Resources to Prevent Senior Scams in Delaware County

Did you know that $12.5 billion was lost to fraud in 2024?

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), older adults are more likely to lose large amounts of money to scams (more than $100,000) when compared to younger consumers. There were 2.6 million fraud reports in 2024, with 1/3 of victims losing money as a result. 24% of those victims were 70-79 year-olds. Seniors are a common target for scammers, as many have financial savings, good credit, and may own a home, making them an ideal victim.

Experiencing a scam can be damaging to health and family dynamics. As loved ones return home to celebrate the holidays, we want to equip you with information about different types of scams, what you should do if you or a loved one is scammed, and how to report scams.

What Are Common Scams Impacting Seniors?

Scammers may reach out to seniors through devices like computers, phones, and tablets, or they may try to scam a victim in person. Common elder fraud schemes include:

• Romance Scams: Scammers pretend to have romantic interest in victims to earn their trust. They may contact victims through social media or dating websites.
• Tech Support Scams: Scammers claim they are reaching out to fix computer issues, but then gain remote access to victims’ devices and steal personal information.
• Grandparent Scams: Scammers pose as a victim’s child or grandchild, pretending to be in financial need but then steal money or information.
• Government Impersonation Scams: Scammers lie that they are government employees with the intent to arrest the victim if they don’t provide money.
• Charity Scams: Scammers claim to work for charitable organizations to earn trust.
• Sweepstakes/Lottery Scams: Scammers pretend that a victim has won a lottery or sweepstakes that is not real.
• Home Repair Scams: Scammers may show up at a victim’s residence and charge them for services that they don’t provide.

How Can I Protect Myself and My Loved Ones from Senior Scams?

There are several steps you can take to prevent being scammed:

• Stay cautious of phone calls, mail, and door-to-door interactions that you weren’t expecting.
• Create a shared phrase that only you and those close to you know, in case someone calls trying to impersonate them.
• Avoid giving money and information to unverified people and businesses.
• Research the person contacting you about money or information to see if they are real.
• Double-check what you’re clicking on or downloading before you take the action.
• If you see a pop-up or locked screen on your device, disconnect from the internet and shut it down.
• If you recognize that you are being scammed, end all communication with the scammer.

What Should I Do If I’m Scammed?

If you think you or a loved one may be the victim of a scam, there are several options to report it. You can:

• File a complaint at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center here.
• Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360.
• Report scams, companies, and unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you’re a Delco resident and suspect elder abuse, you can make an anonymous report 24/7 to the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) Protective Services Program.

How Can Griswold Help?

At Griswold Home Care for Delaware County, our Caregivers provide a variety of services, including companionship, personal care, respite care, and more. Located in Havertown, our team can help you and your loved ones Live Assured where you love to be. Give us a call to learn more today.