Latest Scam Alerts

There's been a significant increase in scammers calling seniors claiming to be Microsoft or Apple technicians. The callers say your computer has a virus or other problems and ask for remote access or payment to fix "critical issues."

How it works: The scammer might:

• Claim they detected viruses or errors from your computer
• Insist you need to act immediately to prevent data loss
• Ask for remote access to your computer
• Request payment via gift cards or wire transfer

What to do: Hang up immediately. Legitimate tech companies don't call people unsolicited about computer problems. If you're concerned about your device, contact the company directly using the official number from their website.

Scammers are increasingly calling seniors pretending to be grandchildren in trouble, asking for money to be wired immediately. This scam plays on emotions and creates a false sense of urgency.

Common scenario: The caller might:

• Claim to be your grandchild or their lawyer/doctor
• Say they've been in an accident or arrested
• Ask you not to tell other family members (to prevent verification)
• Request immediate wire transfers or gift cards

What to do: Always verify by calling your family member directly on their known phone number. Ask personal questions only the real person would know. Never wire money based solely on a phone call.

A new text message (SMS) campaign is targeting seniors in Europe, especially in the UK, Germany, and France. The messages claim to be from major banks and state that your account has been compromised or temporarily suspended.

How to identify: The messages typically:

• Come from unknown phone numbers (not your bank's official number)
• Contain urgent language about account security
• Include links to fake websites that look like your bank's
• Ask for full banking credentials, card details, or personal information

What to do: Never click links in text messages claiming to be from your bank. Instead, open your banking app directly or call the number on the back of your card if you're concerned about your account.

With tax season underway, there's been a surge in fake emails claiming to be from tax authorities (IRS in the US, HMRC in the UK, etc.) stating that you're eligible for a tax refund.

Warning signs: These emails typically:

• Come from email addresses that look official but aren't (e.g., refund@irs-gov.com instead of @irs.gov)
• Contain grammar or spelling errors
• Ask for bank account information to "deposit your refund"
• Request personal information like Social Security numbers

What to do: Tax authorities typically communicate via postal mail, not email, about refunds. Delete these emails and if you're expecting a refund, check your status through the official tax authority website directly.

Scammers are calling seniors claiming to be from Medicare, saying they need to issue a new Medicare card. In reality, this is an attempt to collect personal and financial information.

How the scam works: The caller might:

• Claim there are new Medicare cards being issued
• Say you need to verify your identity with your Social Security number
• Ask for your Medicare number and banking information
• Request payment for the "new card" (Medicare cards are free)

What to do: Hang up immediately. Medicare representatives will never call you unsolicited to issue a new card or ask for your Medicare number over the phone. If you're concerned about your Medicare card, call the official Medicare number at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).