Topic
Older adults: scams and fixes
By Brennan Decker. Last reviewed . Every fact links to its source.
The short answer
Scams that often target older people and their families. Pick the one that matches what you got. Each page shows how to check it and what to do if you already responded.
Pages in Older adults
- Grandparent and family emergency scamsA panicked call from a 'grandchild'? Hang up and call them back directly.
- Medicare scam callsMedicare doesn't call to sell you anything. What to know during Open Enrollment.
- Fake FTC, IRS, and government callsReal agencies don't call to demand money. How to tell the difference.
- Gift card scamsOnly scammers ask you to pay with gift cards. What to do if you already did.
- Fake Microsoft or Apple virus warning pop-upsA pop-up says call this number now? Real warnings never do. Here's how to close it.
- Zelle scam: can I get my money back?Who to call first, what to say, and when banks have to pay you back.
Other topics
- TextsScam texts about tolls, packages, elections, and more.
- CallsCalls from fake agencies, fake grandkids, and fake Medicare.
- EmailPhishing emails and how to check any message.
- ShoppingFake stores and fake delivery messages.
- Money and banksGift cards, payment requests, and getting money back.
- Accounts and passwordsCodes, hacked accounts, and what to do after a click.
- Credit and identityCredit freezes, data breaches, and identity theft.
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