How to Protect Yourself from Scams
Victoria was 70 when a virus took over her computer, freezing every function. A pop-up window told her to immediately call a number to stop the virus from spreading.
She called. The person on the phone convinced her that she could help authorities nail the criminals behind the virus by buying and sending gift cards that would supposedly be tracked.
"I was thinking, ‘Yeah, I’ll help the FBI get these jerks!’" says Victoria, a retired dentist. "They got $2,500 out of me before I realized I’d been had."
According to the FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) report, adults age 60 and older filed more than 201,000 complaints related to internet crimes and scams, with reported losses exceeding $7.7 billion. The average reported loss was more than $38,000, and more than 12,400 older adults reported losing at least $100,000.
Victoria's experience is a reminder that scams can happen to anyone. Scammers often create a sense of urgency, impersonate trusted organizations, and pressure people to act before they have time to verify the information.
How to Protect Yourself
Understanding how scams work can help you avoid them.
"You can never be sure who is on the other end of that phone call or email," says Katie Carruesco, targeted outreach specialist with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. The agency offers workshops and one-on-one consultations tailored to older adults.
"These scammers are professional actors who sound legitimate, authoritative, and threatening," Carruesco says. "They do not see people, only dollar signs."
Scammers target people of all ages and backgrounds. Even highly educated and financially savvy people can become victims. If something feels rushed or suspicious, pause and verify the information with someone you trust.
Common Scams Targeting Older Adults
According to the FBI, phishing and spoofing scams were the most commonly reported scams among older adults in 2025. Investment scams resulted in the greatest financial losses. Cryptocurrency-related scams, tech support scams, romance scams, and government impersonation scams also caused significant harm.
Government impersonation scams
Someone claims to be from a government agency, law enforcement office, or Medicare and says you owe money or are under investigation.
Tech support scams
Pop-up messages or phone calls claim your computer has a virus and ask for payment or remote access to your device.
Romance scams
Someone builds an online relationship and later asks for money or other financial help.
Grandparent or family emergency scams
Someone pretends to be a family member facing an emergency and needs money right away.
Phishing and text message scams
Emails or texts that appear legitimate ask for passwords, financial information, or verification codes.
Some scammers use artificial intelligence to create realistic voices, emails, photos, and videos that imitate trusted people or organizations. They may use these tools to create fake emergencies or make fraudulent messages appear legitimate. If you receive an unexpected request for money or personal information, stop and contact the person or organization directly using a trusted phone number or website.
Warning Signs of a Scam
Be cautious if someone:
- Tells you to keep the conversation secret
- Pressures you to act immediately
- Threatens arrest, legal action, or loss of benefits
- Requests payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
- Claims you have won a prize but must pay fees first
- Contacts you unexpectedly asking for personal or financial information
Safety Tips
Digital Safety
Be cautious when scanning QR codes from text messages, emails, social media, or public places. Verify the source before entering personal or financial information.
Phone Safety
Never give personal or financial information to callers you do not know. Be especially cautious if someone claims to represent the government, law enforcement, Medicare, or your bank and pressures you to act quickly.
Reporting Fraud
If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Quick action may help limit further losses.
Adult Protective Services (APS) can accept reports of suspected fraud. Find your local agency through the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
The California Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has teams dedicated to investigating fraud and financial abuse against older adults. Contact the OAG Hotline at 800-722-0432 or submit a complaint through its online fraud and abuse complaint form.
CDSS also provides information on reporting fraud related to retirement benefits, insurance, disability, auto repair, mail, and other services.
Victoria swallowed her pride and reported her loss.
"I went to the local police department," she recalls. "I’m sobbing like my dog just died, ‘I just can’t believe I was so stupid.’ The lieutenant pats me on the hand and says, ‘They got me, too. They’re just that good.’"
Having been through it, Victoria encourages others to be cautious whenever someone demands immediate action.
"Question everything," she says. "Keep your firewalls up. Be suspicious. If you have a doubt, hang up."
Anyone can become the victim of a scam. Staying informed, being cautious, and taking time to verify information are some of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.