Scam Pattern Library

Learn about common fraud tactics targeting elderly individuals

6

Patterns Tracked

3

Categories Covered

5

High/Critical Severity

Tech Support Scam

HIGHImpersonation

Scammers impersonate tech companies (Microsoft, Apple, etc.) claiming the victim's computer has a virus. They demand payment via gift cards or remote access fees.

Warning Signs

  • Unsolicited phone call about computer problems
  • Request for remote access to computer
  • Payment demanded in gift cards
  • Urgency and fear tactics

Example Scenario

“Margaret receives a pop-up saying her computer is infected. She calls the number shown and is told to buy $500 in Google Play gift cards to "renew her antivirus license."”

Prevention Tips

  1. 1Microsoft/Apple will never call you unsolicited
  2. 2Never give remote access to unknown callers
  3. 3No legitimate company accepts gift cards as payment
  4. 4Hang up and call the real company directly

Romance Scam

CRITICALEmotional Manipulation

Scammers build emotional relationships online, then fabricate emergencies requiring money — often via wire transfer.

Warning Signs

  • Online relationship that progresses quickly
  • Person avoids video calls or meeting
  • Repeated financial emergencies
  • Requests for wire transfers or cryptocurrency

Example Scenario

“Over three months, someone Margaret met on a dating site claims to be a military doctor overseas. They ask for $2,000 for a "plane ticket home" via Western Union.”

Prevention Tips

  1. 1Never send money to someone you haven't met in person
  2. 2Be suspicious of anyone who avoids video calls
  3. 3Research the person's photos with reverse image search
  4. 4Talk to family before sending money to online contacts

Grandparent Scam

CRITICALImpersonation

Caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble (arrested, hospitalized, stranded) and begs for immediate money, often asking the victim not to tell anyone.

Warning Signs

  • Urgent call from "grandchild" in distress
  • "Don't tell mom and dad"
  • Request for cash, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency
  • Caller sounds different but claims to have a cold or injury

Example Scenario

“Margaret gets a call: "Grandma, it's me, I'm in jail and need $3,000 for bail. Please don't tell Mom." The caller is a scammer who guessed she has grandchildren.”

Prevention Tips

  1. 1Hang up and call your grandchild directly
  2. 2Ask a question only the real person would know
  3. 3Never send cash or crypto under pressure
  4. 4Real emergencies can wait for verification

Sweepstakes / Lottery Scam

HIGHAdvance Fee Fraud

Victim is told they've won a prize but must pay fees, taxes, or shipping costs upfront — often via prepaid cards or gift cards.

Warning Signs

  • Notification of winning a contest never entered
  • Must pay to claim prize
  • Payment via gift cards or prepaid cards
  • Pressure to act quickly before prize "expires"

Example Scenario

“Margaret receives a letter saying she won $500,000. To claim it, she must pay $849 in "processing fees" via prepaid Visa cards.”

Prevention Tips

  1. 1You can't win a contest you didn't enter
  2. 2Legitimate prizes never require upfront payment
  3. 3Never share bank account information
  4. 4Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov

IRS / Government Impersonation

HIGHImpersonation

Scammers pose as IRS agents, Social Security Administration, or Medicare, threatening arrest or benefit suspension unless immediate payment is made.

Warning Signs

  • Threatening call from "government agency"
  • Demand for immediate payment
  • Threats of arrest or benefit loss
  • Request for payment via unusual methods

Example Scenario

“Margaret receives a robocall claiming the IRS will issue a warrant for her arrest unless she pays $2,500 in back taxes immediately via wire transfer.”

Prevention Tips

  1. 1The IRS communicates by mail first, never by threatening phone calls
  2. 2Government agencies never demand gift cards or wire transfers
  3. 3Hang up and call the agency directly using their official number
  4. 4Report to the Treasury Inspector General

Utility Shutoff Scam

MEDIUMImpersonation

Scammers call or visit claiming to be from the electric/gas company, threatening immediate service shutoff unless payment is made on the spot.

Warning Signs

  • Urgent call about service disconnection
  • Demand for immediate payment by phone
  • Unusual payment methods requested
  • Caller ID spoofed to look legitimate

Example Scenario

“Margaret gets a call from someone claiming to be Duke Energy, saying her power will be shut off in 30 minutes unless she pays $300 by prepaid debit card.”

Prevention Tips

  1. 1Utility companies send written notices before disconnection
  2. 2Call your utility company directly to verify
  3. 3Never pay over the phone to an inbound caller
  4. 4Real utilities accept standard payment methods