As our parents age, we often find ourselves stepping into new roles—advocate, caregiver, protector. One of the most important, and usually overlooked, responsibilities is shielding them from scams, fraud, and financial pitfalls. Seniors, especially those over 75, are frequently targeted because they are perceived as more trusting, less tech-savvy, and often isolated.

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The Growing Problem of Senior Scams

From phone calls pretending to be the IRS to phishing emails posing as tech support, scammers have evolved and are relentless. The Federal Trade Commission reports that older Americans lose billions each year to fraud, and many cases go unreported due to embarrassment or not knowing where to turn.
Some of the most common scams targeting older adults include:

• Imposter scams (claiming to be a grandchild, bank, or government agency)

• Tech support scams

• Medicare and health insurance fraud

• Fake sweepstakes or lottery wins

• Online romance scams

• Subscription services or donations that aren’t legitimate

• IRS and tax-related scams

Talk to a Senior Living Counselor

612-787-7533

🚩 Watch Out for Tax Season Scams and Predatory “Debt Relief” Claims

Scammers love tax season—and unfortunately, seniors are prime targets for fraud disguised as help.
IRS impersonation scams are some of the most aggressive and frightening. They might include:

• Phone calls or voicemails pretending to be the IRS, threatening arrest unless money is paid immediately

• Fake letters that look official but include bogus contact numbers or payment instructions

• Phishing emails asking for personal or tax-related information

🔒 The IRS will never call, email, or text demanding immediate payment or threatening legal action. They contact people through official mail first, and offer options to dispute.
But not all threats are fake—some are simply predatory law firms or “tax relief” services. These businesses may:

• Claim your parent owes back taxes and can only avoid consequences by signing up for expensive legal representation

• Offer "free consultations" that become high-pressure sales tactics and vague contracts.

• Target veterans and those on fixed incomes with emotionally manipulative language

To protect your loved one:

• Offer to review any IRS-related mail or financial offers with them

• Use trusted, IRS-approved resources like local CPAs or the VITA program, which provides free tax help for seniors

• Consider freezing credit or setting up fraud alerts during tax season.

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How to Educate and Empower Without Patronizing

No one wants to feel like they’re losing their independence, so conversations about scams must be handled with empathy and respect.
Here are a few tips:

• Make it a shared learning experience: Frame the discussion around “we” rather than “you.”
  “I saw this article about how scammers are getting sneakier—let’s go over some of these tactics together.”

• Use real examples: Share local news stories or emails you’ve received to make it relatable.

• Encourage them to pause: Teach a “scam pause”—before giving out personal information, wiring money, or clicking links, encourage them to call you first.

• Keep a ‘Don’t Answer’ list: Help them recognize scam numbers or emails to ignore.

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What to Watch For: Signs Something Might Be Wrong

Scams aren’t always obvious. Here are a few signs that your loved one might be a victim—or at least a target:

• Unfamiliar charges or recurring payments on bank statements

• A sudden increase in ATM withdrawals or gift card purchases

• New “friends” or “advisors” who have too much influence

• Emotional changes—fear, shame, or agitation after specific phone calls or online activity

• Hiding financial documents or being evasive when asked about spending

How Involved Should You Be in Their Finances?

Every family dynamic is different, but as your loved one enters their late 70s and beyond, at least it’s a good idea to have some access or oversight. 
Consider:

• Being added as a view-only user on bank accounts or credit card portals, so you can see activity without having control

• Setting up transaction alerts to monitor for large withdrawals or suspicious purchases

• Using budgeting apps or dashboards that both of you can access

• Establishing a Power of Attorney or financial guardianship if they show signs of cognitive decline

This isn’t about control—it’s about partnership and prevention.

Not All Dangers Are Scams: Financial Confusion Is Real

Not every financial mistake stems from a scam. Some dangers are built right into the system:

• Credit card offers that look like checks can be mistaken for real funds, leading to the accidental activation of high-interest loans

• Subscription services or auto-renewals that are forgotten or misunderstood can drain accounts over time.

• Predatory lending or “pre-approved” offers can seem like helpful solutions, but come with damaging fine print.

Take time to regularly review their mail, look at credit card statements together, and simplify where possible—cancel unused cards, unsubscribe from junk mail, and limit the number of accounts they manage.

Final Thoughts

The best defense against elder financial abuse is connection. Talk regularly, look at things together, and make sure your loved one knows they can come to you without judgment—even if they’ve made a mistake.
Scammers rely on secrecy, shame, and confusion. You can be the antidote to all three.