Every year, Americans over 60 lose billions of dollars to fraud. In 2025 alone, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported over $3.4 billion in losses from seniors. The scams evolve, but the tactics stay remarkably consistent. Here are the ten most common scams targeting seniors in 2026 and how to recognize each one.

1. IRS Impersonation Scam

A caller claims to be from the IRS and says you owe back taxes. They threaten arrest, license revocation, or deportation unless you pay immediately with gift cards or a wire transfer. The real IRS never calls threatening arrest, never demands immediate payment, and never asks for gift cards. They communicate through postal mail first.

2. Medicare Fraud Calls

Scammers call claiming to be from Medicare, often saying you need a new Medicare card or offering free medical equipment. Their real goal is to steal your Medicare number, which they use for identity theft and fraudulent billing. Medicare never calls you unsolicited to ask for your number.

3. Grandparent Scam

Someone calls pretending to be your grandchild, often crying and saying they are in trouble, in jail, or in an accident. They beg you to send money and plead with you not to tell anyone. With AI voice cloning, these calls can sound exactly like your real grandchild. Always hang up and call your grandchild directly at their known number.

Warning AI voice cloning technology has made the grandparent scam dramatically more convincing in 2026. Scammers can clone a voice from just a few seconds of audio found on social media. Establish a family code word that only real family members would know.

4. Tech Support Scam

A popup appears on your computer warning that your device is infected with a virus. It displays a phone number to call for immediate help. When you call, the "technician" asks for remote access to your computer and then charges hundreds or thousands of dollars for fake repairs. They may also steal personal information while they have access. These popups are always fake.

5. Romance Scam

Someone you met online professes love quickly, often within days or weeks. They always have an excuse for why they cannot meet in person or video chat. Eventually, they ask for money, usually for a medical emergency, travel, or a business opportunity. Romance scams cost Americans over $1.3 billion annually, with seniors losing the most per victim.

6. Cryptocurrency Investment Scam

Also known as "pig butchering," this scam starts with a friendly wrong-number text or a connection on social media. Over weeks or months, the scammer builds trust and eventually introduces a cryptocurrency investment opportunity. Victims are directed to a fake trading platform that shows impressive returns. When they try to withdraw their money, they cannot. No legitimate investment guarantees returns.

7. Utility Shutoff Scam

A caller claims your electric, gas, or water service will be shut off within the hour unless you make an immediate payment, usually with a prepaid debit card or gift card. Real utility companies send multiple written notices before any disconnection and never demand immediate payment over the phone with unusual payment methods.

8. Phishing Emails and Texts

Messages that appear to come from Amazon, your bank, the post office, or Netflix claim there is a problem with your account. They include a link that leads to a fake website designed to steal your login credentials and personal information. Always go directly to the company's website by typing the address in your browser rather than clicking links in messages.

Tip For any suspicious message, use the "verify independently" rule: look up the company's real phone number on their official website or your billing statement, and call them directly. Never use a phone number or link provided in the suspicious message itself.

9. Gift Card Payment Scam

Across nearly every type of scam, the scammer eventually asks you to buy gift cards and read the numbers over the phone. This is because gift cards are essentially untraceable cash once the numbers are shared. No government agency, utility company, or legitimate business accepts gift cards as a form of payment. If anyone asks you to pay with gift cards, it is always a scam.

10. Fake Check Scam

You receive a check for more than the agreed amount, whether for an item you sold, a job, or a supposed prize. The sender asks you to deposit the check and wire back the difference. The check appears to clear, but days or weeks later, the bank discovers it is fraudulent and takes the money back. You are left owing the bank the full amount plus the money you already sent.

How to Protect Yourself

While these scams take different forms, defending against all of them comes down to a few core habits:

  • Never act under pressure. Any legitimate request can wait until you have verified it independently.
  • Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency when asked to do so by someone who contacted you.
  • Verify every unexpected contact by calling the organization directly at a number you look up yourself.
  • Talk to someone you trust before making any financial decision prompted by an unexpected call, text, or email.
  • Use NoScamForMe to check any suspicious message instantly and for free.

Knowledge is your best defense. Share this list with the seniors in your life so they know exactly what to watch for.

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