5 Common Tech Scams Targeting Seniors

As more older adults bank, shop, and connect online, tech scams targeting seniors are on the rise. Criminals use email, texts, phone calls, and social media to trick people into sharing personal details or sending money.

The good news is that a few simple habits can stop most scams before they start.

What to watch for and how to avoid them

1) Phishing scams

Phishing emails or texts pretend to be from banks, government agencies, or trusted companies.
They ask you to click a link, download a file, or confirm account information.

• Do not click links or open attachments from unknown senders.
• Check the sender address closely for misspellings or extra characters.
• Go to the organization’s official website and contact support directly.

2) Tech support scams

A caller, email, or pop-up claims there is a problem with your device and offers to fix it.
The scammer asks for remote access or payment for unnecessary services.

• Legitimate companies do not reach out without you contacting them first.
• Close suspicious pop-ups and hang up on pressure tactics.
• Only allow remote access when you initiated service with a trusted provider.

3) Lottery or prize scams

You are told you won money or a gift but must pay a fee or share personal details to claim it.
The prize never arrives.

• If you did not enter, you did not win.
• Never pay upfront to receive a prize.
• Be cautious of unsolicited notifications by email, text, or phone.

Cyber threats are REAL!

💀 Protect your data with EndpointLock, the ultimate keystroke encryption.

Get 10% OFF at https://t.co/cZdpR3QWL8 and keep hackers OUT! 🚫#CyberSecurity #Encryption #Privacy #EndpointLock

— Kim Komando (@kimkomando) February 15, 2025

4) Online dating scams

A fake profile builds trust over time and then asks for money for an emergency or travel.
These scams can be emotionally and financially harmful.

• Be wary of anyone who asks for money or gift cards.
• Report suspicious profiles to the site.
• Do not share financial details with someone you have not met in person.

5) Investment scams

Fraudsters pitch low-risk, high-return investments, often targeting retirement savings.
Offers may involve fake stocks or unregistered products.

• Treat high return with low risk as a red flag.
• Research opportunities and check registrations before investing.
• Consult a licensed financial advisor you know and trust.

Simple device security that blocks many scams

Scammers often use malware to steal information. These steps protect both phones and computers and make scams easier to spot.

• Install antivirus software: Choose a program with real-time protection and frequent updates.
• Keep software up to date: Turn on automatic updates for your operating system and apps.
• Avoid suspicious links and downloads: Use official app stores and trusted websites only.
• Use strong passwords and 2FA: A password manager and two-factor authentication add strong protection.
• Limit public Wi-Fi risks: Avoid banking on public networks. Use a VPN when possible.
• Back up your files: Use cloud backups or an external drive so you can recover quickly if something goes wrong.
• Be cautious on social media: Ignore unusual messages and set your privacy controls to limit who can contact you.

Staying safe in Arizona’s digital world

Scam activity is not just online. It is here in Arizona and around the globe.
Staying informed is your best defense. See how these crimes play out in real life and what law enforcement is doing about them.

• Learn from a recent Valley case where victims lost millions in a telemarketing scheme:
  Telemarketing scam leads to prison sentences.
• Read about a major international case tied to cyber-espionage and why vigilance matters:
  Indictments unveiled against hackers.

Share these tips with friends and family, review your privacy settings this week, and update any weak passwords.
If something feels off, pause and verify before you click, call, or pay.