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Recognizing Scams

Why Scams Work

Scammers are organized professionals. Being targeted is not a sign of carelessness.

Goal Explain why older adults are targeted, and describe the shape every scam follows.

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A room of scam-center workers at computers, arrows fanning out to homes of every kind

You are targeted on purpose

Older adults are targeted because they are more likely to have savings, a home, and good credit — not because of anything they did wrong.

In 2025, adults 60 and older reported losing more than $3 billion to scams. The people behind these schemes do this full-time.