They don’t hang out on street corners or reach into your pocket in a crowd.

Today’s pickpockets work over the phone, in your inbox, and through fake websites—and more often than not, their targets are seniors.

It’s something we’ve seen firsthand. My own mother has gotten repeated scam calls—one pretending to be from Microsoft, another claiming to be the IRS. Luckily, she trusted her gut and hung up before any damage was done. But not everyone does.

In fact, senior financial fraud is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America.

What You Need to Know

Here are a few of the most common scams we’re seeing—and the red flags to look out for:

• IRS Impersonation Scams: The IRS will never call you. If someone claims otherwise, hang up. The agency communicates by mail.
• Tech Support Scams: No, Microsoft or Apple isn’t calling you about a computer virus. They’re hoping you’ll give remote access to your device.
• Grandparent Scams: A voice, often distressed, claims to be a grandchild in trouble. “Don’t tell Mom and Dad,” they beg. Pause. Hang up. Call your grandchild or their parents directly.
• Prize and Lottery Scams: You didn’t enter a contest, but somehow you “won”? That’s your sign to stop engaging immediately.
• Credit Card Scams: If someone claims to be from your bank or card issuer, thank them, hang up, and call the number on the back of your card to verify.

Romance Scams and AI: A Growing Threat

There’s also a deeply emotional form of fraud on the rise: romance scams. These often start online and prey on loneliness or the desire for connection. And with AI-generated voices and messages, it’s becoming even harder to tell what’s real.

What You Can Do

The most important step is having the conversation. Talk with your aging parents, your spouse, and even yourself if you’re a “senior-to-be.”

Here are three things you can do right now:

1. Educate – Share these scams and scenarios with your family. Awareness is the first line of defense.
2. Verify – Don’t act on emotion. Always pause and verify the story from an independent source.
3. Use a Fraud Guide – We’ve put together a simple fraud alert guide to help you and your loved ones spot red flags before it’s too late. Get it here.  

The Bottom Line

Today’s fraudsters aren’t just after your money—they’re after your trust. But with a little awareness and the right tools, you can protect the people you care about most.