Scammers target older adults because they know many people were raised to be polite, trusting, and helpful. But they target people of every age, too. A little knowledge makes a big difference. Here is a plain checklist you can keep by the phone or share with someone you care about.
The red flags that are almost always a scam
- Someone calls, texts, or emails you first claiming to be tech support, your bank, a government agency, or a prize company
- A demand that you act right now or something terrible will happen
- A request for gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or cash as payment
- Someone asking for your password, PIN, or a one-time code sent to your phone
- A pop-up that locks your screen and tells you to call a number
- A grandchild or friend in trouble who needs money, and begs you not to tell anyone
- An online romance that quickly turns to money
- Any request to give someone remote access to your computer
What to do instead
- Stop. You do not have to answer, click, or reply
- Hang up, and call back using a number you already know, such as the one on your card or statement
- Never share passwords, PINs, or codes. Real companies do not ask
- Ask someone you trust before you act. A scammer will tell you to keep it secret. That is the tell
- Close the pop-up or turn the device off if a warning will not go away
Protect your accounts
- Use a different password for important accounts, especially email and banking
- Turn on two-step verification, which sends a code to your phone when someone logs in
- Keep your phone and computer updated
- Do not click links in unexpected emails or texts. Type the website address yourself
If something goes wrong
- Contact your bank or card company right away
- Change passwords, starting with your email
- Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Tell a family member. You are not alone, and you did nothing foolish
Learning this with a patient guide
Our Staying Safe Online course covers all of this over four weekly sessions, by phone and Zoom, at your pace. It is part of our tech help and lessons by phone and Zoom. We never ask for your passwords, never call you first, and never take control of your device unless you ask.
Want help staying safe online?
Tell us what you would like to learn and the best time to call. We will send you a price and a plan for the Staying Safe Online course.
Common questions
Q: Where do I report a scam?
In the United States you can report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also contact your bank right away if money or account details were involved.
Q: What should I do if I already gave someone money or information?
Stop talking to them, contact your bank or card company immediately, change any passwords you shared, and report it. Do not feel embarrassed. These scams are designed by professionals and catch careful people too.
Q: Will a real company ask me to pay with gift cards?
No. Legitimate businesses and government agencies do not demand payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. That demand is a sign of a scam.
Q: How can I tell if a pop-up warning is real?
Real security warnings do not give you a phone number to call. If a pop-up says your computer is infected and tells you to call a number, close it. If you cannot close it, turn the device off and on again.