At SMP Hawaii, our mission is to protect the health, finances, and dignity of kūpuna across the state. With scammers constantly evolving their tactics, it’s more important than ever to stay informed. In 2023, Americans reported over 2.5 million fraud incidents — resulting in over $10 billion in losses. While younger people fell for scams more often, older adults lost the most money per incident.
Here are the 10 most common types of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission — and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Scammers pretend to be someone you trust — a grandchild, a government official, or a tech support agent. They may use AI to clone voices or spoof caller IDs.
Tip: Never give out personal info over the phone. Verify through another method before acting.
Fake websites and misleading ads trick buyers into paying for products that never arrive or aren’t as advertised.
Tip: Shop only on reputable sites. Look for HTTPS and check reviews before purchasing.
“You’ve won!” claims are bait. The scammer asks for a fee, tax, or personal info to release your prize.
Tip: If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win. Never send money for a prize.
Fake investment schemes promise guaranteed returns, often in cryptocurrency or real estate.
Tip: Be wary of “get rich quick” pitches. Research before investing and consult a licensed advisor.
These scams target people looking to earn extra income, often asking for upfront fees for training or materials.
Tip: A legitimate job never charges you to apply or start.
Scams involve misleading subscriptions, gaming purchases, or online services.
Tip: Monitor your bank statements and cancel unused subscriptions.
These include robocalls, malware from fake apps, and SIM-swapping to steal access to your phone and bank accounts.
Tip: Enable multifactor authentication and never click suspicious links.
Scammers market miracle cures, fake equipment, or deceptive medical services.
Tip: Discuss health treatments and supplements with your doctor before purchasing.
Fake deals for vacations or timeshares can cost you thousands, with no actual benefits.
Tip: Research thoroughly before paying for any travel or lodging.
You may receive a check and be asked to send some money back. These checks are fake and will bounce.
Tip: Never deposit a check from someone you don’t know and trust.
Contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery steps.
Add a credit freeze or fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
We provide free, confidential support for kūpuna and caregivers navigating fraud, Medicare issues, and identity theft.
📞 Call: 1-800-296-9422
📧 Email: info@smphawaii.org
🌐 Visit: smphawaii.org
Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay safe. Together, we can protect Hawai‘i’s kūpuna from fraud.
