06/15/2026
🛑 Senior Fraud Prevention Tips from the Senior Companion Program 🛑
At the Senior Companion Program, we care deeply about the safety, dignity, and well-being of the older adults we serve. Unfortunately, scams and fraud attempts targeting seniors continue to rise. Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your personal information.
⚠️ Common Scams to Watch For
We encourage clients and volunteers to stay alert for:
* Callers pretending to be from **Medicare, Social Security, or the IRS**
* Messages saying you must “act immediately” or face penalties
* Fake tech support calls requesting access to your computer
* Romance scams from people you have never met in person
* Door-to-door contractors asking for upfront payment
* Emails or texts requesting personal or banking information
🔐 How to Protect Yourself
The Senior Companion Program recommends these simple safety steps:
**Never share personal information** (Social Security number, bank accounts, passwords) over the phone or email unless you initiated the contact
* **Slow down—don’t feel pressured** to make quick decisions
* **Hang up and verify** by calling the official organization directly
* **Avoid clicking links** in unknown texts or emails
* **Talk it over** with a trusted family member, friend, or volunteer before making financial decisions
* **Shred sensitive paperwork** before discarding it
* **Be cautious of requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cash payments**
🚩 Red Flags of Fraud
* Urgent threats of arrest, fines, or service shutoffs
* Requests for payment using gift cards or money transfers
* Caller refuses to provide written proof or identification
* Offers that seem “too good to be true”
We encourage all clients and volunteers to trust their instincts. If something feels suspicious or confusing, pause and ask questions. It is always okay to double-check before taking action.
Together, we can help protect our community and keep our seniors safe, informed, and empowered.