5 Common Online Scams Targeting Seniors and How to Avoid Them

The internet has made it very easy to shop online, manage finances, and connect with loved ones. But at the same time, it has led to the rise of clever scams that can catch you off guard. Fraudsters are now using emails, calls, and social media to pretend to be trustworthy while trying to steal your personal information or money. Learning about the common internet scams in 2026 can help you spot them quickly and stay safe online.

Phishing Emails

When pulling off a phishing scam, scammers often pretend to be representatives of legitimate entities whose services you are availing. These could include your bank, insurance provider, delivery service, healthcare provider, or even a government agency. While they send you messages and emails that look and sound real, they are not. The emails usually have fake company logos and are written in professional-sounding language to make them appear legitimate to you. Their goal is really to win your trust, get your personal or financial details, and then misuse them.

How Phishing Works

• You get an email or text message that seems like a warning, such as a problem with your account or a missed payment.
• The scammer then sends you a link to resolve this problem. The link appears legitimate but leads you to a fake website where you are forced to share personal information, including passwords, account numbers, or Social Security details.

How to Spot Phishing Emails and Messages

• The text has spelling and grammar mistakes.
• It comes from suspicious or unfamiliar email addresses and phone numbers.
• There are links or attachments you did not expect to receive.
• The email or message uses urgent language, such as “verify now” or “your account will be closed.”

How to Protect Yourself

• Avoid opening links and downloading attachments from unknown emails and text messages.
• Use spam filters in your inbox and keep safety software up to date on all your gadgets.
• Block the phone number and email address from which you are receiving the phishing mail or message.
• Be wary of messages that put pressure on you to act quickly or share personal information.
• Use password managers and digital lockers to safeguard your personal and financial information.

Imposter Scams

Some scammers take a more personal approach when targeting seniors with online scams. They pretend to be someone you are likely to trust, such as a family member, government official, utility worker, or tech support agent. On the call, they sound quite convincing by sharing small details about your life, making it easy to believe their story. Then, they trap you by asking for money or personal information.

Common Examples

• You get a call from someone who claims to be your grandchild who is “in trouble” and needs money.
• You get fake IRS or Social Security messages demanding immediate payment.
• A phony tech support agent agrees to fix your computer or phone problem remotely, while stealing your personal information stored on your device.

How to Identify Them

• Scammers who pretend to be someone else usually use urgent and emotional language to pressure you. It is an easy giveaway that can help you spot a scam email or phone call.
• They generally avoid answering detailed questions that you ask them during the conversation. This is done to try to rush you into doing what they want.
• When they ask for money, they tell you to pay through unusual methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

How to Protect Yourself

• Scammers want you to act fast, so pause before you react.
• Whenever you suspect an imposter call, hang up immediately. Then call or message the real person or organization directly using legitimate and verified contact details.

Digital Arrest or “You’re Under Investigation” Scams

Digital arrest usually happens through a call. The caller, who claims to be someone from law enforcement, says that you are “under investigation.” They pretend that there has been suspicious activity linked to your device or identity and scare you into sending money or sharing personal information.

Common Tactics

• You receive a call from a number that looks official, and the caller provides a fake case number.
• The caller threatens you with arrest, bank account freezing, or legal consequences. They use aggressive language demanding instant action.
• To “settle” the issue, they ask you to transfer money through untraceable methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

How to Protect Yourself

• Stay calm and end the call or delete the message immediately.
• Report the scam to your local authorities or the FTC.

Fake Friend Trap (Social Media Scams)

Social media is a great platform to connect with friends, family, and communities. But it is also where scammers lurk and plot their social engineering tactics. They create fake profiles, posing as friends, distant acquaintances, or even potential romantic partners, and then reach out by sending friendly messages, sharing photos, or commenting on your posts. To further build trust and gain sympathy, they share emotional stories, such as an illness, a sudden emergency, or a lost job.

Signs to Watch For

• Most fake profiles have few photos, limited friends, and information that does not add up.
• The messages quickly shift from casual chatting to personal or romantic topics.
• They ask for financial help or private details, such as your address or banking information.

How to Protect Yourself

• Before continuing the conversation, verify the person’s identity through mutual friends, phone calls, or video chats.
• Be careful if someone you have met online suddenly asks for financial help or personal information.
• Adjust your privacy settings to let only people you know view your posts and personal details.

Online Shopping and Marketplace Scams

Almost everything, from household tools to rare collectibles, can be bought online. Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of this. They set up fake stores or pretend to be sellers on popular marketplaces. Their deals often look tempting, but the orders never arrive or are cheap fake versions. They generally ask to pay by unconventional methods, such as wire transfers, prepaid cards, or apps that offer no buyer protection.

How to Spot Them

• Deals look too good to be true, especially on products like designer goods and electronics that usually have higher price tags.
• The seller has no reviews or selling history.
• The product descriptions use vague language and have spelling or grammar errors.
• The seller asks you to move the conversation away from the official shopping site.

How to Protect Yourself

• Buy from reputable websites and trusted marketplace sellers that have verified profiles and positive reviews.
• Pay through secure methods, such as credit cards or official payment systems that offer fraud protection.
• Read the product and seller reviews carefully and question anything that looks suspicious.
• Keep copies of receipts, emails, or chat records in case you need to dispute a transaction. This is an effective yet often overlooked fraud protection tip.