Protect Yourself from New Scams

Scammers Are Targeting Older Virginians.
Here’s How to Protect Yourself.

Imagine getting a frantic phone call from your grandson. He’s been in an accident, needs money immediately, and begs you not to tell his parents. The voice sounds just like him. But is it?

Today’s scammers are increasingly sophisticated, using technology, emotional manipulation, and even artificial intelligence to trick people into handing over their money.

And older Virginians are paying a steep price.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, Virginians age 60 and older reported losing more than $106 million to online fraud in 2024, placing Virginia 11th in the nation for total reported losses among older adults. The FBI received 3,841 complaints from older Virginians that year.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) recently highlighted several common financial scams targeting older adults. Here are five to watch for, and how to protect yourself.

1. The Grandparent Scam

A caller pretends to be a grandchild or another loved one in trouble. They may claim to have been arrested, injured, or stranded and urgently need money. Scammers can even use artificial intelligence to imitate a family member’s voice.

Protect yourself: Hang up and call your loved one directly using a number you already know. Never send money based solely on an unexpected phone call, no matter how convincing or urgent it sounds.

2. Fake Bank and Financial Alerts 

You receive a text, email, or phone call claiming suspicious activity on your bank account. The message directs you to click a link, provide your password, or transfer money to protect your savings.

Protect yourself: Never provide account information or passwords in response to an unexpected message. Contact your financial institution directly using the number on your bank card or statement.

3. Tech Support Scams

A message suddenly appears on your computer screen, warning that your device has been infected with a virus. You’re instructed to call a number for immediate assistance. The person answering may request payment or remote access to your computer.

Protect yourself: Don’t call the number in the pop-up or allow an unfamiliar person to access your device. Contact a trusted technology professional if you need assistance.

4. Government Impersonation Scams

Someone claiming to represent Social Security, Medicare, or the IRS calls with alarming news: your benefits are about to be suspended, or you owe money and could face arrest unless you act immediately.

Protect yourself: Government agencies will not demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers to avoid arrest or keep your benefits. Hang up and contact the agency directly through its official phone number.

5. Romance Scams

An online friendship or romantic relationship develops over weeks or months. Once trust is established, the person begins asking for money to cover an emergency, medical bills, or travel expenses. Some scammers maintain these relationships for months or even years.

Protect yourself: Be cautious when someone you’ve met online requests money, particularly if you’ve never met in person. Discuss the situation with someone you trust before sending funds.

The Biggest Red Flag? Pressure to Act Immediately

Although scams take many forms, they usually have one thing in common: urgency.

Scammers want you to act before you have time to think, ask questions, or verify their story. They may threaten you, frighten you, or appeal to your desire to help someone you love.

Remember: It’s always OK to hang up, slow down, and check the facts.

What If You’ve Already Been Scammed?

Don’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking help. Financial fraud can happen to anyone, regardless of age, education, or experience.

If you believe you’ve been scammed:

• Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the fraud and ask whether transactions can be stopped or reversed.
• Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Report suspected online fraud to the FBI at IC3.gov.
• If you suspect financial exploitation of an older adult in Virginia, contact Adult Protective Services at 1-888-832-3858.

Protecting Your Independence Starts With Staying Informed

At Senior Services, we know financial security is an important part of aging independently. Losing money to fraud can affect an older adult’s ability to afford housing, food, transportation, and other essentials.

One of the simplest ways to protect yourself and others is to talk about scams. Share what you’ve learned with friends, neighbors, and family members. A conversation today could prevent a devastating financial loss tomorrow.

If you or a loved one has been scammed and would like to share the experience to help others, call us at 757-461-9481.

Sources: Adapted from information provided by the National Council on Aging in The Top 5 Financial Scams Targeting Older Adults (August 2026). Virginia fraud statistics are from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, 2024 data.