Phone scams targeting seniors are common across Colorado. The callers are often organized and convincing. They know how to sound official, and they know how to create urgency, so a person acts before they think it through. Scams targeting seniors specifically rely on this same pattern, whether it’s a fake IRS agent, a fake grandchild, a fake bank representative, or someone posing as a Medicaid caseworker. Families can cut down the risk with a few simple habits. Below are 7 tips to help prevent phone scams targeting seniors.
1. Know the Common Scripts Used in Scams Targeting Seniors
Most scam calls follow a pattern. A caller claims to be from the IRS, Medicaid, or a bank, and says there’s a problem that needs to be fixed right away. Another common version is the grandparent scam, where someone calls pretending to be a grandchild in trouble, often asking for money to be sent quickly and quietly. Once you know these scripts exist, they get much easier to spot in the moment. For more on how these calls specifically target Medicaid recipients, see our guide on Medicaid scam calls.
2. Set Up a Family Code Word
A family code word is one of the easiest tools to use. Agree on a simple word or phrase that only your family knows. If someone calls claiming to be a relative in an emergency, ask for the code word. A real family member will know it. A scammer won’t.
3. Slow the Call Down
Scammers rely on speed. They want someone to act before they’ve had time to think or check with anyone else. Encourage your parents to hang up and call a trusted family member directly, using a number they already have, not one given to them by the caller. Real government agencies, including Medicaid, and banks don’t ask for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, and they won’t pressure someone to stay on the phone while they go get money.
4. Use Call Blocking Tools
Many phones and carriers offer free spam and scam call blocking. Turning this on for a parent’s phone cuts down the number of phone scams targeting seniors that get through in the first place, which means fewer chances for a bad call to catch them off guard. Registering with the National Do Not Call Registry is another simple step that reduces overall call volume.
5. Verify Independently Before Acting
If a caller claims to be from a real agency, including Medicaid, a bank, or a family member’s employer, don’t rely on any number or “verification” they offer during the call. Look up the organization’s number independently, or check with another family member, before sharing anything or sending money.
6. Talk About It Without Making Them Feel Targeted
These conversations can feel awkward, and some older adults feel embarrassed or defensive when the topic comes up. Framing it as something you’re doing together, rather than a lecture, makes a real difference. Something like “I read about a scam going around and wanted to share it with you” opens the door without putting anyone on the defensive.
7. Lean on a Caregiver’s Extra Set of Eyes
A caregiver who visits regularly may notice unusual mail, unfamiliar callers, or a client who seems unusually worried about money. For families using in-home support through Andrea’s Angels, caregivers are often the ones who notice something is off first. That extra set of eyes is part of what makes in-home care valuable beyond the day-to-day help. Many families access this kind of support through Medicaid programs like Colorado’s In-Home Support Services (IHSS) or the Brain Injury Waiver. If you want a caregiver who can help protect your parents from scams targeting seniors, we are here to help. Contact the Andrea’s Angels team today. We are proud to provide Medicaid-covered home care services across Denver Metro and Northern Colorado.
How to Report It If a Scam Has Already Happened
If your parent has already sent money or shared personal information, report it to the Colorado Attorney General’s office and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov). Acting quickly gives the best chance of stopping further damage.
