Scammers frequently view senior citizens as easy targets due to perceived wealth, trust, and a potential lack of familiarity with modern technology. Protecting our parents and elderly loved ones is paramount. This guide covers three of the most common scams targeting them.

1. Medicare & Health Insurance Scams

Fraudsters pose as Medicare representatives to get seniors to give up personal information. They'll call offering "free" medical supplies or updated prescription plans. The goal is to get a Medicare number, which is then used to bill for services never rendered or to commit identity theft.

Red Flag: Unsolicited calls from someone claiming to be from Medicare. Medicare will almost never call you unless you've requested it.

2. Tech Support Scams

A pop-up appears on the computer screen with an alarming message: "VIRUS DETECTED! Call Microsoft Support Immediately." The number connects to a scammer who will request remote access to the computer to "fix" the non-existent problem. They then charge hundreds of dollars for the "service" or install malware to steal personal data.

Red Flag: Any unsolicited message or pop-up telling you your computer is infected. Legitimate companies like Microsoft or Apple do not operate this way.

3. The Grandparent Scam

This is a cruel, emotional scam. A senior gets a frantic call from someone pretending to be their grandchild. The "grandchild" claims to be in trouble—a car accident, arrested, or stuck in a foreign country—and desperately needs money. They'll often beg the grandparent not to tell their parents to create secrecy and urgency.

Prevention Tip: Always verify the story by calling the grandchild or their parents on a known number. Establish a family "safe word" for emergencies.