets criminals hijack your phone number and break into your accounts. Here's how it works, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens.
How to Spot a Fake Website Before You Enter Your Credit Card
Scam websites look shockingly real. Here are 6 quick checks to verify any site before you type in your payment information.
What Is the Dark Web and Should You Be Worried About It?
The dark web sounds scary, but most people misunderstand what it actually is. Here's what you need to know — and the one thing you should actually check.
Online Scams Targeting Seniors: How to Spot & Avoid Them
Seniors lose billions to online scams each year. Learn to spot phishing, tech support fraud, romance scams, and more — plus steps to protect yourself.
How to Spot and Avoid Tech Support Scams: A Guide for Seniors
Learn to identify tech support scams — fake pop-ups, cold calls, and remote access requests — and what to do if you have already fallen victim.
Someone Stole My Identity — What Do I Do First?
A step-by-step recovery guide if your identity has been stolen. What to do in the first hour, the first day, and the first week.
Is This Email a Scam? Here's How to Tell in 30 Seconds
Learn the 5 dead giveaways of a scam email so you never fall for phishing again. Simple, visual guide for everyday people.
Medicare Scams Are at an All-Time High — Here's What to Watch For
Medicare fraud is surging. Learn the most common Medicare scam types, red flags to watch for, and what to do if you already shared your information.
The 5 Phone Scams Targeting Seniors Right Now (2026)
These 5 phone scams are targeting seniors in 2026. Learn exactly what they sound like and how to protect yourself.
Safe Online Banking: The 7 Rules Your Bank Won't Tell You
Seven specific, actionable rules to protect your bank accounts online — including real fraud examples and tools your bank will never mention.
A Senior's Guide to Outsmarting Tech Support Scams: How to Protect Your Computer and Wallet
Learn how to spot and avoid tech support scams designed to trick seniors. Simple steps to protect your computer, personal information, and money.
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