Senior Scam Alerts: What to Watch Out for Right Now

As scammers become more creative, it’s more important than ever to protect our aging loved ones from fraud. Seniors are being targeted more frequently—and often in deeply personal ways. Here are three common scams happening right now, along with simple ways to stay safe.

🚨 1. Medicare & Insurance Scams

Scammers may pretend to be representatives from Medicare or your insurance provider. Their goal? To get your personal information.

They may ask for:

1. Social Security number
2. Date of birth
3. Phone number or address

❗ Red flag: They promise free services in exchange for your personal info.

Stay safe:

1. Never share personal information over the phone.
2. Your insurance provider already has your information—they won’t call asking for it.
3. If in doubt, call your insurance company directly, notify local law enforcement, and alert a trusted family member.

🎭 2. The Grandparent Scam

This one pulls at the heartstrings. Someone pretends to be a grandchild or loved one in distress.

They might claim:

1. They’re in the hospital
2. They’ve been in an accident
3. They need money urgently

Stay safe:

1. Don’t send money or share your debit/credit info.
2. Confirm the story with another family member.
3. It’s okay to help—but always verify first.

🌀 3. Fake Charity Scams

Especially after natural disasters like tornadoes or hurricanes, scammers pose as relief organizations asking for donations.

Stay safe:

1. Always research the charity online before donating.
2. Use trusted websites like charitynavigator.org.
3. Ask a physician, trusted friend, or family member to help verify the cause.

✅ Final Tips for Seniors and Families:

1. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages.
2. Involve a trusted family member before making financial decisions.
3. Report suspicious calls to local law enforcement and your insurance provider.

Let’s keep our seniors informed and safe. Share this with someone who might need a reminder—and never hesitate to ask for help when something doesn’t feel right.

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