Dear Friend,

Every day, there are people out there who wake up with one goal: to take advantage of people like you. They target those who have worked hard, saved carefully, and trust the world to be as honest as they are. These criminals are ruthless, and they’re getting better at what they do.

Do you know how to spot a scam before it’s too late? The truth is, even the smartest, most careful people can fall victim to these schemes. And the cost isn’t just financial—it can shake your confidence and peace of mind.

Take Margaret, for example. She’s 78 and had always handled her finances responsibly. One day, she got a call from “the IRS,” claiming she owed back taxes. The man on the phone sounded official and threatened her with arrest if she didn’t pay immediately. Panicked, Margaret wired $5,000. By the time she realized it was a scam, her money was gone—and so was her trust in herself.

Sadly, Margaret’s story is far from unique. Scammers know how to prey on fear, trust, and confusion. Let me show you some of the most common scams targeting seniors today and how you can protect yourself.

  1. The “Grandparent Scam” – Using Love and Fear Against You

Imagine this: Your phone rings late at night. A panicked voice on the other end says, “Grandma, it’s me! I’m in trouble and need money right away.” In the moment, you might not stop to question whether it’s really your grandchild—that’s exactly what these scammers are counting on.

They’ll claim to need money for bail, medical bills, or another emergency. Often, they’ll beg you not to tell anyone. Driven by fear and love, many seniors send money before realizing it was all a lie.

How to Protect Yourself: If you get a call like this, take a deep breath and don’t act immediately. Verify the story by calling a trusted family member or the grandchild directly.

  1. Medicare Fraud – Exploiting Your Trust

Many scammers pretend to be from Medicare, claiming they need to “verify” your information or offer unnecessary medical equipment. Once they have your Medicare number, they can use it to bill for fake services, which could impact your ability to get legitimate care later.

How to Protect Yourself: Medicare will never call to ask for personal information. If you’re unsure about a call, hang up and contact Medicare directly.

  1. Tech Support Scams – Turning Confusion Into Profit

“Your computer has a virus,” the voice says. “We can fix it, but you need to pay now.” These scams often start with a pop-up on your computer screen or a cold call. Many seniors, unfamiliar with technology, panic and pay hundreds or thousands of dollars for “repairs” that were never needed.

How to Protect Yourself: Never trust unsolicited tech support calls or pop-ups. If you’re unsure, call a trusted family member or friend for advice before acting.

  1. Romance Scams – Preying on Loneliness

Loneliness is something scammers exploit. They create fake profiles on dating websites or social media, pretending to be someone looking for love. Over time, they build trust and affection, only to fabricate a crisis that requires money. Once they’ve drained their victim’s finances, they disappear.

How to Protect Yourself: Be cautious with online relationships. If someone you’ve never met in person is asking for money, it’s almost certainly a scam.

  1. Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams – The “Big Win” That Never Comes

“Congratulations, you’ve won $1,000,000!” Who wouldn’t be thrilled? Scammers use letters, calls, or emails claiming you’ve won a prize, but they’ll say you need to pay “taxes” or “fees” upfront to claim it. Once you send the money, the prize never arrives.

How to Protect Yourself: Remember that legitimate sweepstakes never ask for money upfront. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

The Emotional Toll of Scams

Losing money to a scam is devastating, but the emotional damage can be even worse. Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed when they realize they’ve been scammed. This shame can keep them from telling anyone, allowing the criminals to keep targeting others.

That’s why it’s so important to have open conversations about scams. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to speak up. Scammers rely on fear and silence—don’t give them the advantage.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

I’ve seen the heartbreaking aftermath of scams, and I can’t stress this enough: prevention is the best defense. Take time to learn about these risks and share what you know with your loved ones. If you’re worried about protecting yourself or your assets, I can help.

As an attorney specializing in elder law, I work with people just like you to create safeguards that protect their finances and peace of mind. Together, we can ensure you have the support and security you need to live your golden years without fear.

Call my office at 770-285-5493 to schedule a consultation.

Sincerely and Thanks,

Mike

Mike Bascom

Bascom Law, PC

Estate Planning & Elder Law