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Safety & Scams

How to Spot Tech Scams Targeting Seniors

Scammers love to target older adults because they are polite, trusting, and often less familiar with technology. This guide explains the most common tricks — and exactly what to do about them.

Fraudulent emails

Phishing emails try to look like they come from banks, social media sites, shipping companies, or even family members. Their goal is to scare or rush you into clicking a link or sharing personal information.

Red flags to watch for

  • Urgent language like "Your account will be suspended today" or "Act immediately"
  • Spelling mistakes, odd formatting, or a sender address that looks almost right but has extra letters
  • Links that lead to strange web addresses instead of the real company's site
  • Requests for passwords, Social Security numbers, or payment information by email
  • Unexpected attachments, especially files ending in .zip, .exe, or .docm

What to do

  • Do not click any links or open attachments if something feels off.
  • Call the company directly using a phone number you already trust — not one in the email.
  • When in doubt, forward the email to a tech helper or family member before taking action.

Fraudulent phone calls

Tech support scammers often call pretending to be from Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, or your bank. They may say your computer has a virus, that you owe money, or that someone has accessed your account.

Red flags to watch for

  • The caller claims your device is infected and asks for remote access to "fix" it
  • Pressure to pay immediately with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
  • The caller ID looks official but the person demands sensitive information over the phone
  • They ask you to install software or apps you did not request
  • They threaten arrest, fines, or shutting off your accounts if you do not comply

What to do

  • Hang up. Real companies will not call out of the blue and demand payment or passwords.
  • Never give a caller remote access to your computer unless you initiated the support request yourself.
  • If you are worried the call might be real, look up the company's official number and call them back.

Suspicious text messages

Scam texts, also called smishing, may claim a package is delayed, a bank account is locked, or that you won a prize. They usually include a link that installs malware or steals your login details.

  • Delete texts from unknown senders, especially those with links.
  • Do not reply to a suspicious text — even to say "stop." Replying tells scammers the number is active.
  • Verify delivery or account issues by visiting the official website or app directly.

If you think you have been scammed

  1. Stop communicating with the scammer immediately.
  2. Disconnect your device from the internet if you installed anything they asked for.
  3. Contact your bank or credit card company if any payment was made.
  4. Change important passwords from a clean, trusted device.
  5. Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Want help staying safe online?

Hotspot's Safety & Scams service helps seniors in the Twin Cities spot scams, clean up devices, and set up stronger security — all in the comfort of your home.

(763)-328-9618

Serving the greater Twin Cities, MN