Top Internet Scams Targeting Seniors: How to Stay Safe

At Prevail Bank, we care deeply about the well-being of our customers—financially, emotionally, and digitally. As technology becomes more central in our daily lives, it also opens the door to new opportunities and new threats. Sadly, seniors are often the target of sophisticated online scams designed to steal money, information, and trust.

Whether you’re reading this for yourself, a parent, a neighbor, or a friend, understanding the most common scams and how to avoid them is one of the best ways to stay safe. Today’s top internet scams targeting seniors today are:

1. Tech Support Scams

This old trick has taken on a new life. Scammers pose as tech support agents from well-known companies (think Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider) and claim something is wrong with your device or account. Often, a pop-up appears on your computer with a phone number to call for help—or you’ll get a call or email directly.

How it works:
They'll ask for remote access to your device, encourage you to buy fake software, or request sensitive personal info under the disguise of “fixing” an issue.

How to stay safe:

• Don’t call phone numbers from pop-ups or click on links in unsolicited emails.
• Never give anyone remote access to your device unless you initiated the support call with a trusted provider.
• Use updated antivirus software and keep your computer’s operating system current.

2. Romance & Family Scams

Scammers are skilled at tugging on the heartstrings. These cons often start on dating websites or social media. A scammer pretends to be a romantic interest or even a long-lost friend or relative and works to build trust over time.

How it works:
Once trust is established, they’ll ask for money—for a plane ticket, an emergency, or a business opportunity. Sometimes they ask for access to bank accounts or to send/receive packages on their behalf (which could be illegal).

OR – Scammers may impersonate a distressed grandchild or family member (These are called deepfake phone calls and videos), claiming they are in trouble (arrested, injured, car broke down) and need money urgently --- begging the listener not to tell anyone.  In another version, the scammer may pretend to be an arresting officer, doctor, or lawyer of the loved one. Ultimately, they’re all asking for either cash, gift cards, a mobile payment, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer.

How to stay safe:

• Be skeptical of online-only relationships, especially if they escalate quickly or involve money.
• Never send money or share personal information with someone you’ve never met in person.
• Talk to a trusted friend or family member about any new online relationship that seems too good to be true.
• Signs that a call or video is a deepfake are long pauses after a question is asked.
• With any impersonation attempt, verify the source before acting. --- Establish a secret word or phrase for family members or ask questions only the relative would know to determine if the call is genuine.
• Or, for possible deepfake calls, hang-up and call the person back at a number you know is real and/or look up the phone number of the location they claim to be and call it. Do not call the number they might provide.

3. Lottery, Sweepstakes, and Inheritance Scams

Who doesn’t love to win something? Scammers exploit that excitement by telling victims they’ve won a prize, a lottery, or an inheritance from a distant relative.

How it works:
You’ll be asked to pay taxes, fees, or provide bank account details to “receive” the winnings. But there's no prize—just lost money or compromised personal data.

How to stay safe:

• If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win.
• Legitimate lotteries never require payment up front.
• Don’t provide banking or personal info to claim a prize.

4. Bank, Social Security, IRS, Medicare & Health Insurance Imposters

Almost one-third of all imposter scams involve someone posing as a government representative. Their Caller ID info, email addresses, and links look real – but they’re not.

How it works:
Scammers impersonate a government entity, a financial institution, debt collection agency, mortgage company, or a Medicare representative, requesting personal information (including passwords) because your account or identity was compromised. Or, they may say you need a new Medicare or Social Security card, your benefits have been suspended, you owe back taxes, or there is a problem with your return, and they want you to verify your information. They may demand prepaid debit cards, cash, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers as payment and/or threaten imprisonment for unpaid debts. They may promise better rates or terms on a home loan…   Each of these claims is a lie, but scammers can be so convincing.

First, know you have rights and legal protections, even if you do owe a debt or had your identity stolen. And, legitimate debt collectors don’t threaten you with jail time.

How to stay safe:

• Always be suspicious of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages.
  • The Social Security Administration (SSA) communicates by mail. They will never text or email, unless you opted-in to receive texts.
  • IF you do receive mail from the Social Security office AND it includes your personal information; it is a scam. The SSA has strict security protocols in place to protect your data.
• Always be wary of unsolicited communications asking you to verify or to update your bank account, payment app, or credit card details.
• Don’t believe anyone who says you have to quickly move your money to ‘protect’ it.
• Don’t open any attachments; don’t click on any links from an unexpected or suspicious text or email. They may contain malicious code that could infect your computer or mobile phone.
• Don’t ever provide banking or personal information over the phone (unless you started the call). Record the number and hang up.
• If you are concerned about the communication that you think may or may not be a scam, contact the agency directly with a phone number, website, or email address that you KNOW to be real and get the story. Never call a number provided by the communication. 
• Report all scams to the FTC at www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • Report Social Security scams to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) online at oig.ssa.gov/report
  • The IRS wants to be informed when they are being impersonated too, call 800-366-4484.

In conclusion,

• Never share personal information by phone, email, or text unless you’re 100% sure who you’re talking to.
• Use strong passwords (long, with letters, numbers, and symbols) and never reuse them for other accounts.
• Enable 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Two-Step Verification wherever possible. What is it? In addition to your password, 2FA also requires a second security check, like a code sent to your phone or an authenticator app to confirm you are who you say you are. This extra layer of security makes it much harder for scammers to break into your accounts. To enable this feature, you will need to access your account settings and find a section related to security.
• Keep your devices and apps updated. Security patches help keep your data safe.
• Avoid pop-ups, suspicious emails, and unknown links. If in doubt, delete it or get a second opinion.
• If something feels off, stop and ask someone you trust. A quick chat with a friend, relative, or even a bank employee could help prevent a costly mistake.

Scammers are good at what they do, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Prevail Bank, we’re here for you. If you ever feel uncertain about a call, email, or message you’ve received, stop by your local branch or give us a call, 800-205-0914. We're always happy to help verify or talk through your concerns.

For your financial benefit and health, Prevail Bank has an entire blog category dedicated to fraud. Check it out when time permits: https://www.prevail.bank/blog/category/fraud