The Top Scams to Watch Out for in 2025

February 1, 2025

In our increasingly digital world, the top scams continue to evolve, with fraudsters developing new and sophisticated ways to target consumers. The problem has become so widespread that it is now considered “the crime of the 21st century.” 

Older Americans lose billions of dollars each year to fraudsters. This is partly because this demographic can be less sophisticated about fraudsters’ tactics and how to recognize red flags. Additionally, financial scams often go unreported or can be challenging to prosecute. That's why these schemes are considered a “low-risk” crime for the perpetrators. However, these scams can devastate the victims and leave them vulnerable with little means or time to recoup their losses. 

Recognizing these scams is the best way for older adults to avoid becoming victims. AMBA is here to empower you with insights on spotting common scams and avoiding them. 

 

 

Telemarketing 

Older Americans make twice as many purchases over the phone as the national average. Perhaps that’s why one of the most common schemes involves scammers using fake telemarketing calls to prey on older individuals. 

While the image of the lonely older American with no one to talk to may contribute to this perception, it is far more likely that older adults are more accustomed to shopping over the phone and may not be fully aware of the associated risks. 

These scams are tricky to trace because they involve no face-to-face interaction and leave no paper trail. Once a successful deal has been made, the buyer’s name is shared with similar schemers who seek proven easy targets. They sometimes defraud the same person repeatedly. 

One of the most common examples of telemarketing fraud is when money is solicited for a fake charity. Scammers will try to exploit their victim’s emotions to help people. Examples include after natural disasters or for medical support in a foreign country. 

Email and Text as Preferred Contact Methods 

As dangerous as telemarketing scams can be, fraudsters are turning away from the tactic. The number of scams that start with a phone call has decreased from 67% in 2020 to 32% in 2023. Email and text messages are becoming preferred methods of first contact. 

For instance, scammers may impersonate a company and send an email regarding a fake security alert, renewal, invoice, discount, or tracking error. There are even multi-party scams, where the initial scammer directs you to an accomplice who pretends to be a government agent or bank employee. 

Always check the sender’s email address. Avoid clicking on links, and do not send out any personal or sensitive financial information until you can verify the sender's identity. 

Similarly, it’s vital to remain cautious if you receive a text message that seems legitimate but is likely meant for someone else. For example, the message might read, "I'm running late; I'll be there as quickly as I can." Wanting to help a well-meaning stranger, you might reply to the sender to let them know they have the wrong number. 

These wrong number texts often mark the beginning of a romance or employment scam. While a scammer may be involved from the outset, scammers can also employ AI messaging bots to target thousands of individuals simultaneously. 

Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams 

In this scenario, scammers tell their victims they have won a lottery or sweepstakes. To claim the prize money, scammers inform their victims that they must provide their bank account information (and sometimes additional sensitive personal information, like a Social Security number). 

This scam can be even more challenging to recognize because frequently, the target receives a check they can deposit into their bank account. The trick is that the money appears in their account immediately. However, it can take several days before the (fake) check is ultimately rejected. 

During that time, while the victim has the “prize money” removed from their account as soon as the check bounces, the criminals will quickly collect money for supposed fees or taxes on the prize, which they pocket, 

Counterfeit Prescription Drugs 

People are increasingly using the internet to find better prices on specialized medications. 

The danger goes beyond giving your credit card information to a bogus source that never delivers your medications. Even worse, victims may purchase unsafe substances that can inflict even more harm. This scam can pose a significant danger to the body and wallet. 

The most effective way to not fall victim to this scam is to only buy medicines from licensed pharmacies and ask for a receipt. Do not buy medicines from open markets. Ask the pharmacist whether the drug has the same ingredients as your current medicine. 

Fraudulent Anti-Aging Products 

In a society bombarded with images of the young and beautiful, many people feel the need to conceal their age. Because of this, many older Americans seek out treatments and medications to maintain a youthful appearance, putting them at risk of scammers. 

Like with the prescription medication scam, fake treatments or completely bogus homeopathic remedies that do nothing can potentially hurt your physical and financial health. 

The best way to avoid the risk is to only purchase from trusted sources, such as the manufacturer’s website. 

AMBA aims to ensure that you and your loved ones continue to enjoy a healthy and successful lifestyle during work years and in retirement. Following these tips can help. AMBA will continue to provide updates on how to stay safe from scam artists. It’s all part of AMBA's commitment to looking out for you, your well-being, and your safety. 

Sources: https://ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/fraud-characteristic-crime-twenty-first-century 

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2024/04/impersonation-scams-not-what-they-used-be 

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