Response Playbooks

Scammers pressure victims into wiring money — often posing as a bank, government agency, or distressed family member — because wire transfers are nearly impossible to reverse once sent. Victims are typically told the transfer is urgent and must be kept secret.

Fraudsters pose as IRS agents, Social Security Administration officials, Medicare representatives, or other government employees. They claim you owe back taxes, your Social Security number has been "suspended," or you must pay a fee to claim a benefit — and threaten arrest, deportation, or benefit termination if you do not comply immediately.

Scammers pose as Microsoft, Apple, antivirus companies, or internet service providers. They claim your computer is infected with a virus or has been "hacked" and convince you to give them remote access — then install malware, steal financial information, and charge hundreds of dollars for fake repairs.

A caller pretends to be a grandchild — or an attorney, bail bondsman, or police officer acting on the grandchild's behalf — claiming the grandchild was arrested, injured, or is stranded abroad. The victim is urged to send cash or gift cards immediately and to keep it secret from other family members.

Victims receive a letter, call, email, or social media message claiming they have won a lottery, sweepstakes, or prize. To collect the winnings, they are told to first pay taxes, fees, or customs charges — money they will never recover, because the prize does not exist.

Phishing emails impersonate trusted organizations — banks, Medicare, Amazon, the IRS, or even family members — to trick recipients into clicking malicious links, entering login credentials, or opening attachments that install malware. Older adults are frequently targeted because they may be less familiar with how convincing fraudulent emails can look.

Phone scammers use a range of tactics — robocalls, spoofed caller ID, and live callers — to pressure victims into sending money or handing over personal information. Common scenarios include fake warranty renewals, charity solicitations, utility shutoff threats, and Medicare card replacements. The calls feel urgent and official even when they are entirely fraudulent.