If you think scams have become more clever in recent years, you’re absolutely right. Fraudsters have upgraded their tactics, moving far beyond the “Nigerian prince” emails of the past. Today’s scams—known by names like phishing, smishing, vishing, and check washing—use new technology and old-fashioned deceit to trick people into giving up money or personal information. Older adults are prime targets, not because they’re gullible, but because scammers know many of us are polite, trusting, and often managing finances or benefits online.
But once you know what to watch for, it’s easier to stay one step ahead.
Phishing is one of the most common scams. It involves fake emails that appear to come from legitimate sources—your bank, Medicare, UPS, or even a friend. The message might say there’s a problem with your account or a package waiting for delivery. It will ask you to click a link or provide personal information.
Those links often lead to websites that look real but aren’t. They exist solely to collect your data. Once scammers have your Social Security number, date of birth, or login credentials, they can steal your identity or access your accounts.
Protect yourself: Never click links or attachments from unexpected messages. Go directly to the company’s website by typing the address yourself, or call the official number on your statement. If the message feels urgent or threatening, that’s your first clue it’s probably fake.
Smishing is phishing via text message, while vishing happens over voice calls. Both rely on creating panic or excitement. You might get a text that says, “Your bank account has been locked. Click here to verify your information,” or a call from someone claiming to be from Medicare asking for your card number.
These scams are particularly tricky because they often use “spoofed” phone numbers—caller IDs that look local or even appear to come from government agencies.
Protect yourself: Be suspicious of texts or calls that demand immediate action. Never share sensitive information (like banking details or Medicare numbers) over the phone unless you initiated the call. If you’re unsure, hang up and dial the official number for confirmation.
Check Washing: Old-Fashioned Theft in a New Age
Not all scams happen online. Check washing—where thieves steal checks from mailboxes, erase the ink, and rewrite them for higher amounts—has made a comeback. Criminals target residential mailboxes and even blue postal collection boxes, often using chemicals that remove ink from handwritten checks.
Protect yourself: Take mail containing checks directly to the post office or use a secure indoor drop slot. Use pens with permanent “gel” ink, which resists chemical removal. Check your bank statements regularly so you can report suspicious activity fast. Most banks offer a notification service, where you can request an emailed report for any withdrawal in excess of an amount you determine. This helps you keep an eye on larger than usual transactions.
A few simple habits can make a big difference:
- Slow down before you act. Scammers depend on fear and urgency.
- Verify before you trust. Call companies or family members directly.
- Secure your personal information. Use strong, unique passwords and never store banking info in emails.
- Reconcile your checking, savings, and credit card accounts regularly.
- Report scams. Call your local police or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1‑877‑382‑ Reporting helps others avoid the same trap.
Scammers may be clever, but awareness is powerful armor. Talk with friends, neighbors, and family members about what you learn—especially those who might be too embarrassed to admit they’ve been approached. The more we share knowledge, the fewer people scammers can trick.
In the end, a simple rule protects against most schemes: If something doesn’t feel right or sounds too good to be true—it probably is.