This component is vital if you’re a senior or assisting one shop online.
Scammers don’t just go after anyone. They are going after seniors on purpose. Why? Older people tend to shop more carefully, trust people more easily, and may not always notice the symptoms of a phoney website or email.
I’ve seen this happen with my own clients. Some clicked a “Buy Now” button assuming it was Amazon, only to find out later that it was a scam site that stole their credit card information. Some people never realised that a pop-up that said their antivirus had “expired” was a scam.
There’s nothing wrong with it. These schemes are meant to fool smart people. And they’re changing quickly.
But the first step to protecting yourself is to recognise why you’re being attacked. Scammers think that older people don’t know as much about things like browser warnings, phoney URLs, or phishing messages. They believe that you are more inclined to trust a brand name without checking it out, or that you won’t report fraud even if something seems strange.
This handbook is here to make things fairer. No tech talk, no blaming. Just help that works.
Now let’s talk about the ten threats you should be aware of.
But first, have you or someone you know ever almost been duped when shopping online? I’d love to hear what you have to say. Please tell me in the comments. Someone else could avoid the same mistake because of what you went through.
Risk #1: Fake Online Stores That Disappear After Payment
You seek for something to buy, like shoes, a kitchen appliance, or a gift for your grandchild, and you come upon an offer that seems too good to be true. The site seems professional, and there is even a “Limited Time Offer” banner. You make the order. Then… nothing happened. No item. No money back. No answer.
This is one of the oldest online frauds, and it still works well, especially on older people who shop online. These bogus online stores show up rapidly, run aggressive marketing on social media, and disappear just as quickly after they have enough money.
A lot of older people I’ve worked with reported the site had a name like “ShopNowUSA” or “DealsDirect,” which seemed real. Some even mimicked the layout of real stores like Target or Amazon or made up reviews.
If you get an order confirmation but no tracking, or if the tracking never updates, that’s a sign that something is wrong. Another hint? They only take debit cards or ask for payment by wire transfer or prepaid gift cards.
What to do instead: Check it out before you buy. Put the word “scam” after the site’s name in a Google search. Check Reddit or Trustpilot to see if anyone else has talked about it. And whenever you can, shop at stores you know.
If this has occurred to you, you’re not alone. People who know a lot about technology nonetheless get caught. But after reading this, it will be much tougher to trick you.
Risk #2: Phishing Emails That Pretend to Be Order Confirmations
You check your email and see a message from “Amazon” or “BestBuy” that says, “Your order has been confirmed—click here to track.” What’s the problem? You never made an order.
The goal of these emails is to make people fear or want to know more. When you click the link, you go to a false login page where fraudsters steal your information. They can even install malware in the background without you knowing it.
This fraud works so effectively because it looks like something else. Seniors often fall for it not because they are negligent, but because it uses urgency and trust. I’ve seen emails that had actual logos, product images, and tracking numbers that looked real. They seemed like the real deal.
Scammers can get into your genuine accounts, change your passwords, and place orders with your saved payment information once they obtain your login information.
These tactics are similar to what’s used in medical fraud, which is also on the rise. You can learn how to spot those tricks in our in-depth guide on how to avoid health fraud targeting seniors.
How to find it:
- You don’t know what the thing is or where it is.
- The email address of the sender looks weird (like “orders@amzon-secure.com”).
- To “fix” a “problem” or “verify” your identity, it tells you to visit a link.
If you ever get one of these emails, don’t click on it. Type the URL yourself to go directly to the website instead. And if you’re not sure, send it to a family member or close friend to check it again.
It’s not about being good with technology; it’s about taking your time and safeguarding what’s yours.
Risk #3: Tech Support Pop-Ups That Freeze Your Screen
You can be reading the news or looking for recipes on the internet when your screen suddenly turns crimson. A pop-up says, “Your computer has a virus!” Get in touch with Microsoft Support right away. The mouse stops operating and there is a loud beeping sound.
This is not a warning about a virus. It’s a fraud, and many of elderly have fallen for it.
These bogus tech support pop-ups are meant to scare you. They lock your screen and tell you to contact a number. When you do, a scammer pretending to be “tech support” gets you to let them access your computer from afar. After then, they could steal your credentials, put malware on your computer, or charge you hundreds of dollars for “repair services” that don’t exist.
I know seniors who were told they had 3,000 viruses and had to do something right away. One person was even misled into granting access to her bank account because she thought her money was being moved to a “safe account.”
How to tell it’s not real:
- If you see a pop-up asking you to call a real company like Microsoft or Apple, they will never lock your screen.
- A loud alarm sound is usually always a sign of a fraud.
- They’ll ask for urgent remote access or payment using gift cards.
What to do: Turn off your computer. If you have to, hold down the power button. Don’t call the number. Talk to someone you trust before you do anything if you’re not sure.
These scams are mean because they play on your fear and need to act quickly. But now that you know how they work, you won’t fall for them.
Risk #4: Gift Card Scams Disguised as Urgent Requests
There is a call, text, or email that sounds important. It could say it’s from your bank, a government body, or even a family member. They say there’s a problem, and the only way to fix it is to buy gift cards and read them the codes.
It may sound bizarre, but when you’re in the moment, it can feel quite genuine.
I’ve talked to older people who were told their grandson was in jail and needed money for bail right now. One woman thought she was helping the IRS keep her Social Security from being frozen. In every case, they were told, “Go to the store, buy gift cards for Apple or Google Play, and read us the codes on the back.”
This scam works because it seems like it’s about you and it’s urgent. Scammers use fear, empathy, and a sense of urgency to get what they want. And after you spend a gift card, it’s almost impossible to find out where it came from.
Things to look out for:
- Anyone who asks you to pay using gift cards for whatever reason.
- Someone on the phone saying they work for the IRS, Medicare, or a tech company.
- Messages that say things like, “Do this now or your account will be locked.”
What to do: Legitimate businesses will never ask you to pay using gift cards. If someone does, hang up, delete the message, and call a friend or family member straight away.
You don’t have to explain to anyone why you stopped and looked. That break could save you a lot of money.
Risk #5: Scams from People You Know — Family, Friends, or Caregivers
Not all online scams start with someone you don’t know. Some of the worst stories I’ve read are about seniors who already know the people who hurt them—family members, friends, and even caregivers—taking advantage of their trust.
A grandchild will often ask for your Amazon login “just to order something.” A carer says they would “help pay bills online,” but instead they send money to their personal account. Or maybe a friend sets up your phone and then uses saved passwords without asking you first.
These aren’t necessarily cases of full-blown identity theft. Sometimes they do tiny things over and over, like making unauthorised purchases on Amazon, running bogus fundraisers, or even controlling your access to banking and social apps on your phone.
It’s hard to talk about this, but ignoring it makes you more open to attack.
Things to look for:
- You see odd charges, but no one can describe them correctly.
- A family member or acquaintance wants to take care of your accounts but won’t be honest about it.
- You feel nervous, but you don’t want to fight.
If something doesn’t feel right, believe your gut. You don’t need proof to start asking questions or making rules. Don’t disclose passwords with anybody, even family and friends, and make sure all of your accounts have multi-factor authentication. You might also want to have a neutral third party, such a lawyer or financial advisor, assist you manage access.
And if you’re supporting an older person with money or technology, be honest. It protects both sides and fosters trust.
Risk #6: “Too Good to Be True” Ads on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
You see it while you surf through Facebook or watch a movie on YouTube: a luxury recliner chair for $29.99, a hearing aid that is 80% off, or orthopaedic shoes that say they would get rid of joint problems. The ad seems real. There are thousands of likes, hundreds of shares, and even nice testimonial videos.
But here’s the truth: a lot of these ads are scams, and they are aimed at older people on purpose. They take you to dodgy websites that either sell cheap knockoffs or nothing at all. Some go away after you place your order. Some people keep billing your card every month.
Scammers know how to take advantage of people’s trouble points, such health, mobility, and comfort, and they offer “miracle” solutions at big discounts. That’s why they keep sending sponsored posts targeting towards seniors to sites like Facebook, Instagram, and even YouTube.
Why this is important:
- These frauds are hard to spot since they mix in with your usual scroll.
- They often pretend to be actual brands or bogus endorsements, like “As seen on Shark Tank.”
- If you click, your information could be collected, even if you don’t buy anything.
What to do:
- Before you buy, type the firm name into Google along with the words “scam” or “review.”
- If the website only takes credit cards and doesn’t have a phone number or return address, be careful.
If you’re not sure, ask a family member you trust to look it over. It only takes two minutes and might save you $50, $100, or more.
If you’re looking for tools that actually help with safety—unlike the fake products pushed in scammy ads—check out our guide on the best fall detection devices for seniors. These real-world tools can make a genuine difference.
You aren’t being too careful. You’re being smart.
Risk #7: Identity Theft Through Online Forms and “Free Gift” Surveys
You see a pop-up or ad when you’re online that says something like, “Take this short survey and get a free $50 Walmart gift card!”
Or it could be a notification saying you won something from a recent transaction.
It sounds safe. But as soon as you start filling up those forms with your name, email, address, and maybe even your phone number, you’re in trouble.
These bogus surveys are meant to get your personal information, little by bit. Scammers can then start applying for credit cards, opening accounts in your name, or targeting you with more personalised frauds once they have enough information.
The FTC’s 2024 study says that identity theft from collecting data online has gone up a lot, especially for people 60 and older. A bogus survey or sweepstakes was often the first item that led to a case.
Here’s why these scams are so dangerous:
- They appear like they belong to genuine businesses, including Walmart, Costco, and Amazon.
- They don’t always ask for personal information immediately away; it builds up over time.
- They typically have “fine print” that says you’re agreeing to share your information with “partners.”
I used to work with a retired teacher who included her phone number and zip code on a “senior discount” form. She got a lot of spam calls, fraudulent Medicare offers, and texts that looked like they were from her bank within a few days.
How to keep oneself safe:
- You should never fill out forms from adverts that say you can win prizes, gift cards, or free samples until you are on the official website.
- If something doesn’t seem right, trust your gut. Real businesses don’t give away $50 just for completing four questions.
- Use a garbage email account to join up for things or just browse the web (this alone gets rid of most of the scams).
Forms on the internet aren’t always what they seem. Don’t give it your information if you didn’t ask for it or look for it.
Instead of trusting shady online ads for miracle hearing aids, you’re better off learning the facts from reliable sources—like our piece on preventing hearing loss in seniors, which breaks it down clearly and honestly.
Risk #8: Auto-Renewing Subscriptions That Drain Your Wallet
You sign up for a free trial of something, like vitamins, a movie streaming service, or a “miracle” health product. It promises that shipping will only cost you $1.95. Not a big deal.
But after 30 days, you see a $79.95 charge on your credit card. Then one more the month after that. All of a sudden, you’re signed up for something you didn’t want to keep.
This isn’t just small print; it’s a trap on purpose.
These subscription scams are meant to be hard to understand. They go after seniors by promising “risk-free” trials and disguising the real cost in the fine print. A lot of people don’t send receipts, confirmations, or reminders. Some even make it hard to cancel on purpose.
Reports from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) say that elderly persons are some of the most common victims of these so-called “continuity scams.” And the harm mounts up quickly, with monthly payments of $49.99, $89.99, or more.
A man posted on Facebook that he bought a trial skin lotion for $4.95. Over the course of six months, he charged her more than $400 before she realised.
Things to look out for:
- Offers that offer, “Just pay for shipping.”
- Checkout pages with small disclaimers or fonts that are hard to see.
- There is no phone number to call or a cancellation policy that is easy to find.
How to keep oneself safe:
- When you shop online, use a credit card instead of a debit card. It’s easier to challenge charges.
- Look at your bank statement every month to see if there are any costs you don’t know about.
- Don’t sign up for any trial that needs your card until you’re 100% convinced about the firm.
Also, if you’re not sure you can cancel on your own, contact a friend to help you through it. Scammers want you to give up. Don’t.
Risk #9: Shopping on Public Wi-Fi at Coffee Shops, Airports, or Hotels
You’re at a café or an airport, and you want to look at some online specials. You might even place an order or log in to your bank account to see how much money you have. Wi-Fi is free and easy to use, but it’s also a trap.
Hackers can easily take your personal information from public Wi-Fi networks.
If you use public Wi-Fi to shop, log into accounts, or enter payment information, someone nearby could easily get that information. You don’t need to know how to hack to perform this kind of attack, which is called a “man-in-the-middle” fraud. Anyone who has the correct app or gadget can do it.
A retired warrior wrote on Reddit about how he accidentally handed up his email and password while using hotel Wi-Fi. Two weeks later, someone used that information to place many orders on Amazon without his permission.
Why this is important:
- Many times, free Wi-Fi doesn’t have encryption, which means your data is not safe.
- Scammers routinely set up fake Wi-Fi networks nearby, such “Free_Airport_WiFi.”
- It only takes a few seconds to get passwords, credit card information, and addresses.
How to be safe:
- Don’t ever shop or enter payment information on public Wi-Fi.
- You can use your phone’s mobile hotspot or wait till you’re on a safe home network.
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection if you have to surf while you’re out.
It’s not about being paranoid; it’s about staying one step ahead. Hackers like targets that are easy to hit. Don’t make it simple.
Risk #10: Fake Customer Service Numbers That Steal Your Info
If you have an issue with an online order or a product, You go to Google and type in “Medicare support” or “Amazon customer service.” You click on the first number you see, which might even have stars or look legitimate.
But here’s the problem: the number might not even belong to Medicare or Amazon.
Scammers now run bogus adverts and websites that show up at the top of search results. They buy domain names that are very similar to actual ones (like Amaz0n-support.com) and put up bogus phone numbers that go straight to them instead of the real company. They get to work as soon as you call.
They’ll act like they’re helping you and ask for your account number, password, card information, or even remote access to your device “to fix the problem.” A lot of the time, they sound professional, polite, and even comforting.
A 2023 AARP advisory said that these bogus assistance frauds have been on the rise, especially among older people who would rather seek help over the phone than through chat or email. One older person told how he contacted what he thought was the USPS and gave his debit card number to a scammer.
Things to watch out for:
- The representative asks for your full card information, social security number, or login information.
- You got the number from an ad on Google, not the official website.
- They put pressure on you to do something immediately or download anything to your device.
How to keep oneself safe:
- Only call numbers that are on legitimate websites. Always check the URL: Amazon.com, not Amazn-help.net.
- When you need help, don’t click on “sponsored” or “ad” results.
- If a call seems strange, hang up, wait a minute, then verify the source again.
These frauds are smart. But now that you know the rules, you can see the trap before it’s too late.
What This All Comes Down To
You care about keeping yourself safe if you’ve gotten this far, which puts you ahead of most others.
Shopping online isn’t risky on its own. It can even give you power. But the internet wasn’t made for older people. That means you need to be more careful while you shop, take breaks more regularly, and think about what other people are rushing past.
There is one thing that all ten of the threats we’ve spoken about have in common: they all depend on you keeping quiet, confused, or scared to call for help.
But here’s the truth: You don’t have to know everything all. You just need to take it easy and listen to your intuition.
So, here’s what I want you to do next:
- Choose one of the hazards above that you thought you knew or that surprised you.
- Talk to a family member, friend, or neighbor you trust about it.
- This week, do one tiny thing to keep yourself safe. Even something as easy as reviewing your bank statement or changing your passwords.
Scammers don’t win because they’re smart. When we don’t say anything, they win.
Let’s make sure they don’t.
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At fametribute.com, we’re on a mission to help seniors stay informed, safe, and confident in today’s fast-changing world—without the tech jargon or scare tactics.
Visit fametribute.com for more practical guides, scam alerts, and tools to protect what matters most.
You don’t have to navigate this alone—we’re here to help, one step at a time.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or cybersecurity advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making decisions related to your online safety or personal data. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, fametribute.com is not responsible for any loss or damages resulting from the use of this information.
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