Assisted living gives seniors a higher level of protection from many types of crime, including financial fraud. However, that doesn’t mean they are completely immune to becoming a victim.
Unfortunately, scammers tend to target the elderly for several reasons. These include:
- Greater Trust
Senior citizens tend to be more trusting, especially if they believe that the person on the phone is from a known company, organization, or the government. Trust makes a person more inclined to follow instructions or share personal information. This is especially true now that scammers have learned to build rapport to gain the victim’s confidence.
- Social Isolation
Many older adults face social isolation. They may not have others around to ask for help or advice when interacting with a scammer. They may be more inclined to want to speak to the person on the other end of the phone or online.
Scammers want to isolate their victims. The fewer people involved, the more control they can exert over the victim.
Seniors who are already isolated are prime targets. Families should learn how assisted living communities can prevent senior isolation this spring for ways to help.
- Cognitive Decline
Senior citizens are more likely to experience cognitive decline. People over age 85 have the highest risk of dementia. The risk tends to increase with age. Age-related changes can also cause cognitive decline, which makes a person more vulnerable to abuse and fraud.
It’s important to be aware of potential scams when learning how to live with a spouse who has dementia. Finances should be monitored for suspicious bank account activity.
- Inexperience with Technology
Older generations did not grow up with the technology that children have today. Even those born less than 50 years ago saw a significant change in available technology.
Inexperience can make seniors more vulnerable to financial crimes. A scammer may convince a senior to do something like access their bank account online or download an application that gives the scammer control of their computer.
- Reluctance to Report a Scam
Embarrassment isn’t exclusive to older adults. Anyone who falls for a scam may feel shame and embarrassment. For seniors, this can be compounded by not wanting to be viewed as unable to take care of themselves. Loss of independence is a fear for many aging adults.
That means some seniors fall victim to scams and never report them. They may still be at risk if they don’t fully understand how much of their life the scammer is able to access.
Assisted living provides an extra layer of protection for seniors. They aren’t isolated, and help is nearby. However, anytime a person can access the internet or a mobile phone, they could potentially become a victim of a scam.
What can seniors do to protect themselves from scammers?
Slow Down and Think About What’s Happening
Panic is a scammer’s best friend. They want their victim to move quickly and without thinking. Panic helps achieve that goal. A person who is scared and panicked is more likely to take action to stop what they perceive as the problem or threat.
Scammers use this to get victims to quickly give them sensitive financial information or access to their computers or other devices. The victim doesn’t have a chance to slow down and think about what’s happening, making them far less likely to notice the red flags.
Scammers pretend to be police officers, detectives, sheriffs, utility companies, the government, or even loved ones. They will insist that payment must be made to prevent something, like an arrest or service shut off.
This isn’t how these entities work. Utility companies usually send letters in the mail rather than calling and making demands for payment. If they are calling, hang up and get a trusted phone number for the service provider and call directly.
Authorities will also not call or text for money.
Do Not Use Any Odd or Unfamiliar Payment Methods
Avoid using any odd or unfamiliar payment methods. Scammers commonly use payment methods with little to no way to get money back afterward, like cryptocurrency. They may also insist on using an application like Cash App or have the victim buy gift cards and give them the activation numbers.
If someone is demanding an unusual payment method, this is a big red flag. While they may be using an app or website that is real, they tend to have ways to get the money before the victim realizes what has happened and tries to get it back.
Never Click on a Suspicious or Unknown Link
Do not click on suspicious or unknown links. These could come through email, text, social media, or online chat.
Suspicious links often look like a random mix of letters, numbers, or words. Some scammers are wise to this and choose a link that looks close to a legit company or organization but is a little off.
Remember to check the link text before clicking. Linked text, known as a hyperlink, makes it easy to click without seeing where the address goes.
Do Not Tolerate Hostility or Threatening Behavior
Scammers want to obtain and keep control over the victims. Some act kind or even loving, while others take a more aggressive approach. This is especially true if the scammer doesn’t like the questions that the victim is asking.
If a scammer starts acting hostile or acts threatening, they are likely trying to keep control and avoid answering questions. Some scammers have no limits to what they will say to get a victim to follow their instructions. They will go so far as to guilt the victim or threaten their life or the life of loved ones.
Hostility and threats are another red flag that indicates the person is being deceptive. Seniors should not tolerate this type of behavior and should cease contact immediately.
Don’t Assume That Caller ID is Always Correct
Technology can make our lives better and safer, but it can also give scammers an “in” to trick us. Seniors should not assume that the name displayed on caller ID is correct.
Today’s scammers can use software to mask where the call is coming from. They try to appear as though they are an authority or government entity. They may also use a number that looks local to help put the person answering at ease.
If you aren’t sure, don’t answer or hang up if you already answered, and check the contact information. Find out if the number provided matches the real number for the organization. Contact them directly yourself using the contact information you found through official sources. Never trust contact information provided by an unknown person.
Call Known Companies and Organizations Directly
Scammers like to try to convince victims that they are legitimate by giving them a phone number or transferring them to someone else. The idea is that the other person will confirm that they are who they claim to be.
The reality is that both people are scammers, or one scammer is pretending to be two people.
Never trust contact details provided by a suspicious or unknown person. Instead, do your own research to find the contact details for an organization or person without the caller’s input. This approach prevents the scammer from redirecting you to someone else within their criminal organization.
Be Aware that Scammers Will Use Impersonation
Scammers will tell you anything to get what they want. That includes lying about who they are. Many seniors receive calls from people claiming to be with companies, charities, or government entities that are scammers. Some can sound very convincing and personable.
Always confirm the organization the caller claims to be with. If the information doesn’t make sense or the caller is reluctant to say, they are likely using impersonation. It’s always best to step away and confirm before sharing any information.
Set Up Credit Monitoring and Locks
Seniors should consider setting up credit monitoring and locking their Social Security numbers.
Monitoring will track all activity on a person’s credit report. An alert is sent when there are changes or suspicious activity. This helps seniors learn about scams earlier, before more damage can be done. A good credit monitoring service will watch for:
- Large transactions
- New credit inquiries
- New accounts
- Missed payments
- Changes in personal information
- Changes in credit limits
- Foreclosures
- Bankruptcies
Locking social security numbers is another good way to prevent identity theft and fraud. Doing this prevents the use of a social security number until the person it belongs to chooses to unlock it.
While it will require an extra step when doing things that require credit inquiries, it is a safeguard to prevent unauthorized activity.
Never Give out Personal Information
Never give out personal information when speaking to a stranger. That can even include something basic, like your name or the names of loved ones. Scammers will use this information in any way that they can.
Most people know that they shouldn’t give out big details like their Social Security number or bank account information. However, sharing even the names of people you know can give scammers enough details to try to manipulate you. They may claim to be a person you know or build your trust by claiming that they know or are associated with someone familiar.
You do not owe anyone your personal information. It’s best not to give it out, whether you’re on the phone, texting, or even in person.
Report All Suspicious Activity and Fraud to Authorities
Report fraud and attempted fraud to the authorities. It’s ok to feel upset, ashamed, or embarrassed, but it’s important to remember that you aren’t the only one to fall for a scam.
The Federal Trade Commission received fraud reports from 2.6 million people in 2023. A Bankrate survey conducted by the Texas Bankers Association found that more than one in three adults in the U.S. were the victim of financial fraud from January 2024 to January 2025.
Scams happen. Not reporting it only makes it easier for scammers to keep doing it. Even if the authorities can’t stop a specific scammer, they can learn more about how they work and spread awareness to save others before they become victims.
Pinnacle Peak Assisted Living home encourages all seniors to protect themselves from financial fraud. Senior living communities provide additional support. If you live in assisted living and are unsure about a possible scam, speak to a trusted friend or family member or bring it to the attention of a staff member.
