Phone Impersonation Scams
Critical RiskA caller pretends to be the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, or a grandchild in trouble. They create panic and demand immediate payment.
Know the Scams Before They Find You
Scammers use the same playbooks over and over. Once you know what to look for, they lose their power.
The scams on this page are responsible for billions of dollars in losses to older Americans every year. None of them require technical knowledge to spot — they all rely on urgency, fear, or trust. Read through them once, and you'll recognize the warning signs for life.
Medicare and Health Insurance Scams
Critical RiskScammers pose as Medicare representatives to steal your Medicare number and personal information, then bill Medicare for services you never received.
Grandparent Scams
High RiskA caller pretends to be your grandchild — or a lawyer or police officer calling on their behalf — claiming they're in trouble and need money urgently.
Romance Scams
High RiskA scammer builds a romantic relationship online over weeks or months, then invents a crisis that requires money — and disappears once they have it.
Tech Support Scams
High RiskA pop-up or phone call claims your computer has a virus and urges you to call a number or allow remote access — giving scammers control of your device and accounts.
Lottery and Prize Scams
High RiskYou're told you've won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize — but must pay fees or taxes upfront before you can collect your winnings.
Investment and Financial Scams
Critical RiskFraudulent investment opportunities promise high returns with little risk — often targeting retirement savings through Ponzi schemes, fake annuities, or cryptocurrency fraud.
Email and Text Phishing
High RiskFake emails or texts impersonate banks, Amazon, the IRS, or delivery services to steal your login credentials or payment information.
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