AWCA Resource Center
AWCA Resource Center

Senior Protection

Senior Scam & Cyber Security

This content is for informational purposes only. In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately. For fraud recovery and reporting, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-372-8311 (Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Eastern Time).

Scams targeting seniors are growing more sophisticated every day—from government impersonators to AI-generated voice fraud to social media deception. Staying informed about how these crimes work is one of the most powerful ways to protect yourself and the people you love.

Common Scam Types & Warnings

  • Government Impersonation: Scammers pose as Social Security Administration (SSA), IRS, or Medicare representatives to steal personal information or pressure you into sending money under threat of legal action. Real government agencies will never demand immediate payment or sensitive data by phone or text.
  • Financial Exploitation: Trusted individuals—family members, caregivers, or legal representatives—exploit a senior’s physical or cognitive vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to their finances or assets.
  • Tech Support Scams: A fake pop-up warns that your device has been compromised and tells you to click a link or call a number for help. The “technician” then asks to remotely access your device and uses that access to steal financial information and drain accounts.
  • Fake Ads & Social Media Scams: Fraudulent ads exploit celebrity names or promise free prizes to get you to enter personal information, sign up for fake investments, or unknowingly authorize charges for paid services.
  • Grandparent / Family Emergency Scams: A scammer poses as a grandchild or other family member in crisis—claiming to be arrested, in an accident, or in danger—and demands an immediate wire transfer before you have time to think it through.
  • Romance Scams: After building trust and affection through social media or messaging apps, the scammer fabricates emergencies—medical bills, travel costs, legal fees—and repeatedly requests money.
  • Phishing & Malicious Links: Text messages pretending to be from government agencies or delivery services contain links designed to hack your device and steal personal and financial information.

Prevention & Response

  • Hang Up First — Then Verify
    • Government agencies like the SSA, IRS, and local police will never call demanding immediate payment, threatening arrest, or asking for a card number. If something feels off, hang up.
    • If someone claims your grandchild was in an accident and needs money right away, hang up and call your family member directly at the number you already know.
  • Never Click Unknown Links or Install Unknown Apps
    • Do not tap links in texts about package deliveries, fines, or account alerts from numbers you don’t recognize.
    • Never install an app someone sends you or that appears in a pop-up ad, especially one claiming to be a security tool.
  • Gift Cards and Wire Transfers Are Always a Scam
    • No legitimate government agency or business will ever ask you to pay a fine, fee, or penalty using gift cards, Bitcoin, or a cash wire transfer.
    • Never allow someone you don’t know to remotely access your computer or phone, even if a warning screen tells you to call for help.
  • Never Share Personal Information
    • Keep your bank passwords and full Social Security Number private, even from family members.
    • If a stranger on social media reaches out, becomes friendly quickly, and then asks to borrow money or recommends an investment, block them immediately.
  • Ask for Help the Moment You Suspect Fraud
    • Being scammed is never your fault. It takes courage to speak up. Ask for help right away.
    • If you sent money or shared account information, call your bank immediately and ask them to place a hold on your card or cancel it.
Scam TypesGovernment Contacts
Government Impersonation

SSA, IRS, or Medicare reps demanding personal info or payment		National Elder Fraud Hotline
1-833-372-8311

FTC: Report Fraud
reportfraud.ftc.gov
Financial Exploitation
Trusted individuals misusing a senior's finances or assets		NJ Division of Consumer Affairs
1-800-242-5846

APS (Bergen County)
1-800-624-0275 | 201-368-4300
Tech Support Scams
Fake virus warnings leading to remote device access and theft		FTC: Report Fraud
reportfraud.ftc.gov

NJ Division of Consumer Affairs
1-800-242-5846
Fake Ads & Social Media
Fraudulent ads using celebrities or prizes to steal info or charge cards		FTC: Report Fraud
reportfraud.ftc.gov

NJ Division of Consumer Affairs
1-800-242-5846
Family Emergency Scams
Impersonating a grandchild or family member to demand urgent money		Local Police (911)

National Elder Fraud Hotline
1-833-372-8311
Romance Scams
Building online trust, then repeatedly requesting money for fake situations		FTC: Report Fraud
reportfraud.ftc.gov
Phishing & Malicious Links
Fake agency or delivery texts with links that hack your device		FTC: Report Fraud
reportfraud.ftc.gov

*In case of an emergency, call 911 immediately. For fraud recovery and reporting, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-372-8311 (Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Eastern Time). 

Contacts

  • National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-372-8311
  • FTC Reporting: reportfraud.ftc.gov
  • NJ Division of Consumer Affairs: 1-800-242-5846
  • NJ Office of Attorney General: 609-984-5828

Resources

Resources

Senior Protection