08/21/2026
National Senior Citizens Day 💙
Today, we’re recognizing the older adults in our community and reminding everyone to help protect them from fraud.
Scammers often target seniors by using fear, trust, and a sense of urgency to convince them to send money or share personal information. Have an open conversation with the seniors in your life about the scams they may encounter. Knowing what to watch for could prevent a devastating loss.
🚨 Some common scams targeting seniors include:
• Lottery & Sweepstakes Scams: You’re told you won a prize, but must pay a fee or provide financial information to claim it.
• Grandparent Scams: Someone pretends to be a grandchild or loved one in trouble and urgently asks for money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• Government & Utility Scams: A scammer claims to be from a government agency or utility company and threatens arrest, shutoff, or other consequences unless you pay immediately.
• Tech Support Scams: A scammer pretends to be technical support and claims your computer has a problem, often attempting to gain access to your device or personal information.
• Romance Scams: A scammer builds an online relationship and eventually asks for money, gifts, or personal information.
REMEMBER: Government agencies will NEVER demand payment through Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or other unusual payment methods.
If someone claims to be from the IRS, Social Security, police department, court, or another government agency and tells you to withdraw cash or deposit money into a Bitcoin or cryptocurrency ATM, it’s a scam.
Government agencies will not threaten you with arrest or other consequences because you refuse to make an immediate payment. Stop, hang up, and verify the request through an official phone number or website.
When in doubt, slow down and talk to a trusted family member or friend before sending money or sharing personal information. A few extra minutes could save you from becoming a victim.
If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of elder fraud, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311).
For more information and tips on recognizing and avoiding scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission.
Protecting our seniors starts with a conversation.