Fraud Surge Targeting Older Adults: How to Spot Tech Scams Before You Lose Money
Fraud cases involving phone calls, texts, and emails are rising sharply among people aged 50 and older. Recent reports from CBS News and AARP show that losses in Florida alone topped $258 million in 2025, and impersonation scams — where someone pretends to be a government agency, a tech company, or a family member — increased 148% compared to the previous year. If you or someone you care for is in this age group, it’s worth understanding what’s driving this wave and how you can reduce the risk.
What’s happening
According to a CBS News consumer alert published in April 2026, fraudsters are increasingly using technology to target older adults. The most common tactics include:
- Impersonation scams – Callers claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or a tech support service. They often demand immediate payment or ask for remote access to your computer.
- Tech support scams – Pop‑up messages or cold calls warning that your device is infected and urging you to call a number for help. Once you call, the scammer asks for payment or access.
- Lottery and sweepstakes scams – Notifications that you’ve won a prize but must pay a fee or provide personal information to claim it.
- Romance scams – Fraudsters build a relationship through dating sites or social media, then ask for money for emergencies or travel.
AARP’s data for Florida highlights the scale: more than $258 million was stolen from residents over 50 in 2025, and impersonation scams became the most reported fraud type. While Florida has particularly high numbers, similar trends are being reported nationwide.
Why it matters
Older adults are often targeted for several reasons. Many grew up in an era when a phone call or letter could generally be trusted, making them less likely to question a caller’s identity. Some are less familiar with newer technology and may not recognise warning signs such as spoofed phone numbers or fake emails. Isolation — especially among those living alone — can also make them more receptive to a convincing stranger who sounds friendly or authoritative.
The financial and emotional impact can be severe. Victims often lose savings, and the shame of being scammed can prevent them from reporting it. That underreporting means official tallies likely underestimate the true problem.
What readers can do
You can reduce your risk with a few straightforward habits.
Verify before you act. If someone calls claiming to be from a government agency or a company you do business with, hang up. Look up the official phone number or website yourself and call back. Do not use the number the caller provided.
Never give remote access to strangers. Legitimate tech companies will not call you out of the blue to fix a problem. If you see a pop‑up warning, close your browser rather than calling the number shown.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable two‑factor authentication on important accounts — email, banking, and social media. A password manager can help you keep track without reusing passwords.
Be skeptical of urgent requests. Scammers create a false sense of urgency: “Your account will be closed” or “Your grandson is in jail.” Slow down and verify through another channel.
If you suspect a scam, stop communication and do not send money or gift cards. Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (ReportFraud.ftc.gov) and the AARP Fraud Watch Network (877‑908‑3360). Your bank may also be able to help if you act quickly.
Sources
- CBS News, “Consumer Alert: Fraud cases are on the rise for people 50+ especially through technology” (April 24, 2026).
- AARP data on Florida fraud losses reported by CBS News (2025).
- Impersonation scams surge 148% — cbs8.com (June 25, 2025).
Note: The figures cited come from news reports and may not reflect the most current data outside Florida. Scam patterns evolve quickly, so staying informed through official sources like the FTC and AARP is advisable.