Join Our SMS List
Savings

2025’s Top Scams – Senior Planet from AARP

• By gsswpadmin

You’re not imagining things – there really are more frauds and scams targeting older folks than ever before.

The FTC recently reported that total fraud losses reported by individuals aged 60 and over quadrupled from $600 million in 2020 to an astonishing $2.4 billion in 2024. This surge is largely driven by significant losses, often exceeding $100,000, primarily due to investment scams, romance scams, and impersonations. (Read the whole report here.)

From a fake email about an issue with your Netflix subscription to a text message from your bank regarding unpaid tolls, or even a call from the “IRS,” it seems we can’t escape fraud no matter where we turn!

Closer to home, in 2025, nearly 100,000 people reported a scam to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360).

The Top Ten

Here’s a breakdown of the ten most common scams reported by victims to the Helpline, along with reminders on how to avoid falling victim:

  1. Identity Theft: The most frequently reported scam to the Helpline for the last three years. With frequent data breaches and criminal attempts to gather personal information, consumers must stay vigilant. Reminder: Be proactive! Freeze your credit and check your annual credit report regularly (www.identitytheft.gov).
  2. Impostor Business: Scammers often impersonate businesses we rely on, such as banks and internet providers. Reminder: Familiarize yourself with legitimate communications. If in doubt, verify the source – don’t just click a link or take the call.
  3. Online Dating/Romance: Scammers lurk on dating sites and social media, building rapport to request money or goods. Here’s a real-life example discussed by Senior Planet’s Joan Price. Reminder: If a stranger asks for money, it’s time to disengage and report.
  4. Tech Support/Computer Virus: Scammers pose as legitimate tech support to gain access to your device and financial accounts. Reminder: Any unsolicited request for access to your device is a scam.
  5. Unauthorized Money Withdrawal: Stolen information can lead to unauthorized withdrawals from your bank account or fraudulent credit card charges. Reminder: Regularly monitor your accounts and keep financial records secure.
  6. Sweepstakes/Prizes/Lotteries: An unsolicited notification claiming you’ve won money often comes with a catch: you must pay a fee to claim your prize. Reminder: Never pay money to receive money.
  7. Impostor Government: Scammers impersonate government officials, claiming you owe money or need to fix a problem. The IRS will not call you unsolicited and demand payment in gift cards! Reminder: Verify any claims through legitimate agency contact information.
  8. Fraudulent Sales: Scammers create fake websites and deceptive ads to target consumers. Reminder: Research unfamiliar online sources before shopping. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
  9. Investment Fraud Schemes: Scammers pose as investment professionals, promising to double or triple your money, often through fake cryptocurrency investments. Reminder: Don’t trust promises of guaranteed returns; do your research (FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors – 844-574-3577).
  10. Phishing: General attempts to gather personal or financial information for fraudulent use. While traditionally associated with emails, phishing via text messages is on the rise. Reminder: Avoid engaging with unknown contacts (responding, clicking links, etc.).

A Scary New Up-and-Coming Scam

A troubling new wave of scams powered by AI is emerging, utilizing voice cloning to mimic loved ones in emergencies, leading to “digital kidnappings,” or creating deepfake videos to solicit funds. Here’s a real-life example reported by Senior Planet.

YOUR TURN

Did you experience a scam this year or have a close call? Share your experience in the comments!

Looking for more resources to protect yourself against fraud and scams? Visit seniorplanet.org/scam-prevention for free classes, interactive lessons, quizzes, and much more.

Mark Fetterhoff is a Senior Advisor with the AARP Fraud Watch Network. He has dedicated over 15 years to educating and assisting older adults. Mark currently collaborates with a team of volunteers to address thousands of inquiries each month regarding fraud, scams, and financial exploitation as part of the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360).

Photo: Courtesy of AARP

You’re not imagining things – there really are more frauds and scams targeting older folks than ever before.

The FTC recently reported that total fraud losses reported by individuals aged 60 and over quadrupled from $600 million in 2020 to an astonishing $2.4 billion in 2024. This surge is largely driven by significant losses, often exceeding $100,000, primarily due to investment scams, romance scams, and impersonations. (Read the whole report here.)

From a fake email about an issue with your Netflix subscription to a text message from your bank regarding unpaid tolls, or even a call from the “IRS,” it seems we can’t escape fraud no matter where we turn!

Closer to home, in 2025, nearly 100,000 people reported a scam to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360).

The Top Ten

Here’s a breakdown of the ten most common scams reported by victims to the Helpline, along with reminders on how to avoid falling victim:

  1. Identity Theft: The most frequently reported scam to the Helpline for the last three years. With frequent data breaches and criminal attempts to gather personal information, consumers must stay vigilant. Reminder: Be proactive! Freeze your credit and check your annual credit report regularly (www.identitytheft.gov).
  2. Impostor Business: Scammers often impersonate businesses we rely on, such as banks and internet providers. Reminder: Familiarize yourself with legitimate communications. If in doubt, verify the source – don’t just click a link or take the call.
  3. Online Dating/Romance: Scammers lurk on dating sites and social media, building rapport to request money or goods. Here’s a real-life example discussed by Senior Planet’s Joan Price. Reminder: If a stranger asks for money, it’s time to disengage and report.
  4. Tech Support/Computer Virus: Scammers pose as legitimate tech support to gain access to your device and financial accounts. Reminder: Any unsolicited request for access to your device is a scam.
  5. Unauthorized Money Withdrawal: Stolen information can lead to unauthorized withdrawals from your bank account or fraudulent credit card charges. Reminder: Regularly monitor your accounts and keep financial records secure.
  6. Sweepstakes/Prizes/Lotteries: An unsolicited notification claiming you’ve won money often comes with a catch: you must pay a fee to claim your prize. Reminder: Never pay money to receive money.
  7. Impostor Government: Scammers impersonate government officials, claiming you owe money or need to fix a problem. The IRS will not call you unsolicited and demand payment in gift cards! Reminder: Verify any claims through legitimate agency contact information.
  8. Fraudulent Sales: Scammers create fake websites and deceptive ads to target consumers. Reminder: Research unfamiliar online sources before shopping. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
  9. Investment Fraud Schemes: Scammers pose as investment professionals, promising to double or triple your money, often through fake cryptocurrency investments. Reminder: Don’t trust promises of guaranteed returns; do your research (FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors – 844-574-3577).
  10. Phishing: General attempts to gather personal or financial information for fraudulent use. While traditionally associated with emails, phishing via text messages is on the rise. Reminder: Avoid engaging with unknown contacts (responding, clicking links, etc.).

A Scary New Up-and-Coming Scam

A troubling new wave of scams powered by AI is emerging, utilizing voice cloning to mimic loved ones in emergencies, leading to “digital kidnappings,” or creating deepfake videos to solicit funds. Here’s a real-life example reported by Senior Planet.

YOUR TURN

Did you experience a scam this year or have a close call? Share your experience in the comments!

Looking for more resources to protect yourself against fraud and scams? Visit seniorplanet.org/scam-prevention for free classes, interactive lessons, quizzes, and much more.

Mark Fetterhoff is a Senior Advisor with the AARP Fraud Watch Network. He has dedicated over 15 years to educating and assisting older adults. Mark currently collaborates with a team of volunteers to address thousands of inquiries each month regarding fraud, scams, and financial exploitation as part of the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360).

Photo: Courtesy of AARP