How to Spot a Scam
Scams are getting smarter. New AI tools and fake messages target seniors every day. Learn the warning signs, the latest tricks, and the 5 steps that stop them cold.
6 Red Flags That Never Lie
If you see any of these signs, stop and verify before you respond. Real organizations never use these tactics.
Urgency or Fear
Scammers create panic. "Act now or lose your benefits." Real organizations give you time to verify.
Money or Gift Cards
No legitimate agency, utility, or government office asks for payment via gift card, wire transfer, or crypto.
Sensitive Info Requests
Banks, Medicare, and Social Security never call, text, or email to ask for your password, PIN, or full SSN.
Too Good To Be True
Prizes, lottery wins, or investment "guarantees" you never signed up for are always scams.
Pressure to Stay Secret
"Don't tell your family." Real help is never hidden. If they ask you to stay quiet, it's a scam.
Unusual Payment Path
If the way you pay is strange (crypto ATM, prepaid cards, wire), the request is fake.
The Latest Scam Trends
These are the scams targeting seniors right now. Click each one to see a real example and exactly how to spot it.
5 Steps to Stay Safe
Follow these in order whenever a message, call, or email feels off.
Pause and Slow Down
Scammers win by rushing you. Take a breath. Real organizations give you time to think and verify.
Verify Independently
Hang up, ignore the link, and contact the organization through a number or site you already know is real.
Never Pay by Gift Card or Crypto
No legitimate entity asks for these. It's the #1 sign of a scam. Use a credit card for protection, never wire or send gift card codes.
Talk to Someone You Trust
Before sending money or info, tell a family member, friend, or call your bank. Scammers hate witnesses.
Report It
Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the AARP Fraud Watch at 1-877-908-3360, or your local police if you lost money.
DO This
- Hang up and call back on a number you know
- Ask a family member before sending money
- Use a credit card, which has fraud protection
- Report the scam to the FTC and your bank
- Keep your computer and phone software updated
NEVER Do This
- Never pay with gift cards, wire transfer, or crypto
- Never give your SSN, PIN, or password to a caller
- Never click a link or attachment from a stranger
- Never let an unsolicited caller remote into your computer
- Never keep a scam secret, scammers count on your silence
Practice Spotting Scams in a Safe Space
Try our interactive phishing and text-scam games. They build the reflex to spot a fake before it costs you.
If You've Been Scammed
Don't be embarrassed. Scams are reported every minute in America. The faster you report, the more likely you can recover your money and protect others.