Scam call red flags for seniors

Here are quick ways to spot a scam in the first minute. Share this with your loved one. Plain language. No jargon.

Top red flags

They demand payment by gift cards, wire, or crypto. Real companies and government offices don’t ask for gift card numbers or crypto to pay taxes, fees, or bail. If you hear this, hang up. (FTC)
They pressure you to act right now. Scammers use fear and urgency so you don’t think. Real helpers let you call back and give you time. (FTC)
Caller ID can be fake. Your screen may show a bank or “Social Security,” but scammers can spoof numbers. Don’t trust the display—call the number on your card or the official site. (FCC)
They ask for one‑time passcodes, PINs, or full Social Security numbers. Real banks say never share codes by phone or text. (FTC)
They claim to be the IRS or Social Security and threaten arrest or loss of benefits. The IRS won’t demand payment by phone, and SSA won’t threaten you. (IRS, SSA OIG)

Hang up. It’s okay to be rude to a scammer. You can always call back using a trusted number.
Verify. Call your bank or agency using the number on your card or their official website.
Tell family. A quick text to a trusted person can save money and stress.

Use a dedicated caller ID. With Gloria, calls come from the same saved number so “Gloria” is familiar and trusted.
Set bank alerts. Turn on text/email alerts for large or unusual charges.
Register complaints. Report scam calls to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. (FTC reporting)

Federal Trade Commission: Gift card scams — https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/gift-card-scams
Federal Communications Commission: Spoofing and Caller ID — https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/spoofing-and-caller-id
Internal Revenue Service: IRS impersonation scams — https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-urges-taxpayers-to-guard-personal-data-and-watch-out-for-irs-impersonation-scams
Social Security OIG: Scam Alert — https://oig.ssa.gov/scam-awareness/scam-alert/
FTC: How to spot and avoid phishing scams — https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-phishing-scams