Senior Scam Survival Guide

Table of Contents

1. Red Flag Phrases to Watch For
2. Grandparent Scam
3. Refund & Billing Scams
4. Pop-Up Scams
5. Remote Access Tools
6. Fake Tech Transfers
7. Ad-Spoofing Scam
8. Extreme Payment Tactics
9. Call Spoofing
10. Romance Scams
11. Celebrity Romance Scams
12. Final Tips & Resources

Section 1: Red Flag Phrases to Watch For

❗ What Scammers Say
⚠️ Why It's a Scam

"Keep this a secret - don't tell anyone."
Isolation tactic to block outside help

"Lie to your bank so they don't block it."
Bypasses fraud safeguards

"Your account is hacked - move your money now."
Creates panic and urgency

"Act now or lose everything!"
Rushes judgment

"Police or FBI are coming to arrest you."
False threats to trigger fear

"Put cash in a Bitcoin ATM."
Untraceable, irreversible

"Ship cash in a box or envelope."
Illegal and nonrefundable

"Search online for our number."
Ad-space scam numbers can appear legitimate

"Your phone isn't safe - we'll transfer you."
You're being connected to another scammer

"You've been charged - call us now for a refund."
Fake billing to lure victims into calling

🛑 If something feels off, pause. Call your bank yourself or ask someone you trust. Never act under pressure.

Section 2: The Grandparent Scam

• Impersonator claims to be a grandchild in crisis
• Begs for secrecy and urgent money
• ✅ Set a Family Password - ask for it before sending help
• ✅ Call another family member to confirm before acting

Section 3: Refund & Billing Scams

• Fake invoices from PayPal, Geek Squad, Norton, McAfee
• Urgent messages like "Call to cancel the charge"
• ✅ Check your bank yourself - there's usually no charge
• ✅ Never call the number in the email

Section 4: Pop-Up Scams

• Full-screen warnings that mimic legitimate companies
• Flashing messages and fake support numbers
• ✅ Do not click or call
• Hold power button for 10 seconds to shut down
• Wait another 10 seconds, then restart
• The scam pop-up should disappear

Section 5: Remote Access Tools

Scammers install apps like:

• TeamViewer
• AnyDesk
• LogMeIn
• ScreenConnect (especially sneaky - may not be flagged by antivirus)

✅ Remove these tools BEFORE changing passwords

Restart device, run antivirus scan, then change passwords

Section 6: Fake Tech Transfers

• Scammer says your phone isn't safe and transfers you to a "bank agent"
• That agent is another scammer
• ✅ Hang up
• ✅ Call your bank directly or visit in person

Section 7: Ad-Spoofing Scam

• Scammers buy ad space on search engines
• Fake support numbers appear in sponsored results
• ✅ Never trust contact info from an ad
• ✅ Type the company's URL directly

Section 8: Extreme Payment Tactics

• Asked to use a Bitcoin ATM
• Told to ship cash hidden in items
• ✅ No legitimate company will ask you to do this

Section 9: Call Spoofing - When Scammers Fake Caller ID

What It Is: Scammers manipulate caller ID so it looks like they're calling from your bank, police, or family.

Elder Alert:

• Scammers can make your caller ID look like it's coming from anywhere - even your bank, the police, or a family member. Always hang up and call the real number yourself.

✅ What to Do:

• Don't trust caller ID - it can be faked
• Hang up if something seems off
• Call back using a verified number
• Use spam-blocking apps
• Report spoofed calls to the FCC or your phone provider

Section 10: Romance Scams - When Love Is a Lie

• Scammers build fake romantic relationships online
• They ask for money, gifts, or personal info
• ✅ Never send money to someone you haven't met in person
• ✅ Talk to a trusted friend or family member before acting
• ✅ Do a reverse image search of their profile photo
• ✅ Report suspicious profiles to the platform and to the FTC

Section 11: Celebrity Romance Scams - When Scammers Pretend to Be Famous

• Scammers impersonate celebrities and build trust
• They ask for secrecy and money
• ✅ Never send money to someone claiming to be a celebrity
• ✅ Check their official social media for verification
• ✅ Report fake profiles to the platform and to the FTC

Section 12: Final Tips & Resources

• Talk to someone you trust before acting
• Never send money or share info with strangers
• Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Find local help via Adult Protective Services at eldercare.acl.gov

Created by Chappy Grey of Chappy And Friends, "Empowering seniors to recognize and avoid online scams."
[email protected]