Lifestyle
7 Scams Targeting Seniors That Are Getting Harder to Spot
By Erica Coleman · May 28, 2026
According to the FBI, cybercrime losses among adults aged 60 and older surged to approximately $7.7 billion in 2025 — a 37% increase from the prior year. The actual figure is likely higher: many victims never report fraud out of embarrassment, and the scams are growing more sophisticated every year. Here are seven that financial advisors and law enforcement say are the most dangerous right now.
1. AI voice cloning — the grandchild emergency scam
A senior receives a distressed call from what sounds exactly like their grandchild’s voice. There’s been an accident. They’re in jail. They need money immediately, and please don’t tell mom and dad. AI tools can now clone a recognizable voice from as little as three seconds of audio — often pulled from a public social media video. The caller sounds exactly right. The emotional urgency prevents careful thought. Wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency are the requested payment methods. Establish a family code word now — a word only your real family would know — that anyone can use to verify they are genuinely in an emergency.
2. Medicare card update scams
Scammers contact seniors claiming that Medicare is issuing new chip-enabled cards for 2026 and that you must provide your Medicare number — and sometimes your Social Security number — to receive yours. Medicare never contacts beneficiaries by phone to update card information and never asks for payment to process a new card. Your Medicare number should be guarded as carefully as your Social Security number.
3. Government impersonator scams
Callers impersonating Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare officials tell seniors their benefits are being suspended, their Social Security number was used in a crime, or they owe immediate back taxes. AI now allows these callers to replicate the authoritative tone of government offices convincingly. The SSA, IRS, and Medicare will never demand immediate payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. They will never threaten immediate arrest for non-payment. Any call making these demands is a scam regardless of how official it sounds.
4. Romance scams
Seniors lost $584 million to romance and confidence fraud in 2025, according to the FBI. The pattern: an attentive, charming stranger makes contact through a dating app or social media, builds an emotional connection over weeks or months, then encounters a sudden crisis — a medical emergency, a legal problem, a stranded situation abroad — and needs financial help. They never meet in person. The money is never returned. AI chatbots now allow scammers to run dozens of fake relationships simultaneously.
5. Tech support fraud
A pop-up appears on your computer warning that it has been infected with a virus and instructing you to call a number immediately. The person who answers claims to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another tech company and offers to fix the problem — but needs remote access to your computer. Once inside, they install actual malware, access financial accounts, or convince the victim to purchase unnecessary software. Legitimate tech companies do not contact you through pop-ups and do not ask for remote access to fix unsolicited problems.
6. Investment and cryptocurrency fraud
Investment fraud is the single costliest category of elder fraud, with Americans losing $6.5 billion in 2024. The pitches typically promise unusually high, guaranteed returns in cryptocurrency or foreign exchange investments managed by someone the victim met online or through a social connection. The investment platform appears professional and even shows growing account balances — until the victim tries to withdraw money, at which point they are told they must pay additional fees, taxes, or processing charges before any funds can be released.
7. Contractor fraud after storms or disasters
After a major storm, contractors appear at doors offering to inspect roofs or repair damage — sometimes before residents have even had a chance to assess the damage themselves. They ask for large upfront payments, do minimal or no work, and disappear. Legitimate contractors are licensed, carry insurance, do not demand full payment before work begins, and will provide written contracts. Never pay more than 10-20% upfront. Verify licenses through your state contractor licensing board before signing anything.
If you suspect fraud, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-382-4357. AARP’s Fraud Watch Helpline is available at 1-877-908-3360 and is staffed by volunteers trained in fraud prevention.