A Senior’s Guide to Financial & Social Media Scams

Technology isn’t only for the younger generation. Seniors, for instance, spend a significant portion of their time scrolling on their social media accounts.

And while this type of technology is a form of entertainment for them, it’s also being utilized by scammers to prey on their vulnerabilities.

In fact, a survey conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by ClearMatch Medicare revealed that seniors believe around 43% of the information they encounter online to be accurate.

These scams cleverly disguise themselves, often appearing harmless at first glance but carrying the potential for significant harm. They range from attempts to swindle individuals out of their savings to tricking them into sharing personal information online.

Seniors as the Main Target of Social Media Scams

Why are older adults particularly vulnerable?

The answer lies partly in the perception that seniors have substantial savings. This demographic often thinks that their wealth or financial stability makes them a bullseye for scams.

But in reality, con artists are not picky. They target seniors across the financial spectrum, from those with ample savings to those with limited income.

The belief that these social media scams are "low-risk" crimes due to difficulties in reporting and prosecuting only adds to the allure for criminals. Yet, the impact on seniors can be catastrophic, leaving them with little to no recourse for reclaiming their lost assets.

In 2022 alone, a staggering 88,262 complaints from individuals aged 60 and above were reported, showcasing a loss of $3.1 billion due to fraud. This marked an alarming 82.35% increase in losses from the previous year, highlighting a growing trend that cannot be ignored.

Common Types of Scams Targeting Seniors

Knowing what these common scams are and their early signs is paramount with the proliferation of these crimes. Here are the most common types of social media scams that you should be aware of.

Grandparent Scam

The grandparent scam is a cunning trick where scammers, posing as someone in authority, claim a grandchild is in a dire situation — perhaps an accident or a legal issue. These impostors might call, alleging to be law enforcement or sometimes even the grandchild themselves, spinning tales of accidents or legal trouble.

They then pressure their targets into sending money urgently to "rescue" the grandchild, asking for it to be sent via wire transfer or even delivered in person. To make their story more convincing, these scammers often arm themselves with accurate information about the grandchild, easily gleaned from social media or other online sources.

An evolving tactic in this deceit involves using ride-sharing services to collect the money, packaged discreetly in an envelope directly from the victim's doorstep.

Robocall and Phone Scams

Robocall and phone scams are becoming increasingly common, with many fraudsters using these high-volume calls to reach potential victims. These calls, often originating from abroad, cleverly mask their true origin by displaying local area codes on the caller ID.

In 2022 alone, this scam led to an average loss of $431 per victim. One particularly sneaky tactic involves tricking seniors into simply saying "Yes" to seemingly harmless questions like, "Can you hear me?" Someone can manipulate this affirmative response to falsely indicate approval of expensive transactions.

Shockingly, phone call scams led seniors to lose over $280 million in 2021 alone, as reported by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Romance Scam

Romance scams have shown a worrying increase, with financial repercussions soaring to $1.3 billion in 2022, as highlighted by the FTC. These scams unfold as seniors form connections with seemingly affectionate partners online, who, after courting and gaining trust, eventually request money for various urgent reasons.

These fabricated emergencies range from health crises to funds for travel with the aim of meeting in person. Typically, the scammer prefers receiving funds through wire transfers or gift cards, and once the money is sent, it vanishes, leaving the senior out of pocket and heartbroken.

Moreover, these deceitful romancers have been known to exploit their victims further by involving them in money laundering activities under the guise of handling "illegal proceeds of crime."

The senior, now a "money mule," is manipulated into forwarding these ill-gotten gains, potentially facing legal consequences for their unwitting involvement in these criminal operations.

Lottery and Sweepstakes Scam

In sweepstakes and lottery scams, fraudsters reach out via phone or mail, excitingly informing them that they've hit the jackpot. The prize, they're told, could be anything from a hefty cash sum to an alluring new vehicle.

The catch, however, is revealed when the scammer explains that to lay hands on this supposed prize, the senior must first cover "processing fees and taxes" by sending money. The amounts requested can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, with the preferred modes of payment being gift cards, wire transfers, money orders, or cash—essentially, methods that obscure the money's trail.

Adding a manipulative twist, the scammer often advises keeping the win under wraps, framing it as a future surprise for the family. This tactic intentionally isolates the senior, deterring them from seeking advice or help that could expose the scam.

According to FTC’s Protecting Older Consumers Report, these deceptions led seniors to lose a staggering $134 million in 2022, with individuals aged 80 and above bearing losses of $54 million.

Medicare, health insurance, and prescription drug scams

Robocall scams might seem to cast a wide net, but they can be quite precise, especially when targeting seniors eligible for Medicare. This opens up a gateway for health insurance fraud, a serious concern for older Americans.

It's crucial to be cautious, as these scammers can disguise their calls to make it appear they're coming from familiar and trusted sources, like government agencies or healthcare providers. This trickery aims to lower your guard and make you more likely to engage in conversation.

Once the scammer has you on the line, they often adopt a friendly tone, asking questions to make you feel comfortable. The end game, however, is always to extract sensitive information from you, such as your Medicare ID, Social Security Number, or other health insurance details.

Here are some essential things to keep in mind:

• Medicare will never call to ask for your personal information out of the blue. If someone does, it's a red flag.
• Official communication from government agencies typically comes through mail first, not phone calls.
• Be skeptical of calls asking for your health insurance information.

Recognizing the Signs of a Scam

It’s always best to trust your instinct if you feel something is suspicious. Here are telltale signs that can help you recognize someone is trying to scam you.

• Requests for personal or financial information via phone or online. Genuine organizations rarely, if ever, ask for sensitive details like your Social Security number or bank account information through insecure channels. If they ask for this info out of the blue, it's a red flag.
• High-pressure tactics and offers that seem too good to be true. Scammers thrive on urgency, coercing quick decisions, leaving no time for thoughtful consideration or seeking advice, and exploiting impulsive actions. Be wary if an offer requires an immediate response and promises incredible rewards with little to no risk.
• Unfamiliar friend requests or messages on social media platforms. Be cautious of requests from people you don't know, especially if they start asking for personal details or money. Scammers often create fake profiles to execute scams.
• Suspicious links or requests to download software. Clicking on unknown links or downloading unverified software can put your personal information at risk. These links might lead to phishing sites or install malware on your device.

Being vigilant and aware of these signs can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam. Always take a moment to verify the legitimacy of any request, and remember, if something feels off, it probably is. Stay informed and stay safe.

Preventative Measures to Avoid Scams

To avoid getting entangled in social media scams, take proactive measures to prevent them. Below are some essential tips and best practices to help you navigate the online world safely and confidently.

1. Always use strong, unique passwords for different accounts, and consider using a reputable password manager.
2. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information, especially on calls or emails you didn't initiate.
3. Regularly review your financial statements for any unauthorized transactions.
4. Unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information should always be met with skepticism. Whether it's a call, email, or message, if you didn't ask for it, there's a good chance it's a scam. Politely decline and end the conversation.
5. Before accepting friend requests or engaging in conversations with new contacts on social media, do a bit of detective work. Check their profile for signs of authenticity, such as mutual friends, a history of posts, and genuine interactions with others. When in doubt, ignore or block unsolicited contacts.
6. Ensure your internet connection is secure, and consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for an added layer of security. Keep your software and anti-virus protection up to date to fend off malware and phishing attacks.
7. Be cautious about what you share on social media, as too much information can make you a scam target.

By adopting these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of social media scams.

What to do if your elderly parent is being scammed

If you suspect your parent is being scammed, taking immediate and decisive action can help protect them and others from similar threats. Here’s what you can do.

1. Communicate: Start by talking to your parent. Express your concerns without making them feel embarrassed or at fault. Understanding the situation fully allows you to take more effective action.
2. Document Everything: Keep records of all communications related to the scam, including emails, messages, phone numbers, transaction details, and any other relevant information. This documentation is crucial for any legal steps or attempts to recover lost funds.
3. Secure Accounts: Change passwords and secure compromised accounts, especially those linked to financial institutions or personal information. Consider contacting banks to alert them to potential fraud.
4. Report the Scam: With the detailed information, it's crucial to report the scam as soon as possible. Contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311, available from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This step is vital for receiving guidance and support.

The sad truth is that social media scams targeting seniors often are not one-off events. It's advisable to review your parents' financial transactions and communication records for any other signs of fraud. This proactive review can uncover additional scams and prevent future vulnerabilities.

Wrapping Up

The landscape of fraud is ever-evolving, with scammers constantly devising new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, including the rise of social media scams. Staying informed about the latest scam tactics and understanding how to protect yourself and your loved ones are key defenses in this fight.

Knowledge truly is power, especially when safeguarding personal and financial information.

Equally important is fostering open lines of communication with family members or caregivers regarding potential scams. Having conversations about suspicious activities or offers can not only prevent a scam but also help in dealing with the aftermath should one occur.

Together, we can build a safer environment for all, particularly the most vulnerable.