The best way for elders to avoid scams is to slow down: pause before you click a link, never give out personal information to someone who contacted you first, and check any alarming message by calling the company yourself. Scammers count on urgency, and a few extra minutes gives you time to check.
This time of year needs extra care. Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, and scam calls about Medicare plans tend to follow. At GoGoGrandparent, we want every rider to stay safe online and on the phone, so here are the steps that matter most.
How can you stay safe online?
These nine internet safety tips can help you recognize suspicious messages and protect your information.
1. Pause before you click
Scam links often appear legitimate. Scammers use lookalike addresses, like "Facepook.com" with a p instead of "Facebook.com." On a computer, hover over a link to see the full address before you click.
2. Verify the source
If an email seems to be from the bank, call the number on the back of the card, not the one in the email. That number could lead straight to the scammer. The same goes for surprise invoices for antivirus software or phone bills.
3. Check the connection and the website
Look for https:// before entering personal information. It means the connection is encrypted, but it doesn't prove the website is real, so check the address carefully too.
4. Be wary of urgent language
"Your account will be closed!" "Claim your prize in two hours!" Legitimate organizations rarely demand an instant decision. Step back, and check with the company directly.
5. Use two-factor authentication
A code sent to your phone makes a stolen password much less useful. Never give a verification code to someone who calls or messages you.
6. Install security software
Reputable security software is a basic part of cyber security for seniors, and keeping it updated matters because threats keep changing. Buy it from the company's own website, because scammers send emails pretending to be well-known brands.
7. Be careful on public WiFi
Because most websites now encrypt connections, the FTC says public WiFi is usually safe. Keep your device updated, and use your bank's official app.
8. Keep personal information private
Details like your birthday or a pet's name help scammers guess passwords. Set social media accounts to private.
9. Keep learning
Scams change all the time, so cyber security is never one and done. Banks, libraries, and senior centers often run free workshops on online safety for seniors, and they're a good way to hear about new tricks early.
How do you spot a Medicare or phone scam?
A caller can pressure you to act before you have time to check their story. A few facts make scam calls easier to spot:
- Medicare doesn't cold-call to sell. According to Medicare, "Medicare will never call you to sell you anything or visit you at your home."
- Your Medicare number is private. Share it only with your doctor or people you know should have it.
- Real agencies don't threaten you. The FTC says, "Government agencies will never threaten you."
The stakes are real. The FTC reports a sharp rise from 2020 to 2024 in reports of large losses to business and government impersonators among adults 60 and older. That's why it pays to slow down on every unexpected call.
If a call feels wrong, hang up. Then call the company or agency directly, using a number that's printed on a card, a bill, or an official website. The guide to avoiding gift card scams covers one of the most common tricks.
What should you do if you think you've been scammed?
Scams fool careful, smart people every day, so there's no reason for embarrassment. Call your bank using the number on your card, change your passwords, and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For anything involving Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE. Then tell someone you trust, and the guide to managing a parent's finances has ideas for watching accounts together.
How can GoGoGrandparent help you stay safe?
Some of the safest checks happen in person, like asking your bank about a strange charge at the branch. If you don't drive, GoGoGrandparent's senior rides can get you there. Call 1 (855) 464-6872 to book ahead, with no app needed.
And if a call or text says it's from GoGoGrandparent and something feels off, hang up and call us directly at 1 (855) 464-6872.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can seniors stay safe online?
The most useful internet safety tips are simple: pause before clicking links, check web addresses carefully, use two-factor authentication, and never share personal information with someone who contacted you first.
Does Medicare call you about your plan?
Medicare won't call to sell you anything, but representatives may call in limited situations, such as returning a call you made. If an unexpected caller asks for your Medicare number or money, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself.
What should I do if I clicked a scam link?
It depends on what happened. If you entered a password, change it through the real website or app on a device you trust. If you think something downloaded, update your security software and run a scan. Contact your bank if you shared financial information, and if you shared something like your Social Security number, visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery steps.
Where do I report a scam?
Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For Medicare fraud, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Written with AI assistance, reviewed by our team.
