Common Scams Impacting Seniors in Lehigh Valley

Adults in their 60s lost $1.18 billion to fraud in 2024.

While the number of fraudulent scam reports has remained consistent year after year, the amount of money lost to fraud grows. Data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows that $12.5 billion was lost to scams in 2024 across the United States. This is a 23% increase from 2023.

Scammers may reach out through phone calls, social media, or email in an attempt to manipulate a victim into sending money or personal information. Unfortunately, older adults are more likely than other age groups to have their money stolen through scams. This can negatively impact their mental and physical health as well as family dynamics.

At Griswold Home Care for Lehigh Valley, your safety is our priority. Below, you will find common scam examples, signs to watch for, and the steps to take if you are scammed.

Scams to Watch Out For

Here are some of the most common scams targeting older adults:

• Business or Charity Imposter Scam: This scam commonly impacts those 60 and older. Victims may be contacted by fake businesses or charities asking for money, gift cards, or personal information.
• Grandparent Scam: Scammers may impersonate a grandchild or someone trying to help a grandchild to convince victims to send money.
• Government Impersonation or Imposter Scam: Victims receive communication from someone claiming to represent the IRS or Social Security Administration in an attempt to collect personal information.
• Health Insurance or Medicare Scam: Medicare is available to U.S. citizens aged over 65, so that age group is a target for scammers who impersonate Medicare agents to obtain personal information.

The most common scam reported in 2024 was the Imposter Scam. Losses to Government Impersonation or Imposter Scams grew from $171 million in 2023 to $789 million in 2024.

How to Avoid Scams

Scammers may claim they saw suspicious financial activity, that your information is being used, or that your computer was hacked. Here are some tips to avoid scams:

• If a suspicious government agency or business contacts you, hang up and verify their contact information.
• If you think a scammer is trying to impersonate someone you know, contact that person to verify.
• Never send money to someone you were not expecting to hear from.

Signs that someone has been impacted by fraud may include unusual withdrawals from accounts or signing over large assets like one’s home to another person. If you or someone you know has been impacted by a scam, you can report it to the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Adult Protective Services Elder Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 at 800-490-8505.

Griswold Is Here to Help

Our Caregivers are here for you and your loved ones. Through our in-home care services like Companionship care, our team can help you navigate online safety and avoid potential scammers. We proudly serve Bethlehem, Allentown, and all surrounding areas located in the Lehigh Valley, and would be happy to create a personalized care plan for you today. When you’re ready, give us a call!