You’ve read stories about scammers out to make a quick buck. And maybe you thought, “That would never happen to me.” But even smart, careful people can be caught off guard by scams.

Today’s scams can be very convincing and are designed to generate feelings of fear, urgency, or trust. Understanding how these devious tricksters operate can make it easier to spot red flags before they cause harm.

What are some ways to avoid scams?

Below are tips that can help you steer clear of scams and fraud and stay safe.

Health insurance fraud

Health insurance fraud can be hard to spot because scammers often pretend to be insurance companies, medical providers, or Medicare representatives. These tips can help you safeguard your personal information and avoid illegal schemes, such as being charged for services you did not receive.

How to protect yourself against health insurance fraud:

1. Never sign blank insurance claim forms.
2. Never give blanket permission to a medical provider to bill for services rendered.
3. Ask your medical providers what they will charge and what you will be expected to pay out-of-pocket.
4. Carefully review your insurer’s explanation of the benefits statement. Call your insurer and provider if you have questions.
5. Do not do business with door-to-door or telephone salespeople who tell you that services of medical equipment are free.
6. Give your insurance/Medicare number only to those who have provided you with medical services.
7. Keep accurate records of all health care appointments.
8. Know if your physician ordered equipment for you.

Grandparent scams

A grandparent scam happens when someone pretends to be a grandchild, family member, or another trusted person and claims there is an emergency—such as being arrested, injured, or stranded. The scammer often asks for money right away, sometimes telling you to keep it a secret.

How to protect yourself against grandparent scams:

1. Verify the person's identity before sending money.
2. Ask questions only the real person would know.
3. Contact the person directly using a phone number you already have.
4. If you can't reach them, check with another trusted friend or family member.
5. Never send money to someone unless you're sure it's really them who contacted you.

Tech support scams

Tech support scams trick people into believing there is a problem with their computer or phone. You may see a scary pop-up warning on your screen telling you to call for help. But the “tech support” person you speak with may try to access your device or ask for money to fix a problem that does not exist.

How to protect yourself against tech support scams:

1. Be cautious with unexpected calls, emails, texts, or on-screen pop-ups.
2. Remember that real tech support will not ask for gift cards or bank transfers.
3. Don’t let urgent warnings pressure you into acting quickly.
4. Hang up and contact the company using a phone number you trust.
5. Never share personal or financial information by phone or email.
6. Use credit cards for online purchases when possible.
7. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, end the conversation.

Romance scams

A romance scam happens when someone lures you into a fake relationship online to gain your trust and build an emotional connection. After nurturing the relationship for weeks or even months, the scammer then typically asks for money, gift cards, or personal information. They may claim they have an emergency or financial problem and try to coax or pressure you into helping them.

How to protect yourself against romance scams:

1. Take your time getting to know someone you meet online. Ask questions.
2. Be cautious if someone seems “too perfect” or wants to rush the relationship.
3. Be wary if they quickly ask to move conversations off dating or social media platforms.
4. Search the person’s name and photos online to check for bogus profiles.
5. Watch for attempts to isolate you from family and friends.
6. Be suspicious if the person repeatedly cancels plans to meet in person.
7. Never send money to someone you only know online or by phone.
8. Limit the personal information you share online.

Medicare scams

Medicare scammers may pretend to be Medicare representatives. They may offer “free” products or ask for personal information in an attempt to steal your benefits or identity. These tips can help you protect your Medicare information and spot warning signs of fraud.

How to protect yourself against Medicare scams:

1. Protect your Medicare number like a credit card number.
2. Only share your Medicare information with trusted providers.
3. Remember that Medicare will not call unexpectedly asking for personal information.
4. Destroy old Medicare cards—Medicare will not ask you to send them back.
5. Be cautious of anyone pressuring you to choose a specific Medicare plan.
6. Review your Medicare Summary Notices to be sure you have in fact received the services billed.
7. Don’t click links in unexpected Medicare emails or texts.
8. Update your Medicare information only through official Medicare channels or trusted advisors.

Telemarketing scams

Telemarketing scams happen when scammers call you and use fake offers, prizes, charities, investments, or urgent stories to get your money or personal information. They often try to push you to act quickly or say an offer is available for a limited time only.

How to protect yourself against telemarketing scams:

1. Don’t buy from an unfamiliar company. You can learn more about reputable companies from the Better Business Bureau.
2. Always ask for, and wait until you receive, written material about any offer or charity.
3. Obtain a salesperson’s name, business identity, telephone number, street address, mailing address, and business license number before you conduct business with them.
4. Always take your time in making a decision about a product or service.

Home repair or contractor fraud

Home repair or contractor fraud is when someone tricks homeowners into paying for unnecessary work, poor-quality repairs, or jobs that are never completed. Scammers posting as tradesmen may show up at your door offering “special deals.” They may claim to notice a problem with your home and pressure you to act right away.

How to protect yourself against home repair or contractor fraud:

1. Be an informed consumer. Take the time to call and shop around before hiring someone to work on your home.
2. Carefully read all contracts and purchasing agreements before signing and make certain that all of your requirements have been put in writing.
3. Make sure you understand all contract cancellation and refund terms.
4. Do not allow yourself to be pressured into making purchases, signing contracts, or committing funds. These decisions are yours and yours alone.

Do you think you may have been targeted by a scam or financial abuse?

Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to tell someone you trust. You are not alone, and there are people who can help.

If you believe you’ve been scammed, don’t hesitate to:

• Call your local police and file a report.
• Notify your financial institutions.
• File a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Report suspicious Medicare-related activities to 1-800-MEDICARE or your local Senior Medicare Patrol.

You can also contact Adult Protective Services in your area. Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit their website.

Scammers thrive when people staying silent. Reporting your personal fraud experience can help raise awareness and protect others from the same fate.

Want to learn more? Visit NCOA’s Scam and Fraud Prevention resource library.