Scam Recognition & Prevention Guide
CSNP Senior Safety Resource | www.csnp.org
Scam Recognition & Prevention Guide
A comprehensive guide to help seniors recognize and avoid common scams. Learn to protect yourself with confidence while maintaining your independence online.
Your Shield Against Scammers
You have the power to protect yourself! This guide provides practical tools and strategies to help you stay safe while maintaining your independence and confidence online.
Golden Rules for Protection
Essential Safety Rules
NEVER Give Out:
- Social Security Number
- Bank account numbers
- Passwords or PINs
- Medicare number
ALWAYS Be Suspicious Of:
- Urgent demands for action
- Requests for gift cards
- Threats of arrest
- "Too good to be true" offers
Common Scams to Watch For
Tech Support Scam
87% of seniors targetedFake warnings about viruses or hackers on your computer
Remember: Microsoft, Apple, or Google will NEVER call you unexpectedly
Red Flags
- Pop-up warnings with phone numbers
- Urgent threats about your computer
- Requests for remote access
- Demands for gift cards as payment
What to Do
- Close the pop-up immediately
- Never call the number shown
- Contact real tech support if worried
- Never give remote access
Grandparent Scam
72% emotional manipulationSomeone pretends to be your grandchild in trouble
Remember: Real family members won't ask you to keep secrets from others
Red Flags
- "Please don't tell Mom/Dad"
- Urgent need for money
- Claims of arrest or accident
- Requests for wire transfers
What to Do
- Hang up and call your grandchild directly
- Verify with other family members
- Never send money immediately
- Report to police
Romance Scam
$304 million lost annuallyFake romantic interest asks for money
Remember: Real love doesn't ask for gift cards or wire transfers
Red Flags
- Professes love quickly
- Always has excuses not to meet
- Asks for money for emergencies
- Claims to be overseas
What to Do
- Never send money to someone you haven't met
- Video chat before trusting
- Research their photos online
- Talk to family about new relationships
Government Imposter
68% of seniors receive theseClaims to be IRS, Social Security, or Medicare
Remember: Government agencies send letters, they don't call demanding money
Red Flags
- Threats of arrest or deportation
- Demands for immediate payment
- Asks for gift cards or wire transfers
- Claims your benefits will be cut off
What to Do
- Hang up immediately
- Call the real agency directly
- Never give personal information
- Report to authorities
Your Protection Strategies
The Pause Rule
Always take 24 hours before sending money or giving information
- 1 Stop and breathe
- 2 Talk to someone you trust
- 3 Verify independently
- 4 Sleep on big decisions
The Verify Method
Always double-check through official channels
- 1 Look up official numbers yourself
- 2 Call companies directly
- 3 Check with family
- 4 Google the scenario
The Trust Circle
Have trusted people to consult before big decisions
- 1 Choose 2-3 trusted advisors
- 2 Share concerns openly
- 3 Listen to their advice
- 4 Make decisions together
The Documentation Habit
Keep records of all suspicious contacts
- 1 Write down details
- 2 Save emails and texts
- 3 Note dates and times
- 4 Report to authorities
Scams by Communication Channel
Phone Calls
- Never trust caller ID - it can be faked
- Legitimate companies won't pressure you
- It's OK to hang up on suspicious calls
- Call back using official numbers only
- Check sender's full email address
- Look for spelling and grammar errors
- Don't click links - go to website directly
- Hover over links to see real destination
Text Messages
- Banks don't text asking for passwords
- Don't click links in unexpected texts
- Delete texts from unknown numbers
- Block and report spam texts
Social Media
- Don't accept friend requests from strangers
- Be skeptical of sob stories
- Don't share personal information
- Check privacy settings regularly
Quick Scam Check Tool
If you answer "YES" to any of these questions, it's likely a scam:
Are they creating urgency or fear?
Are they asking for unusual payment methods?
Are they asking you to keep it secret?
Did they contact you unexpectedly?
Are they asking for passwords or PINs?
Does something feel "off" or too good to be true?
Any "YES" answer = Stop and get help from someone you trust!
Real vs. Fake Communications
REAL Communications
- Use your name correctly
- Professional language, no errors
- Never demand immediate action
- Provide official contact information
- Can verify your account details
- Send follow-up letters by mail
FAKE Communications
- Generic greetings ("Dear customer")
- Poor spelling and grammar
- Create false urgency
- Only provide suspicious links
- Ask for information they should have
- Refuse to send written confirmation
Important Numbers to Keep Handy
Report Scams
- FTC 1-877-382-4357
- FBI IC3 ic3.gov
- Local Police 911
Verify Contacts
- IRS 1-800-829-1040
- Social Security 1-800-772-1213
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227
Get Help
- AARP Fraud Line 1-877-908-3360
- Adult Protective Services Contact your local office
- Trusted Contacts Family & friends
Download Scam Recognition Guide
Get our comprehensive scam recognition guide to keep handy. Learn to identify and avoid common scams targeting seniors.
Build Your Confidence
You have the absolute right to protect yourself. It's perfectly okay to:
Say NO
To any request that feels wrong or uncomfortable
Hang Up
On suspicious or pushy callers immediately
Take Time
To think, verify, and make informed decisions
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