Nothing makes me angrier than seeing our senior adults – people who have spent decades working, saving and building their lives – being taken advantage of by criminals. Unfortunately, elder financial fraud is a fast-growing problem. The FBI says older adults reported more than $7 billion in losses to fraud in 2025, with an average reported loss exceeding $38,000. www.fbi.gov/news/stories/scammers-target-older-adult-victims
In Webster Parish, it’s an everyday occurrence. Our sheriff’s office and local authorities spend countless hours logging complaints, working cases, and educating citizens on the latest scams that all have the same goal: to steal your money.
The good news is that many scams can be prevented, but the key is recognizing the warning signs and remembering one simple rule: If someone contacts you unexpectedly and wants your money or personal information, stop and verify before doing anything. In other words, slow your roll and think before you act.
Here are 10 scams every senior adult should know about:
1. Government Impersonation Scams
A caller claims to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, FBI or another government agency. They may say you owe money, your benefits are in jeopardy or you are facing arrest. This is a scam. Government agencies don’t demand immediate payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or wire transfer. If they actually need to get in touch with you, they will contact you by mail.
2. Tech Support Scams
A pop-up or unsolicited phone call claims your computer or smartphone has a virus or your account has been compromised. The scammer then asks for remote access or payment to fix the problem. Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer or mobile device.
3. Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams
“You’ve won!” sounds wonderful – until you’re told to pay taxes, fees or shipping costs before receiving your prize. You’ll never be required to pay money to claim a legitimate prize you’ve won. Also ask yourself, “Did I even enter this sweepstakes?” Let those be red flags!
4. Romance Scams
Scammers create fake relationships through Facebook, dating sites or other social media. After building trust, they eventually need money for an emergency, medical expense, travel or investment. Never send money to someone you’ve only met online, regardless of how close you feel to them.
5. Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams
Someone promises an investment with unusually high or guaranteed returns. Social media is increasingly being used to lure victims into fake investment opportunities, showing the victims fake performance data that seems too good to be true (because it is). If an investment opportunity arrives unexpectedly through social media, don’t bite.
6. Social Media Shopping Scams
A Facebook, Instagram or other social-media advertisement offers an expensive product at an unbelievable price. You pay, but the merchandise never arrives – or it is counterfeit. If a deal seems too good to be true, there’s usually a reason why.
7. Bank or Credit Card Impersonation Scams
You receive a call or text claiming to be your bank. The caller says suspicious activity has occurred and instructs you to move your money to a “safe” account. Your bank will not ask you to move your money to protect it. When in doubt, call the bank using the number printed on your card or statement.
8. Grandparent or Family Emergency Scams
Someone calls pretending to be your grandchild – or another family member – and claims to be in trouble. They need money immediately and may insist that you keep it secret. Hang up and call the family member directly using a number you already have.
9. Home Repair Scams
Someone shows up unexpectedly claiming your roof, driveway, plumbing or another part of your home needs immediate repair. They demand a deposit or cash payment. Get multiple estimates from companies you trust if you think there’s a problem, and never allow pressure or urgency to make the decision for you.
10. Phishing, Text and Email Scams
A message appears to come from Amazon, Apple, your bank, the government, a delivery company or even someone you know. It asks you to click a link or provide information. Scammers increasingly use texts, calls and social media to initiate fraud. Don’t click unexpected links. Contact the company directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate.
Here are a few golden rules to help prevent you from becoming the next victim of a scam:
- Slow down. Scammers want you to feel frightened, excited or rushed.
- Don’t be embarrassed. Anyone can be scammed.
- Never give personal information to an unsolicited caller.
- Never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers because someone demands it.
- Verify independently. Hang up and call the person, bank or agency using a trusted phone number.
- Talk to someone you trust. A second opinion can prevent a devastating mistake.
- And if you think you’ve been scammed, act immediately. Contact your bank or financial institution, preserve emails and messages, and report the incident to local authorities.
It’s a shame that in today’s day and age, you have to be a skeptic about everything. But, unfortunately, that’s what it takes to prevent the bad guys from getting your personal information and money. Stay alert, my friends!
Tracy L. Campbell is a partner and financial advisor at Meriwether Wealth and Planning, an independent Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firm headquartered in downtown Minden, La. E-mail Tracy at tracy@meriwether.com. Disclaimer: This content is for general knowledge and education, not a substitute for professional advice.