What Families and Seniors in Arlington Should Know to Stay Safe
In today’s digital world, scammers are more creative—and more persistent—than ever. Unfortunately, older adults are among the most frequently targeted. Whether it’s through phone calls, emails, or even in-person visits, scams can threaten not only finances but a senior’s confidence and independence.
At Informatix Health, we believe that caring for seniors means looking out for their safety in every way. That includes keeping families informed about the latest fraud tactics and how to prevent them.
Why Seniors Are Often Targeted
Scammers tend to focus on older adults because they may:
- Be more trusting of unfamiliar people
- Live alone and feel isolated
- Be less familiar with online technology
- Have accumulated savings or assets over time
This doesn’t mean seniors are helpless—just that awareness is the best defense.
Common Scams Targeting Older Adults
1. Medicare or Health Insurance Scams
Fraudsters pretend to be Medicare reps, asking for personal information or offering fake medical services to bill insurance.
Tip: Medicare will never call unsolicited to ask for your personal details. Hang up and report it.
2. Grandparent Scams
A scammer pretends to be a grandchild in distress—claiming they’ve been in an accident or arrested—and urgently need money.
Tip: Always verify the situation with another family member before sending any money.
3. Tech Support Scams
Seniors receive a pop-up or call saying there’s a virus on their computer. The scammer asks for remote access or a fee to “fix” it.
Tip: Never grant remote access or pay for unsolicited tech help.
4. Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams
“You’ve won!”—but they need payment for taxes or processing fees before you can collect your prize.
Tip: Legitimate sweepstakes never ask you to pay to receive your winnings.
5. Romance Scams
These scammers build a relationship over time—often online—then begin asking for money for emergencies or travel.
Tip: Be cautious with anyone asking for money online, no matter how close the connection feels.
How Families Can Help
- Talk openly with your loved one about scams and what to look out for.
- Encourage them to check with a trusted person before responding to unfamiliar calls or emails.
- Set up call blocking and use antivirus software to reduce risk.
- Review finances regularly to catch unusual activity early.
Local Support You Can Trust
In Arlington, Massachusetts, families turn to Informatix Health for more than just care—we’re a trusted partner in your loved one’s safety and well-being. Our caregivers are trained to look out for signs of fraud, confusion, or financial vulnerability, and we’re always here to support seniors and families with compassion and clarity.
Worried about a senior loved one falling victim to scams?
Reach out to Informatix Health today. We provide dependable, in-home care for seniors in Arlington and surrounding communities, giving families peace of mind and older adults the safety and dignity they deserve.
Contact us to learn how we can help.