5 scams targeting Massachusetts seniors right now — and the tells that give them away
Scammers target older adults deliberately — they're more likely to answer the phone, more likely to be home, and more likely to have savings. The good news: nearly every scam relies on the same two ingredients, urgency and secrecy. Teach those two tells and you've defused most of them. Here are the five we hear about most from local families.
1. The grandparent call
A panicked voice: "Grandma, it's me — I'm in trouble, I need bail money, please don't tell Mom." Newer versions use AI to clone a grandchild's actual voice from social media clips. The tell: urgency plus secrecy plus untraceable payment (gift cards, wire, crypto). The move: hang up and call the grandchild or their parents directly at their known number. Consider a family code word.
2. Medicare and health insurance fraud
Callers claiming to be from Medicare "issuing a new card" or "verifying benefits" — Medicare does not call to ask for your number. The tell: any inbound call requesting a Medicare, Social Security, or bank number. The move: hang up; if in doubt, call the number on the back of the actual card.
3. The tech-support pop-up
A blaring alert takes over the computer screen: "VIRUS DETECTED — call Microsoft now." The "technician" then requests remote access and payment. The tell: real security software never tells you to call a phone number. The move: shut the browser or hold the power button; nothing is actually wrong. If remote access was ever granted, have the machine checked — this is a job our Tech Desk handles regularly, including changing passwords safely afterward.
4. Package and toll texts
"USPS: your package is held, click to pay $1.25." Tiny amounts, real-looking links — the goal is the card number, not the fee. The tell: unexpected texts with links and small payments. The move: delete; track packages only from the retailer's own site.
5. Utility shutoff threats
A caller claims the electric bill is overdue and service will be cut within the hour without immediate payment. The tell: utilities in Massachusetts don't operate this way, and they don't take gift cards. The move: hang up and call the number on a real bill.
If money was actually sent, act fast: contact the bank first, then report to local police and the FTC. And be gentle — anyone can be scammed, and shame is what keeps seniors from telling their families in time.