We hear about it on the news all the time – older adults who have fallen victim to the ever-present danger of online scams. An unsuspecting upstanding citizen who was merely trying to ensure their financial affairs were in order has now lost thousands to an unknown predator who is an ocean away. This unfortunate hypothetical is frequently reality with scammers refining and changing their tactics, aided by the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI).
According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, people aged 60 and over in the US lost a combined $4.8 billion to fraud in 2024 alone. Both the digital-savvy and those new to technology need strategies to protect themselves from online fraud and stay safe online after 50.
Scammers use all sorts of tools and apps like social media, texting and calling, dating apps, crypto, and more to lay their traps. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has partnered with the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center to strengthen cross-sector efforts to combat fraud targeting older adults in the United States.
Want expert insight from someone who knows how scammers think? Jack Pointer spoke with Frank Abagnale—the renowned security consultant and former con artist—about why even smart people fall for scams and how to protect yourself. Read: Think You’d Never Fall for a Scam? Think Again
Here are some of the latest trends in digital fraud that are being used to target older adults and the tools available to defend against these elusive scammers.
What Are the Common Types of Online Fraud Targeting Older Adults?
Fake home remodeling services and debt relief
Scammers create fake websites designed to gather your personal information under the illusion of providing government benefits, including debt relief and low- or no-cost home renovations. They use online ads on Facebook and Google to drive people to their websites.
Fraudulent money recovery services
Scammers create websites impersonating the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center’s (IC3) official site under the guise of helping people recover funds, including crypto scams. They also run fake accounts across many apps, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, and X, posing as officials who can help fraud victims recover their money.
Fake customer service support
Scammers sometimes use false online accounts and Facebook Pages posing as customer service representatives for airlines, travel agencies, banks, and other businesses. They will respond to comments under the official brands’ posts in an attempt to redirect people to Direct Messages or Google Forms under the pretense of processing a refund.
Posing as a family member or friend in need of help
Scammers will often pose as those who might be close to you, requesting a large sum of money to get them out of a jam. This could be bond money, funds to pay for a tow truck or help to buy an airline ticket after getting stuck outside the country.
Tips and Tricks to Avoid Digital Fraud
Be cautious with unsolicited messages or calls
Never share your personal or financial information like your Social Security number or account numbers in response to unexpected calls, emails, or texts. Real companies and government agencies won’t ask for this information out of the blue.
Pause and check in with people you trust
Scammers often create a false sense of urgency or panic, leaving no time to make a thought-out decision. If someone pressures you to act quickly or keep things secret, the alarm bells should sound. Take a step back and talk to someone you trust before responding. If you get a call from someone saying they are from the IRS, a bank, an insurance company, etc., you can always hang up and call a number you are sure is associated with that company.
Use official customer service channels
If you need help staying safe online, always call the company’s official communications or go to their website to find their contact info. NEVER click on links in emails or texts and avoid posting complaints on public comment sections — scammers seek opportunities like this to steal your personal information.
Utilize existing scam prevention tools
Many apps including Facebook, banking institutions, and more utilize Passkeys which make signing in safer and simpler. Instead of using a traditional password, passkeys let you log into apps with a fingerprint, face scan, or device password, all of which are stored on your device and not with the app.
Make a plan in advance
Have a plan in place before you find yourself in an unsure or sticky situation. Establish a code word or phrase with your loved ones that only they would know, to verify their identity in a crisis moment. This simple step can help you protect yourself from digital fraud.
How to Report Scams and Protect Others from Fraud
Report fraudulent accounts
Do you see a social media account on your feed posting unusual content on their page? Report the page to the app to help them in their efforts to curb online scams.
Alert your friends and family
Is a friend or family member asking you for money over social media platforms? Give them a call and check in to make sure they are OK. Sometimes, they might not even know that their account is being used to request funds and gather information. Collaboration and raising awareness are the key to decreasing the number of online scams.
Stay informed
As technology constantly evolves, the ability to grasp and understand what is happening in the online world becomes harder every day. Constantly be on the lookout for new scam announcements on Meta platforms or on the news so that you have the best tools to defend yourself against this growing threat.
Your Action Plan: Stay Protected Online
Staying safe online after 50 requires vigilance, but with these protection strategies, you can navigate the digital world confidently and securely.
Take these three steps today:
- Enable passkeyson your most-used apps and banking platforms for stronger account security
- Establish a family code wordthat only your loved ones know to verify their identity during emergencies
- Bookmark official customer service numbersfor your bank, insurance company, and other key accounts—never rely on numbers from unexpected calls or texts
Remember: If something feels urgent, suspicious, or too good to be true—pause, verify with someone you trust, and protect yourself.
Encountered a suspicious message or call? Report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) to help protect others from digital fraud.
By staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can enjoy the benefits of being online while keeping scammers at bay.
