5 Easy Ways Seniors Can Spot an Online Scam

Every day, thousands of new scams pop up online. Some arrive as emails, others as text messages, and many show up on social media. Unfortunately, older adults are often the primary targets of these threats. Scammers know that many seniors use the internet to stay connected with family, shop, and handle important tasks like banking — and they try to take advantage of that trust.

The good news? Once you know the warning signs, scams are easier to spot. With a little practice, you’ll start noticing the tricks that scammers use and be able to stop them in their tracks. You will outsmart them.

Below are 5 of the most common red flags — explained in plain language with easy steps you can take right away.

1. Too Good to Be True Offers

Scammers love to tempt people with promises that sound amazing. You may see:

• An email saying you’ve won a contest you never entered.

• A message offering a “free gift card” if you just click a link.

• A deal on a brand-new phone or computer at a price that feels suspiciously low.

The truth is, scammers want you to get excited and act before you stop to think.

What to do instead:

• Ask yourself: Did I really enter this contest or request this prize?

• If the answer is no — delete the message.

• If you’re unsure, check with a trusted family member before clicking anything.

Remember: Real companies don’t give away valuable prizes out of the blue.

2. Urgent Messages That Pressure You

One of the oldest scam tricks is creating a false sense of urgency. Scammers will say things like:

• “Your bank account will be frozen unless you act now.”

• “You owe back taxes and must pay immediately to avoid arrest.”

• “This is your final chance to claim your package.”

These messages are designed to make you panic so you’ll respond without thinking.

How to protect yourself:

1. Take a deep breath. Don’t click anything right away.

2. Think about whether the message makes sense. Real banks, credit card companies, and government agencies don’t threaten you over email or text.

3. If you’re worried, call the company using the phone number from the back of your card or their official website — not the number in the message.

   
   

Slow down. If it feels like you’re being rushed, that’s usually a sign of a scam.

3. Requests for Personal Information

Legitimate companies already have your information. That’s why it’s a big red flag if you receive an email or text that asks for:

• Your Social Security number

• Your bank account or credit card number

• Your passwords

• Even details like your date of birth or home address

Scammers pretend to be trusted organizations — like your bank, Medicare, or a government office — to trick you into sharing personal data.

What to do:

• Never reply directly with personal details.

• Don’t click on forms or attachments.

• If you think the request might be real, call the company directly using a trusted phone number.

Rule of thumb: If someone asks for private information out of the blue, it’s almost always a scam.

4. Strange Email Addresses or Links

Many scam emails are designed to look official, but when you look closely, the details don’t match.

For example:

• A message that looks like it’s from your bank might come from an address like customerservice@bank-support123.com instead of @yourbank.com.

• A link might claim to go to Amazon.com, but when you hover your mouse over it, the real address is something completely different.

How to check safely:

1. Look closely at the sender’s email address. Does it look odd or have extra numbers or letters?

2. Hover your mouse pointer over any link (without clicking). The real web address will appear in the corner of your screen. If it doesn’t match the company’s official website, don’t click.

3. When in doubt, go directly to the company’s website by typing it into your browser yourself.

Scammers can fake logos and graphics, but they can’t fake the real website address.

5. Poor Spelling and Grammar

This one might sound simple, but it’s surprisingly reliable. Many scams come from overseas and the messages often have:

• Misspelled words

• Random capital letters

• Awkward phrases that don’t sound natural

For example, you might see a sentence like: “Dear customer, you account have been locked. Kindly verify informations immediately.”

A real company would never send a message with mistakes like this.

What to do:

• Trust your instincts. If the message looks sloppy or feels “off,” it probably is.

• Delete the message, or show it to a family member for a second opinion.

Extra Tips to Stay Safe

Beyond spotting scams, here are a few everyday habits that can help keep you safer online:

• Use strong passwords — and write them down in a safe place if needed. Check out our guide on how to create a strong password here.

• Keep your devices updated so you have the latest security protections.

• Don’t click links in unexpected emails or texts — go directly to the official site instead.

• Talk with family members if you’re ever unsure. A second set of eyes can help spot something suspicious.

• Educate yourself on ongoing scams and threats. As a starting point, take a look at a our recent blog post on this topic here.

Final Word

Online scams can feel overwhelming, but remember: you have more control than you think. Scammers depend on people acting quickly and without question. By slowing down, checking details, and looking for these five red flags, you’ll make yourself a much harder target.

At ShieldWise, we believe every senior deserves to feel confident and safe online. With a little practice, spotting scams becomes second nature — and you can keep enjoying the internet without fear. If you feel like you could use a little bit of help, take a look at our services here.