Scams are getting trickier - and unfortunately, older adults are often targeted. Whether it’s a phone call, email, text, or even a letter in the post, scams are designed to catch you off guard and create a sense of urgency.
But here’s the good news: with a few simple tips, you can protect yourself, your money, and your personal information.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common scams aimed at seniors and how to spot the warning signs before it’s too late.
Why Are Seniors Targeted?
Scammers often target older adults because they believe:
- You may have savings or a retirement fund
- You may be less familiar with technology
- You may be more likely to pick up the phone or respond to messages
- You’re polite - and less likely to hang up or say “no”
But awareness is the best defence. Knowing what to look out for gives you the power to avoid becoming a victim.
Common Types of Scams Targeting Seniors
Phone Scams
You receive a call from someone claiming to be:
- A government agency (e.g., IRS, Medicare, Inland Revenue)
- A grandchild or family member in trouble
- A tech support team asking for remote access to your computer
- A prize or lottery service saying you’ve “won” - but need to pay a fee to claim it
Red flag: They want you to act fast and share personal info, or ask for gift cards or wire transfers.
Online or Email Scams
Emails that appear to come from:
- Your bank or internet provider asking you to “verify” your details
- A fake invoice or suspicious link to click
- A romance interest from a dating site or social media who asks for money
Red flag: Spelling mistakes, unfamiliar email addresses, urgent messages asking for help or payment.
Mail Scams
Letters promising a prize, inheritance, or government rebate - but asking for personal details or a “processing” fee.
Red flag: They sound too good to be true or pressure you to reply quickly.
Text Message Scams (Smishing)
Texts that claim:
- You’ve missed a package or need to confirm your delivery
- There’s suspicious activity on your account
- You must click a link to reset your password
Red flag: Suspicious links, strange numbers, or urgent language.
6 Simple Rules to Stay Scam-Safe
1. Pause Before You Act
Scammers want you to act quickly. If something feels off - slow down. You’re allowed to hang up, delete the message, or say, “I’ll check and get back to you.”
2. Don’t Share Personal Info
Never give your bank details, Medicare number, password, or PIN to someone who contacts you out of the blue.
3. Check With Someone You Trust
Talk to a family member, caregiver, or friend before responding to anything that seems odd or asks for money.
4. Never Pay in Gift Cards or Crypto
No government agency or real business will ever ask you to pay using gift cards or cryptocurrency.
5. Look for Signs of Pressure
Scams often use phrases like:
- “Act now or you’ll be fined”
- “Your account will be locked”
- “Don’t tell anyone - we need to keep this private”
If someone is rushing or threatening you, that’s a big red flag.
6. Use Caller ID and Email Filters
Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Use a spam filter for emails. If you get a suspicious message, delete it - don’t click.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
- Stop all communication immediately
- Contact your bank if you’ve shared account info
- Report it to your local scam reporting agency (e.g., Netsafe NZ, Scamwatch Australia, FTC USA)
- Tell a trusted person so they can help support and monitor for further issues
Remember, being scammed is not your fault. Scammers are professional liars - it can happen to anyone.
How Elli Cares Can Help
Elli Cares helps you stay safer, more informed, and better connected by:
✅ Letting loved ones receive alerts if something seems off
✅ Allowing families to send supportive reminders and tips
✅ Creating a space for logging and sharing symptoms - like confusion or stress - that could signal an attempted scam
✅ Giving you daily structure and oversight, so scammers have fewer chances to get in
The best way to stop a scam? Know what one looks like.
With awareness, support, and a little extra caution, you can stay one step ahead and protect what matters most - your peace of mind, your privacy, and your independence.
At Elli Cares, we’re here to help you feel safer and more confident every day. Because technology should protect you - not prey on you.
👉 Learn more at www.elliapp.co
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