ShieldWise: Most Common Scams Targeting Older Adults in 2025 — And Tips on How to Avoid Them

Scammers are always changing their tricks — but their goal stays the same: to steal money or personal information. In 2025, older adults remain one of the top targets for fraud.

The good news? Once you know the most common scams making the rounds this year, you’ll be much better prepared to recognize and avoid them.

This guide will walk you through the top scams targeting seniors in 2025, how they work, and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. Medicare and Health Insurance Scams

How it works: Scammers pose as Medicare representatives or insurance agents. They may:

• Call and say you need a “new card” or must “verify your number.”

• Offer fake health services or equipment in exchange for your Medicare ID.

Why it’s dangerous: With your Medicare number, scammers can bill Medicare for fake services and put you at risk of identity theft.

How to avoid it:

• Remember: Medicare will never call you out of the blue.

• Never give your Medicare or Social Security number over the phone.

• If in doubt, hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.

  
  

2. Tech Support Scams

How it works: A pop-up appears on your screen saying: “Warning! Your computer is infected. Call this number immediately.” If you call, a fake “technician” asks for remote access to your device and demands payment to “fix” the problem.

Why it’s dangerous: Scammers can install malware, steal passwords, or charge you hundreds of dollars for nothing.

How to avoid it:

• Never call numbers from pop-up warnings.

• Real tech companies (like Microsoft or Apple) don’t send urgent pop-ups.

• If you’re worried, restart your computer or ask a trusted family member for help.

  
  

3. Online Shopping and Package Delivery Scams

How it works: You get a text or email saying: “Your package couldn’t be delivered. Click here to reschedule.” The link leads to a fake site that steals your login or credit card details.

Why it’s dangerous: Scammers can use your information to make purchases or steal your identity.

How to avoid it:

• Don’t click links in unexpected messages.

• Go directly to the delivery service’s official website (UPS, FedEx, USPS, Amazon) to track packages.

• Watch for misspelled links or email addresses.

  
  

4. Romance Scams

How it works: A scammer builds a relationship with you online, often through Facebook or dating sites. Once trust is built, they start asking for money — often for “emergencies” like medical bills or travel.

Why it’s dangerous: Romance scams are one of the costliest types of fraud for seniors, often involving thousands of dollars.

How to avoid it:

• Be cautious with online relationships.

• Never send money or gift cards to someone you haven’t met in person.

• Talk with family before making financial decisions.

  
  

5. Fake Investment or Cryptocurrency Scams

How it works: Scammers promise “guaranteed” returns from stocks, real estate, or cryptocurrency. They may call, email, or even send polished websites to make the offer look legitimate.

Why it’s dangerous: Once money is sent, it’s almost impossible to get back.

How to avoid it:

• Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Avoid investments pushed by strangers online or over the phone.

• Check with a licensed financial advisor before investing.

  
  

6. Grandparent Scams

How it works: A caller pretends to be your grandchild (or someone calling on their behalf) and says they’re in trouble — maybe arrested or stuck overseas — and need money right away.

Why it’s dangerous: Scammers rely on panic and love for family to trick you into sending money quickly.

How to avoid it:

• Don’t act right away. Hang up and call your grandchild or another family member directly.

• Never send money or gift cards to a stranger on short notice.

  
  

7. IRS and Social Security Scams

How it works: Scammers pretend to be government officials, saying:

• You owe back taxes.

• Your Social Security number has been “suspended.”

• You’ll be arrested if you don’t pay immediately.

Why it’s dangerous: These calls are meant to create fear and pressure you into paying.

How to avoid it:

• Government agencies don’t call to demand payment over the phone.

• They will never ask for payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

• Hang up.

  
  

8. Charity Scams

How it works: Scammers set up fake charities, often after natural disasters or around the holidays, asking for donations by phone, email, or social media.

Why it’s dangerous: Your money doesn’t go to those in need — it goes into a scammer’s pocket.

How to avoid it:

• Research charities at charitynavigator.org or give.org.

• Donate directly through official websites, not through random links or callers.

  
  

9. AI Voice Cloning Scams (New in 2025)

How it works: Scammers use artificial intelligence to clone voices. You may get a call that sounds exactly like your child or grandchild asking for money.

Why it’s dangerous: Hearing a familiar voice makes it harder to question the request.

How to avoid it:

• Have a family “password” or code word only you and loved ones know.

• If you get a suspicious call, hang up and call your family member directly on their usual number.

  
  

10. Subscription Renewal Scams

How it works: You receive an email or call claiming a service you use (like Amazon, antivirus software, or cable TV) is about to renew for hundreds of dollars. To “cancel,” you must click a link or give your credit card info.

Why it’s dangerous: The scammer steals your payment details or installs malware.

How to avoid it:

• Don’t click links in suspicious emails.

• Check your actual account by logging in directly.

• Call the company using the number on your bill or official website.

  
  

What to Do if You’ve Been Targeted

Even with caution, scammers can still slip through. If you think you’ve been targeted:

1. Stop communication immediately. Don’t reply, don’t click, and don’t send money.

2. Secure your accounts. Change passwords, and if financial info was given, call your bank right away.

3. Report it. File a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

4. Ask for support. Don’t feel embarrassed — talk with family or a trusted friend.

   
   

Everyday Safety Habits for 2025

• Let unknown calls go to voicemail.

• Think twice before clicking links or downloading attachments.

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account.

• Turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible.

• Regularly review bank and credit card statements.

  
  

Final Word

Scammers in 2025 are more creative than ever, but the warning signs are still the same: urgency, fear, and requests for money or personal details. By staying aware of the top scams — from Medicare fraud to AI voice cloning — you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself.

At ShieldWise, our mission is to help seniors and families feel safe and confident online. Knowledge is your best defense. By slowing down, double-checking information, and leaning on loved ones, you can stay one step ahead of the scammers. Learn more about our services.