At SMP Hawai‘i, we are dedicated to educating and empowering kūpuna and their caregivers to recognize, prevent, and report fraud. Whether it’s a suspicious phone call, a too-good-to-be-true investment, or an unfamiliar charge on a credit card, scammers often prey on older adults. With scams growing more complex — including AI-generated calls, romance schemes, and cryptocurrency fraud — staying informed is your best line of defense.
1. Robocalls and AI Voice Scams
Automated calls that sound real may pressure you to take action immediately. Some even use AI to mimic the voices of friends or family.
Tip: Hang up. Never share personal or financial information over the phone with an unsolicited caller.
2. Romance and Friendship Scams
Scammers build emotional connections online and then ask for money under false pretenses.
Tip: Be cautious with online relationships. Don’t send money or share personal information with someone you haven’t met in person.
3. Passive Income and Investment Scams
Many scams promote “easy money” or fake investments in crypto or real estate.
Tip: Always research investment opportunities and consult with a trusted financial advisor before sending money.
4. Online Marketplace Fraud
Buyers and sellers alike are at risk. Scams include overpayment, fake products, and fraudulent rentals.
Tip: Meet in public places, verify identities, and avoid sending deposits for unseen items or properties.
5. Medicare and Home Health Care Fraud
Scammers bill Medicare for services never rendered or target seniors with fake home health offers.
Tip: Review your Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) and Explanation of Benefits (EOB) regularly. Report any unfamiliar charges.
Freeze Your Credit: Prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA): Add extra security to your online accounts.
Create Strong Passwords: Use a password manager and avoid reusing credentials.
Monitor Your Credit: Stay alert to any changes or unauthorized activity.
If you suspect you or a loved one may have been a scam target:
📞 Call SMP Hawai‘i at 1-800-296-9422
📧 Email: info@smphawaii.org
🌐 Visit: www.smphawaii.org
We offer free, confidential counseling and assistance.
Staying informed is the first step in protecting yourself and your ‘ohana. Scammers are getting smarter, but so are we. Together, with awareness and support, we can build a safer Hawai‘i for all generations.
