Fraud Surge Targeting Older Adults: How to Protect Yourself from Tech Scams

Introduction

Scammers are increasingly reaching older Americans through phones, emails, and computers. Recent reports from CBS News and AARP show that fraud targeting people over 50 is climbing sharply, with impersonation scams now the most common type. In Florida alone, more than $258 million was stolen from older adults in 2025. While no one is immune, knowing the tactics and taking simple precautions can make a real difference.

What Happened

Over the past year, fraud complaints involving people age 50 and older have risen significantly, according to a CBS News consumer alert published in April 2026. AARP’s data for Florida highlights the scale: over $258 million lost in 2025, much of it through technology-enabled schemes.

Meanwhile, impersonation scams—where a caller or email pretends to be from a trusted organization like the Social Security Administration, a bank, or a tech company—surged 148 percent and are now the top fraud type, as reported by cbs8.com in June 2025. These scams often combine impersonation with urgent demands for payment or personal information.

Why It Matters

Older adults are often targeted because scammers assume they have more savings, may be less familiar with newer technology, or are more likely to answer the phone. The financial and emotional toll can be severe. Beyond the loss of money, victims may feel embarrassed or hesitant to report the crime, which allows scammers to continue.

The shift to technology-based scams means that protecting personal information and digital accounts is no longer optional—it’s essential. Scammers use information they find online or from data breaches to make their impersonation more convincing, so the old advice of “just don’t answer unknown calls” is no longer enough.

What Readers Can Do

Here are concrete steps to reduce your risk and respond if something seems wrong.

Recognize common scams.

  • Impersonation scams: Someone claims to be from the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or a tech company. They may say your account has been hacked or you owe money.
  • Tech support scams: A pop-up or caller says your computer has a virus and offers to fix it for a fee. They may ask for remote access.
  • Romance scams: A person you meet online builds trust over time, then asks for money for an emergency.
  • Phishing emails or texts: A message looks like it’s from a real company but contains a link that steals your login details.

Look for red flags.

  • Pressure to act immediately, such as “your account will be closed in 24 hours.”
  • Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate organizations never ask for these.
  • Caller ID that shows a familiar name but the number is spoofed.
  • Unsolicited requests for personal information like your Social Security number or bank account.

Protect your devices and accounts.

  • Use two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds a second step—like a texted code—to log in.
  • Don’t click on links in unexpected emails or texts. Go directly to the official website.
  • Keep your phone, computer, and apps updated.
  • Use a strong password for each account, or use a password manager.
  • Never give remote access to your computer to an unsolicited caller.

Verify, then act.
If someone claims to be from a company or government agency, hang up and call the official number listed on their website or your statement. Do not use the number provided by the caller.

If you or a loved one is targeted:

  • Stop all communication with the scammer.
  • Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  • Contact local law enforcement, especially if you lost money.
  • Reach out to the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline at 1-877-908-3360 for support and guidance.
  • Notify your bank or credit card company immediately if you shared financial information.

Sources

  • CBS News, “Consumer Alert: Fraud cases are on the rise for people 50+ especially through technology,” April 24, 2026.
  • CBS News, “AARP sounding the alarm on rise of fraud for Floridians over 50, with over $258 million reportedly stolen in 2025,” April 24, 2026.
  • cbs8.com, “Impersonation scams surge 148 percent, now top fraud type,” June 25, 2025.

Scammers adapt quickly, but staying informed and skeptical is your best defense. Share this information with family members—sometimes a simple conversation can prevent a costly mistake.