Originally published September 21, 2019. Restored to the blog in October 2026 and updated to our current guidance.
Every year, seniors lose money they’ve spent their entire lives saving to online scams. The cybercriminals see the elderly as a prime target for Internet scams because of a perceived vulnerability, and now because Internet use among seniors is on the rise.
With so many threats, it can be challenging to protect yourself. Here are only a few of the rampant internet scams to watch out for:
Email Scams - used to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details for malicious purposes. These typically involve a scammer pretending to be someone else. The email looks real and will have a company’s color scheme, logo, and design style. It may feature an offer that seems too good to be true. However, if you look closely at the domain, you’ll notice it isn’t real. It may originate from a domain like Ama.zon.com, for example. When you click a link in that email, you will end up on a website that may infect your computer with malicious threats. If you complete a purchase, on this fake website, they will steal your credit card.
Tax Scams and Banking Scams - Scammers send out emails that appear to be from your bank or other financial institution. They generally claim that they need your account details to confirm a transaction or to investigate unusual activity. With access to your private data, they can now use your credit card to make purchases. Sometimes these are scams are carried out over the phone (IRS Scam.) A scammer calls and tells you that you owe money to the government and that you are facing jail time, and continue to harass you into paying it. They will encourage you to make payments through a wire transfer, prepaid debit card, or gift cards.
Security Software Scams - Security software scams send a pop-up message to your device stating that your privacy or security is compromised. They will often suggest you install some software to correct it. They might offer to do a cleanup for you. However, downloads from this pop-up install a virus onto your computer. After that you are directed to call the tech support phone number, where an agent takes over your computer. They pretend to find and clean up dozens of viruses and then sell you a security suite for hundreds of dollars. All of the software the agent installs on your computer was readily available online at no cost.
Lottery Scams - In this scam, you receive an email that tells you that you’ve won a significant but still believable amount of money. To obtain the funds, all you need to do is provide your bank account or credit card details. They need this so they can transfer the amount to you and then there is the small processing fee. Instead, the scammer accesses your accounts and withdraws funds. The email message will also tell you to respond quickly or risk missing out, and urge you to keep your winnings private or confidential, to ‘maintain security.’ Both major red flags!
Romance/Catfishing Scams - A romance scam involves someone conning an individual by pretending to be their partner. The scammer will create a profile of a young person and reach out to other individuals. They will slowly talk to their victim, building trust, and a relationship. Eventually, they will ask for money for basic needs and other small things, slowly conning their victims out of their money.
Grandparent Scams - Grandparent scams are growing at an alarming rate. This scam specifically targets the elderly. Grandparents will receive a call or text message that is supposedly from their grandchild. In it, they desperately ask for help, saying they are in jail, at the hospital, or trapped somewhere dangerous. A scam like this is typically successful because it creates a sense of urgency. According to the FTC, individuals over the age of 70 have suffered the highest average losses to it.
Sextortion Scams - These involve an individual getting blackmailed into paying a ransom. A common theme is that grandpa visited an adult-themed website filled with malware. A keylogger and remote desktop program were installed on his computer while he’s browsing the content. The keylogger will log his passwords, while the remote desktop program recorded everything he looked at, as well as him if he has a webcam. The scammer then uses the pictures, videos, and passwords they’ve collected to blackmail their victim into paying a ransom.
These scams only scratch the surface, so the simplest way to protect yourself on the internet is to ignore any email you were not expecting and to only interact with people you know and trust, especially on social media. Remember, it’s complicated for you to “accidentally” break the law online, so do not be fooled if someone says you’ve done something wrong, failed to pay a fine, or another similar story.
Because email is so critical in today’s business world, organizations have established policies around how to handle this information flow.
Avoiding Email Scams - Verify the identity of the person sending you the email. If the email address and credentials check out but you’re still suspicious, contact the person or company about the email before following through.
Tax Scams and Banking Scams - Never verify your identifying information to someone who contacts you, regardless of how they reached out to you. Neither your bank nor the IRS will never contact you like that. A quick call to them will confirm if these debts exist.
Security Software Scam - Never click a popup box that tells you your computer is infected. First, protect yourself by downloading a robust antivirus security suite and keep it updated. Should you accidentally stumble upon a popup box by mistake, exit out and ignore it, then run a virus scan using your own installed software.
Lottery Scams - Remember that you can’t win a lottery that you never entered. Ignore these emails and never send sensitive information or bank account details to a stranger.
Romancing/Catfishing Scams - If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. There are several warning signs to look out for:
It isn’t always easy to spot romance scams. They often play out like real relationships. The number one defense is common sense.
Grandparent Scams Look for:
Sextortion Scams - To prevent this scam, stay off porn sites. Install an update-to-date antivirus program that detects malware and can prevent it from infecting your computer.
Ensure that every website you interact with is legitimate and there are a few simple steps to follow. When you go to a website, make sure it has an HTTPS tag in the name at the top of your screen. It indicates that the site has SSL encryption which protects your data during transit and is vital if you are conducting any financial transactions. Scam sites use it too, so treat it as a minimum, not as proof. Your browser shows a padlock or a similar icon to the left of the website’s URL, and you can click on it to check its security details. Finally, check the spelling of the web address. Fake websites often change a tiny detail to look like a different website. Sometimes it could be as simple as replacing ‘o’ with ‘0,’ but you only see it if you’re paying attention.
One way to protect your identity is to ensure that your system is protected from external attacks like viruses. You also need to learn to spot the common scams and be skeptical of any message you receive online. Finally, keep a close watch on all your online accounts. Monitor your credit report and see if any new credit cards, loans, or other transactions made in your name. If you notice any suspicious activity, you can freeze your credit report and dispute the false transactions.
Online shopping has made it convenient to get everything from clothes to basic grocery delivered right to your doorstep. However, it’s essential that you only shop from sources that you trust and websites that are familiar to you.
Banks and financial institutions maintain high standards when it comes to protecting your financial data. However, there are several things you can do to ensure the security of your money.
The internet can be an excellent way to find friends, keep in touch with family, and be an active part of the community. Keep a few things in mind:
The best way to protect yourself online is to know what to expect. Take the time to understand some widespread threats and learn how to avoid them. Remember these tips:
When you know what to look for, avoiding danger is easier. By using good internet browsing habits and robust security software, you can browse with confidence, check in on your loved ones, and enjoy all the benefits of being connected..
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