Tips for Avoiding Scams Targeting Seniors
Staying safe is part of living well. While seniors today are living longer, healthier, and more connected lives, there's one growing challenge that deserves attention: scams. Sadly, scammers often target older adults, using phone calls, emails, and even friendly conversations to trick people into giving away money or personal information.
At Laurel Heights, we believe knowledge is the best protection. In this blog, we’ll walk through common types of scams, explain how they work, and most importantly—share simple, practical tips you can use to protect yourself and your loved ones. With the right tools and awareness, you can stay one step ahead.
What you’ll learn in this blog
Why do scammers target seniors?
Scammers often go after seniors for a few reasons:
Trusting nature: Many older adults grew up in a time when people trusted each other more. Scammers take advantage of this.
Less experience with technology: Fraudsters know that some seniors may not be as familiar with online security.
Savings and assets: Seniors are more likely to have savings, pensions, or property—things scammers want to steal.
Isolation: Seniors who live alone may be more vulnerable, especially to scams that start with a friendly conversation or urgent request.
But being a target doesn't mean being a victim. By learning how scams work, you can outsmart even the most clever tricksters. Canadian seniors are increasingly being targeted by a variety of scams—including fake lotteries, tech support schemes, and deceptive calls from fraudsters pretending to be government officials. This article offers practical examples and advice on what to watch out for.
Common scams targeting seniors in Canada
Scammers are always coming up with new tricks, but some scams show up again and again. Here are a few of the most common ones in Canada:
1. The grandparent scam
Someone calls and says, “Grandma, it’s me!” They pretend to be a grandchild in trouble—maybe they were in a car accident, arrested, or stranded in another country. They’ll ask for money right away and beg you not to tell their parents.
Tip: Always call your grandchild directly or check with a family member before sending money.
2. CRA or government scams
You get a call, email, or text from someone claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Service Canada, or another government agency. They may say you owe money, your SIN has been used in a crime, or you’ll be arrested if you don’t act fast.
Tip: The real CRA will never threaten you or ask for payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency.
3. Tech support scams
You may get a pop-up on your computer saying it has a virus, or a phone call from someone claiming to be “Microsoft” or another tech company. They’ll try to get you to give them remote access to your device or pay for fake repairs.
Tip: No company will call you out of the blue about a computer issue.
4. Prize or lottery scams
You get a message saying you’ve won a big prize, but you need to pay taxes or fees first. These can arrive by phone, email, or even in the mail.
Tip: If you didn’t enter a contest, you didn’t win. You should never pay money to receive a prize.
5. Emotional or companionship scams
Scammers sometimes take advantage of seniors who may feel lonely or isolated by pretending to offer friendship or romantic interest. This can happen through social media, email, or even unexpected phone calls. The scammer may be charming and patient, slowly building trust over weeks or months. Then, they start asking for money—often for a made-up emergency like a sick family member, travel expenses, or a blocked bank account.
Tip: Be cautious if someone you’ve never met in person asks for money, especially if the relationship has moved quickly or feels too good to be true. Real friends and companions will never pressure you for financial help.
Red flags to watch for
Scams often come with certain warning signs. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
Urgency: “Act now or something bad will happen.”
Secrecy: “Don’t tell anyone else about this.”
Unusual payment methods: Gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
Requests for personal info: Your SIN, banking info, or passwords.
Offers that seem too good to be true.
When in doubt, take a pause. Real people and companies will understand if you need time to think or talk to someone you trust.
A recent report from TMCnet warns that as scams grow more sophisticated, seniors are losing thousands of dollars to fraudsters pretending to be family members or government agents. These scams often rely on urgency and emotional manipulation.
How to protect yourself
The good news? You can take simple steps to stay safe. Here’s how:
1. Hang up or delete suspicious messages
If a call, email, or text doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. You don’t have to respond. It’s OK to hang up or delete a message.
2. Don’t share personal info
Never give out your Social Insurance Number (SIN), banking information, or passwords over the phone or by email.
3. Use strong passwords
Create passwords that are hard to guess. Use different ones for different accounts, and change them from time to time. Consider using a password manager.
4. Talk to someone you trust
If something seems off, ask a family member, friend, or staff member at your residence. A second opinion can save you a lot of stress.
5. Check before sending money
Always verify the request. If someone says a loved one is in trouble, call them directly. If it’s a company or agency, find their real phone number and call to check.
A thoughtful article from North Shore News encourages older adults to stay informed and speak openly about fraud. It reminds readers that awareness is the first step to prevention and shares strategies to stay vigilant.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
It’s upsetting, but it can happen to anyone. If you think you’ve been tricked:
Stop all communication with the scammer.
Call your bank or credit card company immediately if you sent money or shared account details.
Report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca or call 1-888-495-8501.
Talk to someone you trust—you are not alone, and there’s no shame in asking for help.
File a police report if the scam involves money loss or threats.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of stopping further damage. The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) has issued a note about scams that target seniors and offers a tip sheet outlining how to recognize and avoid investment and impersonation scams.
Where to get help
You don’t have to face this alone. In Canada, there are several helpful resources:
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: National reporting agency for fraud and scams.
Seniors Safety Line (Ontario): 1-866-299-1011 – a 24/7 helpline for older adults.
Your local police: Always contact them if you feel unsafe or threatened.
Banks and credit unions: Most have fraud departments that can help if your account is affected.
Family and friends: Keep the conversation open. Scammers count on silence—talking is a powerful defence.
This episode of Optima Living TV features Constable Chantelle Kelly who offers practical advice on how seniors can recognize and avoid common scams. It’s a helpful, trustworthy perspective from someone on the front lines of fraud prevention.
Staying informed keeps you safe
Scams evolve quickly. Staying updated helps protect you and others. Some simple habits that help:
Read trusted websites like the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, CanAge, or your local news.
Sign up for scam alerts from your city or province if available.
Share what you learn with others—especially friends who may be less comfortable with technology.
A safe and supported life at Laurel Heights
At Laurel Heights, we believe peace of mind is part of a happy, healthy life. That’s why we foster a warm, welcoming environment where residents can learn, connect, and stay informed—together. We encourage open conversations, provide support, and celebrate the strength of our community.
Seniors deserve to feel confident and secure in all areas of life, including online and over the phone. By staying alert and informed, you protect not just yourself, but others as well.
Scams are designed to create fear, urgency, and confusion—but knowledge is your power. The more you know about how scams work and how to respond, the safer you’ll feel. And remember: asking questions, checking in with others, and trusting your instincts are signs of wisdom, not weakness.
At Laurel Heights, we’re here to support your safety, your independence, and your peace of mind. If you or someone you love is exploring senior living in Edmonton, we invite you to learn more about how our community helps residents live with comfort and confidence—every step of the way.
We invite you to visit Laurel Heights and see how we support joyful, culturally inclusive senior living in Edmonton. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help you feel right at home.
Contact us or Book a Tour to explore how community living and personalised experiences come together to create a life filled with comfort and endless possibilities.
Continue your journey here
Looking to take the next step or simply stay connected? Here are a few helpful links:
Contact us – We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
Book a tour – Come experience our community in person.
Virtual tour - Discover the warmth of our community from wherever you are.
Visit our YouTube channel – See daily life, special moments, expert interviews and resident stories in action.
Stay connected on Facebook
About Laurel Heights
Located in Edmonton’s peaceful Meadows area, Laurel Heights is a senior living community that blends comfort, culture, and connection. With a focus on inclusivity, it offers a nurturing environment where residents can enjoy independence while being supported by a caring community. The residence boasts modern, spacious suites tailored for both Independent and Supportive Living, thoughtfully equipped with amenities such as kitchenettes and emergency call systems to ensure safety and convenience. Managed by Optima Living, a trusted operator with over 15 years of experience in Western Canada, Laurel Heights is dedicated to providing exceptional senior care, ensuring that every resident leads a fulfilling and dignified life.