Online Scams Targeting Seniors: How to Spot and Avoid Them in 2026

Online scams targeting seniors have become increasingly sophisticated in 2026. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, adults over 60 lost over $3 billion to online scams in 2025 alone. Understanding how these scams work is the most effective way to protect yourself and your savings.

The good news is that most scams follow predictable patterns. Once you know what to look for, you can spot red flags before falling victim. This guide covers the most common scams targeting seniors and provides practical steps to stay safe.

The Grandparent Emergency Scam

This scam involves a caller pretending to be a grandchild in trouble. They will say they have been in an accident, arrested, or stranded in another country and need money immediately. The caller may sound distressed and beg you not to tell other family members.

If you receive such a call, hang up immediately. Call your grandchild directly on a phone number you already have for them. Contact another family member to verify their whereabouts. Scammers prey on your love for your family and your instinct to help. Taking a moment to verify can save you thousands of dollars.

Tech Support Scams

A pop-up on your computer or a phone call claims there is a virus or security problem with your device. The scammer asks you to call a number for help. They will request remote access to your computer and then demand payment to fix problems that do not actually exist.

Legitimate technology companies never call you about problems on your computer. If you see a pop-up warning about a virus, close your browser or restart your computer. Never give remote access to your computer to someone who contacted you unsolicited.

Government Impersonation Scams

Callers claim to be from the Social Security Administration, Medicare, or the Internal Revenue Service. They may say your Social Security number has been suspended, you owe back taxes, or your Medicare card needs to be updated. They demand payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Government agencies never demand payment through gift cards or wire transfers. They never threaten arrest or benefit suspension. If you are concerned, hang up and call the agency directly using a phone number from their official website, not the number the caller provides.

Phishing Emails and Text Messages

Scammers send emails or text messages that appear to be from your bank, a shipping company like UPS or FedEx, or a well-known retailer like Amazon. The message claims there is a problem with your account and asks you to click a link and enter your login information or credit card details.

Never click links in unexpected emails or text messages. Instead, open your browser and go directly to the company’s official website. Legitimate companies already have your information and will not ask you to provide it through an email link. When in doubt, delete the message.

The Grandparent Emergency Scam

This scam involves a caller pretending to be a grandchild in trouble. They may say they have been arrested, in an accident, or stranded abroad and need money sent immediately through wire transfer or gift cards. The caller often sounds distressed and begs you not to tell other family members.

If you receive such a call, do not send money. Hang up and call your grandchild on their known phone number. Contact another family member to verify their safety. Scammers exploit your concern for loved ones. A simple verification call can save you from losing your savings.

Practical Tips for Staying Safe Online

Never share personal information like your Social Security number, bank account details, or passwords with anyone who contacts you. Legitimate organizations already have this information and will not ask for it. Create strong passwords that are different for each website or app you use.

Enable two-factor authentication on your important accounts like email, banking, and social media. This adds a second step to logging in, usually a code sent to your phone. It makes it much harder for scammers to access your accounts even if they steal your password.

Talk to a trusted family member before making any financial decision that seems urgent or unusual. Scammers create a false sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly. A family member can provide perspective and help you verify whether a request is legitimate.

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps authorities track scam operations and warn others. Do not feel embarrassed the scammers are professionals who have tricked people of all ages and backgrounds.