In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, financial expert Cameron Huddleston shares crucial insights on how to recognize and prevent scams that often target older adults. Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, using tactics that prey on fear, urgency, and emotional manipulation. From tech support scams to romance scams, these fraudsters can steal personal information, drain bank accounts, and even isolate victims from loved ones.

Common Scams and How They Work

1. Tech Support Scams
   If you ever see a pop-up on your computer warning of a virus or security breach, do not click on it or call any phone number listed. Scammers can access your personal information, including passwords and banking details, once they gain remote access to your computer. Instead, close the pop-up or disconnect your computer from the internet immediately. If you’re concerned, call the official customer support of your device manufacturer (Apple, Dell, Microsoft, etc.)—not the number from the pop-up.

2. Romance Scams
   Romance scams can be both financially and emotionally devastating. Scammers create fake online identities and spend weeks or months building trust with their victims before asking for money. They often claim to be doctors working overseas or military personnel stationed abroad—providing convenient excuses for not meeting in person. If you suspect a loved one is being targeted, gently ask questions and suggest a reverse image search of the scammer’s photos to reveal possible fraudulent accounts.

3. Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams
   Some scams begin with a random text message from someone who claims to have the wrong number but quickly turns into a conversation about making money. If someone you barely know suddenly offers investment advice—especially in cryptocurrency—it’s likely a scam.

4. Impersonation Scams
   Scammers may pretend to be government officials, law enforcement officers, or even family members in distress. They create urgency, insisting that the victim must act immediately—whether by paying a “fine” or sending money to help a supposed loved one. If you receive such a call, hang up and contact the person or agency directly using a verified phone number.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Requests for money in unusual forms – Scammers often ask for payments via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, as these transactions are hard to trace or reverse.
• Pressure to act immediately – They create a false sense of urgency, claiming there will be severe consequences if action isn’t taken right away.
• Isolation tactics – Scammers tell victims not to talk to family or friends about the situation. If anyone tells you to keep a financial matter a secret, it’s a scam.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

• Cut off contact with the scammer immediately.
• Consult someone you trust, whether it’s a family member, financial advisor, or your bank.
• Report the scam to authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission (identitytheft.gov) or the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging’s Fraud Hotline (1-855-303-9470).

Final Thoughts

The best defense against scams is education and awareness. Talking to your aging loved ones about these fraud tactics can help prevent them from becoming victims. If you or someone you know has been scammed, report it as soon as possible to increase the chances of recovering lost funds.

If you found this helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel, Melissa B PhD, for more insights on dementia care and aging. You can also join my private community on Facebook for live podcast recordings and additional resources.