By Leon Merian, SRES
Realtor, Compass

As we age, wisdom and experience become our greatest strengths – but even the wisest among us can be caught off guard by today’s increasingly sophisticated scams. The digital world offers incredible convenience and connection, but it also presents new opportunities for fraudsters who prey on trust, kindness, and unfamiliarity with technology. Whether it’s a phone call claiming to be from the IRS or an email asking for urgent help from a “grandchild,” scams have become more personal, more believable, and more dangerous.
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe. With a few practical strategies and a healthy dose of skepticism, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to scams.
Understanding the most common scams
Let’s start with awareness. Here are some of the most common scams targeting older adults in our region:

  1. The grandparent scam: You receive a phone call or email from someone claiming to be your grandchild in trouble. They may say they’ve been arrested, had an accident, or lost their wallet, and they beg you not to tell their parents. This scam plays directly on your emotions.
  2. Tech support scams: A pop-up appears on your screen warning that your computer has a virus. You’re urged to call a number where a “tech expert” offers to fix the issue if you pay a fee or give remote access to your device.
  3. Government impersonation scams: Someone claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security, or Medicare contacts you, threatening fines, suspension of benefits, or legal action if you don’t immediately pay or provide personal information.
  4. Romance scams: These often begin on social media or dating sites. Scammers pretend to be interested in a relationship, then start asking for money under various false pretenses.
  5. Prize and lottery scams: “You’ve won!” the email or letter says – but to claim your prize, you must first send money to cover taxes or fees. Once you pay, the scammer disappears.
    Why are older adults targeted?
    Scammers assume that older adults are more trusting, less tech-savvy, and sitting on retirement savings. Unfortunately, data supports that these criminals often succeed. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, individuals older than 60 lost more than $3 billion to scams in 2022 alone – a number that continues to rise.
    But don’t let these statistics scare you. Let them empower you to become more informed and cautious.
    How to protect yourself
  6. Slow down and verify. Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. Whether it’s a threatening phone call or a desperate plea from a loved one, take a moment. Hang up, call the real number of the institution, or reach out to the person directly through known channels. “Grandparents” set up a code word/phrase to use to verify if it’s really your or for your grandchildren.
  7. Never share personal info over the phone. Legitimate institutions like the IRS, Social Security, or your bank will never ask for personal information like your Social Security number or bank account over the phone or email. When in doubt, hang up and call the official number.
  8. Don’t click suspicious links. Whether it’s an email or a text message, avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources. These can contain viruses or lead to fake websites designed to steal your information.
  9. Set up two-factor authentication. For your email and financial accounts, enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification, like a code sent to your phone, before logging in.
  10. Use strong passwords. Avoid using your birthday, family names, or “1234.” Create strong, unique passwords for each account and consider using a trusted password manager to keep them organized.
  11. Monitor your financial accounts regularly. Keep an eye out for any suspicious transactions or withdrawals. Most banks allow you to set up alerts for unusual activity, which can help catch fraud early.
  12. Talk about it. One of the most powerful tools against scams is conversation. Share what you’ve learned with friends and family. If you think you’ve been targeted, don’t be embarrassed – speak up. Many scams go unreported because victims feel ashamed. You’re not alone, and reporting may help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.
    Local resources you can trust
    If you’re in doubt or think you may have been scammed, reach out to:
  • Your local police department
  • The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division, 617-727-8400
  • Elder Abuse Hotline, 800-922-2275
  • South Shore Elder Services
  • Your bank or credit card provider’s fraud department
    Also, the South Shore Senior News and the Hingham Center for Active Living frequently offer talks and workshops on digital safety. Stay connected and attend when possible.
    A final word
    Staying safe online doesn’t mean living in fear. It simply means staying informed, trusting your instincts, and using the same wisdom you’ve carried throughout your life. You’ve weathered changing times, adapted through life’s challenges, and supported generations of loved ones. This is just one more way to protect what you’ve built and continue to thrive in a connected world.
    As someone who works closely with older adults in real estate and beyond, I care deeply about helping our community stay empowered. Whether it’s protecting your finances, your health, or your home, I’m always here to help guide you or connect you to someone who can. Let’s grab coffee and discuss your overall real estate goals for tomorrow or 10 years down the road.
    Stay smart. Stay safe. And keep enjoying the good life you’ve earned.