Protecting Seniors from Phone Scams
It was 7:42 a.m. when Henry’s phone rang. The voice on the other end was shaky and urgent: “Grandpa, it’s me—I’m in jail. I need money fast.”
Henry’s heart raced. His grandson had just started college. Could this be real? The caller begged him not to tell anyone and to wire money immediately.
It wasn’t his grandson. It was a scam. And Henry nearly lost $5,000.
Questions about senior living? We’re here to help.
Scammers are masters of disguise. They sound like someone you know, act like someone you trust, and pressure you to act fast. That’s why we say: Don’t say “boo” before you know who you’re talking to.
Pause. Verify. Protect yourself.
Why Scammers Target Older Adults
Scammers often target older adults because they believe they’re more trusting, some may be less tech-savvy, and have access to savings. But awareness is powerful. Recognizing the signs can prevent scams from happening in the first place.
Top Scams in 2025 (and How to Outsmart Them)
We’ve seen a lot of scams this year. Here are the most common—and how to respond:
- Fake Government Calls: The IRS won’t call you out of the blue. If someone says you owe money or missed jury duty, hang up.
- Romance Scams: If someone online won’t meet in person and asks for money, it’s likely a scam.
- Sweepstakes Scams: If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win. Don’t pay to claim a prize.
- Emergency Scams: “Your grandson is in jail”—like Henry’s example above. Always verify with family before acting.
- Medicare Scams: Talk to your doctor before ordering anything advertised as “Medicare-approved.”
- Home Repair Scams: Don’t pay upfront to strangers who show up after a storm. Call your insurance company first.
Real-Life Tips to Stay Safe
If you’re supporting an older adult:
- Add their number to the Do Not Call Registry
- Set up fraud alerts on bank accounts
- Ask about new “friends” or surprise visitors
- Watch for unusual purchases like gift cards or deliveries
- Drive them to the police station if a scam call is happening live
Stay Informed, Stay Protected
Scams don’t take breaks. Share this guide with your loved ones, caregivers, and neighbors. If something feels off, trust your gut.
At Edgewood, we believe that staying informed is key to living safely and confidently. Whether you’re a resident, family member, or caregiver, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
