Americans over 60 are a top target for imposter scammers — how to guard against 6 common types of this fraud

Have you received an unexpected call from the IRS threatening legal action? Chances are it wasn’t the real tax authority—it was more likely an imposter scam. This form of fraud has seen a dramatic rise in recent years.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), “An imposter scam is when a scammer lies and pretends to be someone they’re not to trick you into giving them money, access to your financial accounts, or your personal information.”

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The tactics employed in these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminals developing clever strategies to convince potential victims that they are representing legitimate government agencies or institutions.

So, what do these scams entail, and how can you safeguard yourself against them?

Here are six of the most prevalent types of imposter scams:

Government impersonation scams: Remember that legitimate government agencies usually reach out through official letters before making contact via phone or email. If you receive an unexpected call or text, treat it with suspicion. Scammers often impersonate the IRS, claiming you owe money and threatening legal action, or they might pose as someone from the Social Security Administration who promises to increase your benefits.

Unemployment scams: In some cases, scammers may exploit your personal information to unlawfully file for unemployment benefits under your name.

Grandparent scams: Elderly individuals are often targeted as fraudsters pretend to be their grandchildren or other relatives in dire need of quick financial assistance. They typically gather personal information via social media or purchase it from other cybercriminals. This type of fraud can be very convincing, as scammers may fake caller IDs and even use AI to mimic voices.

Charity scams: In these scams, fraudsters impersonate charities, soliciting donations and insisting on payment methods like cash, gift cards, or wire transfers, which are less secure than traditional methods such as credit cards or checks.

Tech support scams: Scammers may pose as IT professionals, claiming there are issues with your computer’s security. They might persuade you to allow them control of your device remotely, posing a risk to your personal data.