Most Prevalent Scams Targeting The Elderly

Donna Nichols • March 20, 2021

Learn to spot the scams that are targeting the elderly and how to stop them!

There are so many scams out there targeting the elderly, why, you ask?

Because people think the elderly don’t know any better and are easy targets.

As advocates for the elderly , let’s fix that myth right now.

First, let’s look at the most common scams out there:

1. Medicare and social security are the top two scams right now .

The most important thing for you to know is that Medicare and social security do not call you and ask for sensitive information!!!

These scammers will pose as representatives and ask for your social security number, date of birth, Medicare number, etc. Once they have your pertinent information, they have everything!!

Do NOT fall for this scam!!

SOLUTION: If you are unsure about a caller, ask their name and call back number, then call the company they claim to represent and check it out. If they won’t give you their information, BOOM, you have them right there!!

2. Calls acting like Grandchildren

Scammers are becoming more innovative every day, especially since COVID. People have been out of work and have a lot of time on their hands to devise ways to get you to give them your money. Some have even sunk so low as to pretend to be a grandchild of yours and act as if they are in trouble so you will send them money.

This is a very sneaky scam and really plays on the elderly person’s emotions.

  • The caller asks if they know who’s calling and when you say the name of one of your grandchildren, they pretend to be them
  • They tell you they are in financial trouble and need cash fast.
  • They ask you to send it to Western Union and not mention it to anyone.

SOLUTION : If you receive a call like this, ask questions only you and your grandchild would know the answers to.

Not yes or no questions, something like where did we go on your 8th birthday? If the caller doesn’t know the answer, they’re not your grandchild.

3. Clicking on links within Email

Here’s one that happens every day to everyone: the INTERNET!!!!

Do NOT click on any links or emails that ask you for your banking information or any other sensitive data!!! You can’t undo the damage once they have your financial info.

Remember, all these people want is your money!! You worked hard for your money, DON’T let them have it!!

Sometimes they’ll call and tell you you won the lottery, but you need to send them so much money to claim the prize. Don’t send them money!! If you won the lottery, it wouldn’t cost you anything until tax time. They’ll say, you just won the lottery, please send $5,000,000.00 euro to . . . and we will send your winnings right away. Don’t do it!!!

Here’s one email I receive all the time,

dear friend, you have just won the European lottery, reply with your bank account information so we can deposit the money into your account.

Nope! Don’t think so!! Don’t YOU do it either.

Past Due Debt From Deceased Loved One

Here’s another scam where they don’t target you, but your family members.

If you or your spouse passed away, scammers will use the obituary to find out details about the deceased person.

They then contact family members stating they had a past-due debt that needs to be paid immediately. These people know the family members are in a vulnerable state and are most likely to go ahead and pay the debt.

Funeral directors can be shady also, they can try to sell you services you don’t need. Some have tried to sell caskets to people whose loved ones are being cremated.

SOLUTION : Don’t pay it unless you have contacted the company and get it in writing as to what they owe. 

Tax Fraud

Tax fraud is another scam, people pose as IRS representatives and claim you owe back taxes. Sometimes they say you will go to jail if the debt isn’t paid immediately. These are normally done via email as well.

SOLUTION : The IRS sends letters on IRS letterhead, when replying, ALWAYS send it certified and do NOT send cash. Make sure you keep records of everything you send the IRS.

The website, https://www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds , has a list of numbers where you can report any kind of fraud. Utilize it if you think you are a victim of fraud!!

These people are really good at what they do, but you don’t have to be a victim. If you don’t feel right about it, it’s probably not right!

Ask questions! Knowledge is power!!

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.