Scammers are always looking for their next target, and unfortunately, seniors are often in their sights. The good news? A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your finances safe. 

Here are 3 smart ways to stay ahead.  

Stay Skeptical—If It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is  

Scammers are great at making things sound urgent and exciting. A surprise lottery win, a once-in-a-lifetime investment, or a limited-time Medicare deal—these are all classic traps. The trick is to slow down and ask questions.  

• Did you actually enter a lottery? If not, you didn’t win anything.  
• Are they rushing you to make a decision? Scammers want you to act fast before you have time to think.  
• Are they asking for payment in gift cards or wire transfers? This is a major red flag.  

Really, one of the easiest ways to spot a scam is to look for pressure tactics. Scammers don’t want you to think; they want you to react. If you ever feel pressured or something seems a little off, take a step back.  

Protect Personal Information Like It’s Gold  

Your personal and financial details are like gold to scammers. They’ll try anything to get them—emails pretending to be from your bank, phone calls from “tech support,” or even social media messages from fake friends.  

Here’s how to keep your information safe:  

• Never share your Social Security number, bank details, or passwords over the phone or online unless you’re 100% sure who you’re dealing with.  
• Use strong passwords(mix of letters, numbers, and symbols) and don’t reuse them. A password manager can help.  
• Be wary of unsolicited calls or messages. If a company contacts you out of the blue asking for sensitive details, it’s best to hang up and call the official customer service number yourself.  
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.  

Taking these steps makes it much harder for scammers to access your personal and financial data.  

Keep Up With Scam Trends—Knowledge is Your Best Defense  

Scammers are always changing their tactics, so staying informed is key. The more you know, the harder it is for them to trick you.  

• Sign up for scam alerts from credible sources.  
• Talk to friends and family about scams—if someone you know has encountered one, learning from their experience can help you stay alert.  
• Attend community workshops or online seminars about financial security. Many banks and senior organizations offer free resources to help protect against fraud.  
• Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to double-check than to risk losing money.  

Scammers might be sneaky, but you don’t have to make it easy for them. Staying skeptical, protecting your personal details, and keeping up with new scams can help you stay safe. When in doubt, always take your time and talk to someone you trust.