Help Take Action Against Online Scams
6 Tips to Help Older Adults to Prevent Online Scams
for Online Scams Targeting Older Adults
for Ways to Protect Yourself
for Sending Money Online
for Ways to Stop Scammers
for Social Media & Conversations Online
for Spotting Business Imposters
NCOA and Zelle® Team Up for Scam Prevention Education
For World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and beyond, Early Warning Services, LLC, the company behind Zelle®, and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) launched a national campaign to educate and empower older adults with knowledge on how to spot and avoid online scams.
Online payment scams targeting older adults are on the rise. In fact, in 2023, most internet fraud complaints were filed by adults age 60+, with losses in that group reaching a staggering $3.4 billion.1
But we’re taking action, shining a light on financial abuse in the form of online payment scams and we need your help.
What is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)?
Highlighted every June 15, WEAAD aims to raise awareness about the abuse and neglect some older adults may experience. It serves as a reminder to governments, organizations, and communities to take steps to prevent elder abuse and protect the rights and dignity of seniors worldwide.
Awareness can stop and prevent online scams in your community
We invite you to explore our scam tips, resources, and corresponding social media copy to help educate older adults in identifying scams and finding ways to protect themselves. If you like these resources, share them.
Click on the bullets to jump to each tip, grab the social media messaging and graphics, and help us get the word out to your community:
- Scam Tip #1: Pause and Reflect (for online scams targeting older adults)
- Scam Tip #2: Understand the Psychology (for ways to protect against online scams)
- Scam Tip #3: Confirm Information (for how to send money safely online)
- Scam Tip #4: Report It (for ways to stop online scammers)
- Scam Tip #5: Limit Your Details (for how to stay safe when having conversations online)
- Scam Tip #6: Contact the Business (for how to spot business imposter scams)
- Tips for Maximizing the Reach of Your WEAAD Scam Prevention Social Posts
Scam Tip #1: Online Scams Targeting Older Adults
Download the graphics for Scam Tip #1: Pause and Reflect by platform below Instagram (Square) - Scam Tip 1 Facebook/LinkedIn - Scam Tip 1 X - Scam Tip 1 | |
| Social Platform | Sample Messaging Copy to Use |
|
Scam Tip #1 on Facebook/Instagram |
90-year-old Phyllis didn’t bank on getting scammed. But after accepting “help” from thieves posing as tech support reps, she lost $20,000 of her savings. #PaymentScams like this are on the rise—and #OlderAdults are a frequent target. But knowing the red flags can help you protect yourself. Learn how you can protect yourself today.👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/4bB8kyU |
| Scam Tip #1 on LinkedIn |
90-year-old Phyllis was a trusting person. But after accepting “help” from #Scammers posing as tech support reps, she was defrauded of $20,000. People over 60 are especially vulnerable to #PaymentScams like this. Learn about the most common #Scams targeting #OlderAdults.👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/4bB8kyU |
| Scam Tip #1 on Threads |
After accepting “help” from con artists posing as tech support reps, 90-year-old Phyllis was scammed out of $20,000. People over 60 are especially vulnerable to payment scams like this. Discover the top online scams targeting older adults.👇 https://bit.ly/4bB8kyU |
| Scam Tip #1 on X |
After accepting “help” from thieves posing as tech support reps, 90-year-old Phyllis was #Scammed out of $20,000. Learn about the top #OnlineScams targeting #OlderAdults.👇#WEAAD https://bit.ly/4bB8kyU |
Scam Tip #2: Ways to Protect Yourself
Watch and share video on '3 Ways to Help Avoid an Online Scam' Download the graphics for Scam Tip #2: Understand the Psychology by platform below Instagram (Square) - Scam Tip 2 Facebook/LinkedIn - Scam Tip 2 X - Scam Tip 2 | |
| Social Platform | Sample Messaging Copy to Use |
| Scam Tip #2 on Facebook/Instagram |
Think a #OnlineScam can't happen to you? Think again. Criminals are getting more skilled—and they know how to manipulate your emotions. You can beat #Scammers at their own game by understanding the mind tricks they use. Here are the big ones to watch out for.👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/3yByrXL |
| Scam Tip #2 on LinkedIn |
When it comes to #PaymentScams, online scammers are getting craftier by the day. Their livelihood depends on deceiving and manipulating unsuspecting consumers. But knowledge is power. Learn the psychological tricks #Scammers use (and the steps #OlderAdults can take to outsmart them).👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/3yByrXL |
| Scam Tip #2 on Threads |
The manipulative techniques online scammers use are increasingly sophisticated. They excel at deceiving and manipulating unsuspecting consumers. But knowledge is power. Learn the psychological tricks scammers rely on (and the steps older adults can take to avoid falling for them).👇 https://bit.ly/3yByrXL |
| Scam Tip #2 on X |
Online #Scammers are getting craftier by the day—but knowledge is power. Learn the psychological tricks they use (and the steps #OlderAdults can take to outsmart them).👇#WEAAD https://bit.ly/3yByrXL |
Scam Tip #3: Sending Money Online
Download the graphics for Scam Tip #3: Confirm Information by platform below Instagram (Square) - Scam Tip 3 Facebook/LinkedIn - Scam Tip 3 X - Scam Tip 3 | |
| Social Platform | Sample Messaging Copy to Use |
| Scam Tip #3 on Facebook/Instagram |
Do you use Zelle, Venmo, or CashApp to send money? These #MoneyTransfer platforms can be a quick, easy way to send money to someone you know without carrying cash. They're also quite safe—as long as you understand how to use them wisely. Here are 5 safety tips to keep in mind when making digital payments.👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/4byaXSb |
| Scam Tip #3 on LinkedIn |
Venmo, Zelle, and CashApp can be a convenient way for #OlderAdults to send and receive money with people they know. And if they’re used wisely, they can be safe. Learn 5 tips to keep in mind when making digital payments.👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/4byaXSb |
| Scam Tip #3 on Threads |
From Venmo and Zelle to CashApp, digital payment services allow us to send money electronically to people we know. But it’s important to know how to use them wisely. Learn 5 tips older adults should keep in mind when making digital payments.👇https://bit.ly/4byaXSb |
| Scam Tip #3 on X |
Venmo, Zelle, and CashApp can be a convenient way for #OlderAdults to send money to people they know. But they must be used wisely. Learn 5 tips here.👇#WEAAD https://bit.ly/4byaXSb |
Scam Tip #4: Ways to Stop Scammers
Watch and share video on '3 Ways to Protect Yourself from Scams' Download the graphics for Scam Tip #4: Report It by platform below Instagram (Square) - Scam Tip 4 Facebook - Scam Tip 4 X - Scam Tip 4 | |
| Social Platform | Sample Messaging Copy to Use |
| Scam Tip #4 on Facebook/Instagram |
While digital tools have brought convenience to our lives, they’ve also opened new doors for scammers. Financial expert Amanda Clayman shares 3 techniques #Scammers use—and what you can do to stay financially safe.👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgelesshttps://bit.ly/3Km5CRQ |
| Scam Tip #4 on LinkedIn |
Modern-day technology makes finding information easier and simplifies many daily tasks. But it's also given #Scammers many more ways to exploit unaware older consumers. Financial wellness expert Amanda Clayman shares 3 examples of the techniques they use.👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/3Km5CRQ |
| Scam Tip #4 on Threads |
Online scams of all kinds are on the rise, and older adults are a frequent target for criminals. Financial wellness expert Amanda Clayman shares 3 common examples of the tactics they use.👇 https://bit.ly/3Km5CRQ |
| Scam Tip #4 on X |
Digital tools have given dishonest #Scammers more ways to exploit older consumers. A financial expert explains 3 deceptive tactics they use.👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/3Km5CRQ |
Scam Tip #5: Social Media & Conversations Online
Watch and share video on '3 Ways to Avoid Social Media Scams' ownload the graphics for Scam Tip #5: Limit Your Details by platform below Instagram (Square) - Scam Tip 5 Facebook - Scam Tip 5 X - Scam Tip 5 | |
| Social Platform | Sample Messaging Copy to Use |
| Scam Tip #5 on Facebook/Instagram |
For one Mississippi man, it started with a friendly conversation with an internet stranger. It ended with losing his life savings of over $500,000. Learn 9 warning signs of #InvestmentFraud, also known as a 'pig butchering' scam' and how you can stay safe when talking to people online.👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/4ceK85t |
| Scam Tip #5 on LinkedIn |
Have you heard of what's known as a 'pig butchering' scam? This growing type of #InvestmentFraud often targets older people, using the guise of friendship or romance to scam them out of significant sums. In fact, it cost one Mississippi man most of his life savings—to the tune of $500,000. Learn 9 warning signs of this #Scam and how #OlderAdults can protect themselves when talking to people online.👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/4ceK85t |
| Scam Tip #5 on Threads |
A 'pig butchering scam' is an especially devious type of investment fraud that often targets older people. It cost one Mississippi man most of his life savings—to the tune of $500,000. Learn 9 red flags associated with this scam, plus strategies older adults can use to stay safe when talking to people online.👇 https://bit.ly/4ceK85t |
| Scam Tip #5 on X |
Investment fraud, often called 'pig butchering' scams are one of the latest #FinancialScams targeting #OlderAdults. Learn how to stay safe when talking to people online.👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/4ceK85t |
Scam Tip #6: Spotting Business Imposters
Download the graphics for Scam Tip #6: Contact the Business by platform below Instagram (Square) - Scam Tip 6 Facebook - Scam Tip 6 X - Scam Tip 6 | |
| Social Platform | Sample Messaging Copy to Use |
| Scam Tip #6 on Facebook/Instagram |
You probably get calls, texts, or emails from familiar businesses each day. But the caller or sender may not be from a real company at all. Worse, they could be out to steal your money or your personal information. Here’s what you need to know about business #ImposterScams (and how to avoid them).👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/4aGPchJ |
| Scam Tip #6 on LinkedIn |
Whether carried out by phone, text, email, or social media, business #ImposterScams capitalize on the trust consumers have in familiar brands and companies.👇 Learn how these #Scams work and the steps #OlderAdults can take to protect themselves. #WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/4aGPchJ |
| Scam Tip #6 on Threads |
What is a business imposter scam? It’s when con artists pose as trusted brands or organizations to part consumers from their hard-earned money. Help the older adults in your community protect themselves with these actionable tips.👇 https://bit.ly/4aGPchJ |
| Scam Tip #6 on X |
Business #ImposterScams prey on consumer trust in familiar brands and companies. Learn how they work—and steps #OlderAdults can take to protect themselves.👇#WEAAD #EmpowermentIsAgeless https://bit.ly/4aGPchJ |
Tips for Maximizing the Reach of Your Scams Prevention Social Posts
Using social media best practices can help more people see your posts and carry the message of this campaign further. Below are some tips.
- Use the @ sign on each social media platform to tag your and NCOA’s social handles:
- Facebook at @ncoaging
- Instagram at @ncoaging
- LinkedIn at @national-council-on-aging
- Threads at @ncoaging
- X (formerly known as Twitter) at @ncoaging
- Post often—but try to schedule posts on each platform at times your audience is active and most likely to see them.
- Use the bitly links the NCOA team has provided so we can monitor the effectiveness of our campaign through click volume.
- Search using the #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay, #WEAAD, and #ElderAbuse hashtags to find other organizations and thought leaders talking about the topic of elder abuse.
- Where you can, try to incorporate the following hashtags, where character count allows: #WeAgeWell, #EquityinAging, #EquityPromise (if you can only have one, please include #WeAgeWell).
- Limit your hashtag use to 3-5 per post (using too many could give the impression your post is spam).
- Try a mix of popular and more specialized hashtags: Popular ones can help you reach more users, while focused hashtags can help you connect with a targeted audience.
- Feel free to adjust the social posts in our WEAAD toolkit—or add new ones—that reflect what your organization will be doing to observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day this year, as well as other opportunities beyond WEAAD.
This content on online scams was developed in partnership with Zelle®. Zelle and the Zelle related marks are property of Early Warning Services, LLC.
Source
1. Federal Bureau of Investigation. Internet Crime Report 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2023_IC3Report.pdf
Join Zelle during WEAAD!
See why Zelle is partnering with NCOA on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to take steps to prevent abuse and protect the rights older adults worldwide.
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