The lightning-fast advancement of technology has allowed online scams and phone scams to become more sophisticated by the day. There is an increasing number of scams targeting seniors that aim to take advantage of their trust, savings, and potentially more basic tech knowledge. Whether it’s through phone calls, emails, social media, or text messages, fraudsters use increasingly clever methods to steal money and personal information.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common scams targeting seniors in 2025, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.
1. Imposter Scams
Imposter scams remain one of the top threats seniors face in 2025. Scammers impersonate someone trustworthy, often a family member, the CRA, or even law enforcement, to pressure seniors into handing over money or sensitive information.
Tip: If you’re dubious about the validity of the caller’s identity, hang up and call back at the official number of the agency or person they claim to be. Resist their pressure — never send money or share personal information.
2. Tech Support Scams
Be aware, seniors are often the most common targets for tech support scams. Scammers may pretend to be from a well-known company like Microsoft or Apple and convince seniors that their computer is infected with a virus. They may request to take control of your computer remotely or demand you pay them to “fix” the problem.
Tip: Never allow a stranger to remotely access your computer. Legitimate companies will not call you out of nowhere; they typically expect you to contact them if you believe you have a virus. If a pop-up is obstructing your computer experience or you receive a strange call, close your computer and contact the company at its official number.
3. Health Care and Insurance Scams
Though less common in Canada than in the United States, seniors are still often victimized by senior benefits and insurance scams. Fraudsters may call claiming to be from government health programs or private insurance companies, asking for personal information or payment to “confirm coverage” or “process claims.” Be cautious of online pharmacies, as scammers have been known to set up fake online storefronts. If the site seems to be offering medication without a prescription or at ridiculously low cost — stay away.
Tip: Never give out your Social Insurance Number over the phone unless you initiated the call. Be wary of online pharmacies and other health-related websites that offer suspiciously low prices.
4. Romance Scams
On dating sites and through social media, seniors should be vigilant for romance scams. Criminals have been known to create convincing-looking fraudulent personas equipped with fake photos and biographical information. They will work to slowly build a rapport with a victim and take advantage of romantic feelings or loneliness. Once they feel they have a victim emotionally invested, they may pretend to suffer emergencies and ask for money.
Tip: Do not send money or personal information to someone you have never met face-to-face. Take the time to verify their identity and involve a trusted friend or family member for a second opinion.
5. Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams
Perhaps the most infamous and oft-referenced is the classic “you’ve won a prize!” sweepstakes scam. Seniors often receive calls, emails, or letters telling them they’ve won a cruise or a large sum of money but must pay a “processing fee” or “taxes” first.
Tip: Legitimate lotteries never ask for money upfront. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
6. Charity Scams
Scammers may seek to exploit seniors’ generosity by posing as charities, especially after natural disasters, local tragedies, or during the holidays. Many seniors make charitable donations by phone, text, or email, making them vulnerable to fake charity scams.
Tip: Before donating, research the charity using sites like Charity Intelligence Canada or the Better Business Bureau. Only give to well-known, credible organizations.
7. Investment and Financial Scams
Seniors with retirement savings are often targeted with fake investment opportunities or fraudulent financial advice. Phrases like “high returns with no risk” or similar over-promising slogans are usually signs of a scam.
Tip: Always consult with a trusted financial advisor before making any new investments.
How Seniors Can Stay Safe
Scams targeting seniors will likely continue to grow in 2025, especially with advances in AI. The most effective defences against scams are awareness and caution. Here are a few simple steps to stay safe:
Contact them on a different platform: For example, if a friend or family member reaches out on Facebook asking for favours or money, give them a call or send them a text to confirm it’s them you’re speaking to on Facebook.
Never send money to someone you don’t personally know: Though it may sounds obvious, scammers may try and convince seniors they are a friend of a friend or a distant relative. If you don’t have an alternative way to contact them and verify their identity, it’s not worth the risk.
Stay up to date on the latest scam alerts: Check out the Government of Canada’s page on Scams and Fraud.
Reach out to a loved one: If something feels suspicious, it’s worth getting in touch with a close friend or family member to give their opinion and potentially catch something before it’s too late. Scammers count on you feeling pressured and isolated.
Conclusion:
The most common scams targeting seniors in 2025 may seem convincing, but with awareness and by keeping in mind the above safety practices, seniors can protect themselves and their finances. Most importantly, trust your instincts! When in doubt — hang up the phone, close that email, and don’t click that pop-up.
Victims of financial scams are often hesitant to seek help due to a feeling of embarrassment, but with the high level of sophistication involved in 2025 scams, there is absolutely no need to be ashamed. Intelligent folks of all ages have fallen victim to scams since the dawn of time.
If you believe you’ve been the victim of a financial scam: contact your financial institutions and your local police, and report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre toll-free at 1-888-495-8501 or through their Fraud Reporting System.
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