Fraud Targeting Older Adults by Phone and Online Is Surging – What to Watch For

Recent reports from AARP and CBS News underscore a troubling trend: technology‑enabled fraud against people age 50 and older is rising sharply. According to AARP, Floridians over 50 lost more than $258 million to scams in 2025 alone. Nationwide figures are likely higher, though exact numbers are still being collected. This consumer alert explains what’s happening, why older adults are a frequent target, and what you can do to reduce your risk.

What happened

On April 24, 2026, CBS News aired a consumer alert highlighting the surge in fraud cases among adults 50 and older, with a particular focus on technology‑based schemes. The report built on AARP’s data showing that in Florida—a state with a large older population—over $258 million was stolen last year through scams that often started with a phone call, email, or pop‑up ad. The most common tactics include:

  • Tech support fraud: A caller claims your computer has a virus and asks for remote access or payment to fix it.
  • Phishing emails: Messages that appear to be from a bank, government agency, or well‑known retailer, asking you to click a link or provide personal information.
  • Imposter calls: Someone pretending to be a grandchild in trouble, a utility company demanding payment, or the IRS threatening legal action.
  • Fake shopping sites: Websites that look legitimate but never deliver the goods after you pay.

Why it matters

Older adults are not more gullible than other age groups, but several factors make them a frequent target. Many have accumulated savings and own homes, which scammers see as attractive. They may also be less familiar with newer technology and more trusting of callers who sound official. Isolation—whether social or geographic—can make a person more likely to engage with a persistent caller or reply to an urgent‑sounding email.

The financial impact is only part of the story. Victims often suffer emotional distress, loss of independence, and damage to their credit that can take years to repair. Because scammers constantly adjust their methods, staying informed is an ongoing task.

What readers can do

You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect yourself. Here are concrete steps to recognize and stop common technology scams.

Red flags to watch for

  • Unsolicited contact from someone claiming to be from a company or agency you already do business with.
  • Pressure to act immediately—scammers create urgency to bypass your skepticism.
  • Requests for payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate organizations almost never demand these methods.
  • Offers that seem too good to be true, such as “free grants” or “guaranteed investment returns.”

If you think you’re being scammed

  • Hang up or close the message. Do not engage further.
  • Do not send money or provide personal information.
  • Contact your bank or credit card company immediately if you have already shared account details.
  • Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your local police. Even small reports help authorities track patterns.
  • If the scam involved your computer, disconnect it from the internet and have a trusted technician check it.

Prevention tips

  • Install reputable security software and keep it updated.
  • Use two‑factor authentication on financial and email accounts.
  • Set up call blocking through your phone provider or a third‑party app. Many landline services now offer free scam call filtering.
  • Never give remote access to your computer to someone who calls you unexpectedly. If you need help, call a known support number.
  • Talk to older relatives about common scams. A simple conversation can prevent a costly mistake.

Where to get help

  • The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (1‑877‑908‑3360) provides free support to anyone, not just AARP members.
  • The FTC website has a section specifically for older consumers: consumer.ftc.gov/features/scams‑older‑consumers.
  • Local senior centers and libraries often host scam‑awareness workshops.

Sources

  • CBS News, “Consumer Alert: Fraud cases are on the rise for people 50+ especially through technology,” April 24, 2026.
  • AARP, “AARP sounding the alarm on rise of fraud for Floridians over 50, with over $258 million reportedly stolen in 2025,” reported via CBS News, April 24, 2026.
  • Federal Trade Commission, consumer advice on avoiding tech support scams and imposter calls.