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National Council on Aging logo. We believe every person deserves to age well. That’s why we’re on a path to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030.

Scam and Fraud Prevention

Older adults lose billions of dollars each year to scams and fraud. If you're a professional working with seniors, our tools and tips can help you spot common scams, educate older adults about financial exploitation, and explain how to report suspected fraud.
For Professionals
A close up shot of a a person holding a phone that has a malware pop-up warning.

Steps to Avoiding Scams: Savvy Saving Seniors Financial Education Module

Jul 10, 2023
This toolkit provides an overview of popular scams targeting seniors, tips for avoiding them, and next steps for victims of financial fraud.

What Are the Top Online Scams Targeting Older Adults?

Jul 17, 2024
Older adults are frequent targets of payment scams. Learn what red flags to look out for, so you can keep yourself or a senior you know safe.

3 Ways to Stop Scammers in Their Tracks

Jul 17, 2024
Scammers use certain tricks to engage and manipulate older adults. Learn more about their techniques and how you and your loved ones can stay safe.

How the Government Is Securing SNAP Benefits from Scammers

May 24, 2024
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a rapid rise in the theft of government benefits, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A proposed federal law would require all SNAP EBT cards to have security chips to prevent hackers from stealing benefits from older adults.

Medicare Scams and How to Defend Against Them

Oct 05, 2023
Because Medicare scams are becoming more common, we're sharing tools and tips to help you spot a scam and protect yourself and those you care about.

Scam Prevention Resources to Share with Older Adults

How to Create Strong Passwords: A Simple Guide

Nov 10, 2021
A senior Black female is using her laptop at her kitchen table, thinking about how to create a great password for her email.

How to Prevent Phishing Scams: A Guide for Seniors

Dec 09, 2021

Protecting Yourself Against Tech Support Scams

Jan 19, 2022

Sweetheart Scams: How to Avoid Being a Victim

Feb 07, 2022

Government Imposter Scams: What They Are and How to Spot Them

Nov 20, 2023
A young female caregiver helps her grandmother with her financial paperwork.

5 Business Imposter Scams to Watch Out For in 2024

May 23, 2024
Business imposter scams prey on consumers who put their trust in familiar brands and organizations. Learn how older adults can spot these scams and protect themselves.

The Top 5 Financial Scams

Financial scams targeting older adults can be devastating, leaving you in a vulnerable position and without time to recoup your losses. Learn how to identify and stop the top 10 financial scams.

A close up shot of a stack of credit cards.

Join Zelle during WEAAD!

Partnership Spotlight

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.

Read the Press Release

Junk or Not? How to Sort Your Medicare Mail

Sep 12, 2024
Older Hispanic man getting mail out of his mailbox outside.

The Top 5 Financial Scams Targeting Older Adults

Dec 08, 2023

Becoming ResourceFULL: Savvy Saving Seniors Financial Education

Jul 10, 2023

How to Improve Your Personal Cyber Security

Jul 06, 2023

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