Tips from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Protecting Seniors from Scams: Warning Signs, Red Flags, and Reliable Resources
It’s a reality many hope to avoid but need to face: scams targeting seniors are on the rise. And their sophistication is growing. The exploitation of older adults, both by strangers and sometimes even family members, is a deeply concerning issue—one that calls for vigilance, education, and open communication.
Why Seniors Are Especially at Risk
Seniors are particularly vulnerable for several reasons. They tend to be trusting and polite, raised in a generation where a handshake was as binding as a contract. Over their lifetimes, they’ve accumulated assets, savings, and property—prime targets for scammers. Isolation also plays a role. Seniors may receive fewer calls or visits, so when the phone rings, they may be more inclined to answer and engage. Sometimes with disastrous results.
Importantly, seniors often hesitate to report scams. Embarrassment, fear of losing independence, or simply not realizing they’ve been targeted can keep them silent. But the more we talk about these issues, the better prepared everyone will be.
The Most Common Scams Targeting Seniors
Several specific scams continually surface:
Grandparent Scam: The phone rings and the voice on the other line, claiming to be a grandchild in distress, pleads for money after an “accident” or “arrest.” Seniors, eager to help their loved ones, are tricked into sending prepaid cards or cash. The lesson here? Always verify before sending money, ask personal “code” questions only a real family member would know, and call other relatives for confirmation.
Imposter Scam: Here, a scammer poses as a trusted authority—IRS, Social Security Administration, even the local police—claiming there’s an urgent problem that only immediate payment or disclosure of personal details can resolve. Legitimate organizations will never demand sensitive information or instant payment over the phone. Always hang up and call back using official contact numbers.
Romance or Sweetheart Scam: Loneliness in the digital age has given rise to scammers befriending and then romantically enticing victims online. After establishing trust, they ask for money or personal details. A healthy skepticism and refusal to send funds to online acquaintances can help mitigate this risk.
Essential Tips for Prevention
Don’t Answer Unfamiliar Calls: If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. Legitimate callers will leave a message.
Be Cautious with Caller ID: Technology allows scammers to disguise their numbers to appear local or from trusted organizations. Never trust the caller ID alone.
Guard Personal Information: Never give out account numbers, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive data on unsolicited calls. If in doubt, initiate the call yourself using a number you’ve independently verified.
Research and Verify: Before donating to charities or hiring for repairs, check their legitimacy through official resources like the Better Business Bureau or your state’s attorney general’s office.
Watch Payment Methods: A common red flag is any request for payment via prepaid cards or gift cards. These methods are untraceable—a favorite for scammers.
Use Strong Passwords and Update Regularly: Don’t reuse the same password across multiple accounts, and change them periodically. Consider keeping passwords in a secure notebook if you’re not comfortable with digital password managers.
Practice Safe Digital Habits: Keep antivirus software updated, be wary of email attachments and links, and never give out personal information over public Wi-Fi.
Be Mindful on Social Media: Only accept friend requests from people you know. Adjust privacy settings so only trusted friends can see your posts, and never share information that could help someone guess your passwords—like pets’ names or your birthday.
Recognize Signs of Exploitation
It’s not just strangers who commit fraud. Family exploitation can be subtler, from sudden withdrawal and isolation to unusual financial activity or a single relative monopolizing contact with the elder. If something seems off, trust your instincts: communicate, monitor, and report concerns.
Where to Turn for Help
If you or a loved one suspects a scam or exploitation, report it promptly to local law enforcement, adult protective services, and your state’s attorney general’s office. Organizations like Pro Seniors also offer free legal advice for elders, and governmental websites provide tools for checking businesses, reporting robocalls, and opting out of unwanted mailers.
Staying safe in today’s world requires skepticism, resourcefulness, and support—especially for older adults. Talking openly about scams, learning to spot red flags, and knowing where to get help empowers everyone to navigate these challenges with confidence.
This discussion was inspired by a recent episode featuring an educator from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, who shared these invaluable tips and insights on protecting seniors from scams. Let’s share this knowledge widely to keep our loved ones and ourselves safe.
Here is a link to the resources page we mention in the podcast.
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Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
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The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.
