At SMP Hawai‘i, we are committed to helping protect our kūpuna and their caregivers from fraud, scams, and identity theft. Unfortunately, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to target older adults, who may be more trusting or unfamiliar with newer technologies. Understanding the most common scams is one of the best ways to stay safe.
Scammers often view kūpuna as ideal targets because they may:
Live alone and be more open to conversation.
Have savings or steady retirement income.
Be less likely to report a scam out of fear or shame.
According to the FTC, seniors report fewer scams than younger people — but when they do lose money, the losses are typically larger.
A caller claims to be your grandchild in distress — stuck in jail or stranded while traveling — and asks you to send money immediately. They often urge secrecy.
Tip: Hang up and call a trusted family member to confirm the situation.
Scammers pose as Medicare representatives, offering fake cards or services, then steal your medical or personal information for identity theft.
Tip: Medicare will never call to ask for your personal info or payment over the phone.
These scams involve building a relationship online and then asking for money, often citing emergencies or business ventures.
Tip: Be cautious with anyone who avoids in-person meetings and requests money.
Scammers advertise fake job opportunities, then ask for your personal information or trick you into moving stolen funds — unknowingly making you part of a crime.
Tip: Never pay to apply for a job and be wary of jobs that involve transferring money.
Fake websites trick users into paying for goods that never arrive. These sites may appear on social media or search results.
Tip: Only shop on reputable websites and look for “HTTPS” in the address bar.
Robocalls or live callers may impersonate government agencies, threaten arrest, or offer too-good-to-be-true services.
Tip: Hang up on suspicious calls. The IRS, Social Security, and Medicare won’t demand money by phone.
Pop-up ads or calls warn that your computer is infected, then trick you into paying for fake help or installing harmful software.
Tip: Don’t click unknown pop-ups. Only get tech support from trusted providers.
Scammers offer repairs, ask for a deposit, then do shoddy work or vanish completely.
Tip: Get multiple quotes, check licenses, and never pay in full upfront.
You’re told you’ve won a prize but need to pay fees or taxes first. In reality, there’s no prize.
Tip: If you didn’t enter, you didn’t win. Don’t send money for any prize.
Fraudsters pose as fake charities to take advantage of your generosity — especially after disasters.
Tip: Research charities on sites like Charity Navigator or call them directly before donating.
Be skeptical of unsolicited calls or emails.
Use multifactor authentication on accounts when available.
Avoid sending money via wire, gift card, or cryptocurrency.
Talk with family before making decisions involving large sums of money.
If you or a loved one may have been scammed:
Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Visit IdentityTheft.gov for recovery steps
Call SMP Hawai‘i at 1-800-296-9422 or email info@smphawaii.org
Together, we can help protect Hawai‘i’s kūpuna from financial harm and emotional stress. Share this guide with your ‘ohana and help spread awareness in your community.
