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Experts urge seniors to take steps to safeguard against rising digital scams targeting their devices and personal information.
Scammers are increasingly targeting seniors through smartphones, email and other digital platforms, but experts say a few key steps can help older adults protect themselves from fraud.
To help raise awareness, AARP and Chase Bank hosted a free public workshop in Sacramento to teach seniors how to identify and avoid common scams.
“Scams are ever-changing,” said Jonathan Morales, California head of community banking for Chase. “The more you’re aware of what to look for, the better equipped you’re going to be to prevent it.”
California consumers reported more than $1.7 billion in losses to fraud in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Reports of scams involving identity theft and smartphones rose significantly compared to previous years.
Experts say seniors are especially vulnerable because they are more likely to answer phone calls from unfamiliar numbers or respond to emails that appear urgent.
“They’re more likely to answer a phone call, even from someone that they don’t know,” said JR Fujita, community outreach coordinator for AARP. “They may receive an email where they feel they need to respond right away.”
Fraud schemes often involve attempts to pressure people into quick action. Scammers may impersonate government agencies, companies or even family members. They may demand payments through gift cards or claim urgent consequences if victims don’t respond immediately.
“Most of the time, they want to catch people off guard, and they want people to act immediately,” Fujita said. “So, there’s always some sort of urgency.”
Common tactics
Morales said seniors should remember it is never normal for legitimate organizations to request sensitive information by phone.
“Seniors need to know that it’s not normal to give away your information,” he said. “If you’re getting a call, you’re getting contacted from an organization — they already have mechanisms for identifying you. We don’t need personal identification information. It’s never OK to give out your Social Security number.”
Experts also urge seniors to stay proactive about protecting their devices and data. They recommend keeping antivirus software updated, setting up automatic security updates and ensuring websites are reputable before making purchases or donations online.
Common scams include fake toll payment texts, “grandparent scams” where callers pretend to be a relative in trouble, and fraudulent requests for gift cards. Fujita said approaching unexpected messages with caution is key.
In addition, experts recommend shredding documents with Social Security numbers, bank accounts, addresses or other sensitive information before throwing them away.
If you believe you’ve been targeted, experts say quick action is essential.
“Right away, you have to notify law enforcement and your financial institution,” Morales said.
Advocates say adult children and close friends can help by checking in with seniors and encouraging open conversations about fraud. Creating a support network makes it easier for older adults to report suspicious activity and seek help if they fall victim.
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