Scams targeting older adults often begin with a message, call, email or alert that feels urgent. The scammer may claim there is a problem with your bank account, a suspicious transaction, a government issue, a family emergency or a computer security problem. A common red flag is pressure to act quickly, click a link, share personal information, provide login details or send money before you have time to think.

At Banterra, we want our customers and communities to feel prepared, not frightened. Scammers can be convincing and anyone can be targeted. The best protection is knowing what to watch for, slowing down before you respond and contacting a trusted source directly.

Customers across our footprint in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri and Utah may see scams through texts, calls, emails, social media messages or fake links that appear to involve a trusted business, financial institution, government agency or family member. If something feels unusual, it is always okay to pause.

Why Older Adults Are Often Targeted By Scammers

Older adults, retirees and caregivers are often targeted because scammers hope to take advantage of trust, routine or concern for loved ones. Some scams are designed to sound helpful, while others try to create panic.

Scammers may also assume older adults:

  • Have savings, retirement funds or regular benefit payments
  • May be more likely to answer unknown calls
  • May be less familiar with changing digital scam tactics
  • May hesitate to ask for help if they feel embarrassed
  • May respond quickly if a message appears to involve family, health care, government benefits or bank security

Being targeted does not mean someone was careless. Scammers use scripts, spoofed phone numbers, fake websites and realistic messages to make fraud difficult to spot.

What Are Common Scams Targeting Older Adults?

Common scams targeting older adults include fake bank alerts, account verification scams, phone impersonation scams, government impersonation scams, grandparent scams, tech support scams, fake security alerts and requests to send money through gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps or cryptocurrency.

Fake Bank Alerts And Account Verification Scams

Fake bank alerts are one of the most common senior scams. These messages may say there is a suspicious transaction, frozen account, failed payment or urgent security issue. The message may include a link that looks real, but takes you to a fake website designed to steal your username, password, card number or one-time passcode.

A fake account alert scam may say something like:

  • “Did you authorize this transaction? Reply YES or NO.”
  • “Your account has been locked. Click here to verify.”
  • “We detected suspicious activity. Confirm your login.”
  • “Your debit card will be suspended unless you respond.”
  • “A payment was attempted from your account. Review now.”

These messages are meant to make you react before you have time to think.

If you receive a suspicious message that appears to involve Banterra, do not use the link or phone number in the message. Instead, contact Banterra directly or visit a local Banterra branch.

Banterra customers can also use online banking alerts as a way to stay more aware of account activity. Just remember that legitimate alerts should never require you to provide your online banking password through a text or email link.

Important reminder: We will never reach out by phone or text asking you to verify a transaction through a link or provide sensitive login information.

Phone Scams And Impersonation Red Flags

Phone scams targeting seniors often involve someone pretending to be from a bank, government agency, utility company, technology company, law enforcement office or well-known business. The caller may sound professional and may already know basic information about you.

Some scammers can also “spoof” phone numbers, which means the number on your caller ID may look familiar or official even when the call is not legitimate.

Watch for these red flags:

  • The caller says you must act immediately.
  • They ask for your online banking password, PIN, card number or one-time passcode.
  • They tell you not to contact your bank, family or another trusted person.
  • They ask you to move money to “protect” it.
  • They want payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency or payment app.
  • They say you will be arrested, lose benefits or have your account closed.
  • They ask for remote access to your computer or phone.
  • They become angry, pushy or threatening when you ask questions.

A real organization should allow you time to verify the request. If someone pressures you to stay on the phone, that is a warning sign.

Review Fraud Prevention Resources

Government, Tech Support And Family Emergency Scams

Scammers often use names or situations that feel serious. Three common examples are government impersonation scams, tech support scams and grandparent scams.

Government Impersonation Scams

A government impersonation scam may involve someone pretending to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, Medicare, law enforcement or another agency. They may claim there is a problem with your benefits, taxes, identity or legal records.

Be cautious if someone:

  • Threatens arrest or legal action
  • Demands immediate payment
  • Requests gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers
  • Asks for your Social Security number unexpectedly
  • Says your benefits will stop unless you respond right away

Tech Support Scams

A tech support scam may start with a pop-up message, phone call, email or fake security alert claiming your computer has a virus. The scammer may ask you to call a number, download software or give remote access to your device.

Do not call the number on a pop-up warning. Do not give remote access to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. If you are worried about your device, contact a trusted technology professional directly.

Grandparent Scams

A grandparent scam usually involves someone pretending to be a grandchild, family member, attorney, doctor or police officer. The scammer may say a loved one is in trouble and needs money right away.

They may say:

  • “Please do not tell Mom or Dad.”
  • “I need bail money.”
  • “I was in an accident.”
  • “I lost my phone, so I am calling from another number.”
  • “Send money immediately.”

Before sending money, call the family member directly using a number you already know. You can also contact another trusted family member to confirm the situation.

Related: Protect Yourself From Family Emergency Scams

What To Do Before You Click, Pay Or Share Information

Many fraud prevention steps for seniors come down to one simple habit: pause before responding. Scammers want speed. Your best defense is taking time to verify.

Before sending money, stop and confirm the request through a trusted source. Call the person, business, bank or agency directly using a phone number you know is legitimate. Do not rely on contact information provided in the suspicious message.

Before you click, pay or share information:

  1. Pause Before Acting
    Do not respond immediately, even if the message sounds urgent.
  2. Do Not Click Suspicious Links
    Go directly to the company’s official website or app instead.
  3. Do Not Share Login Details
    Never provide your online banking username, password, PIN or one-time passcode to someone who contacts you.
  4. Verify Through A Trusted Channel
    Use a phone number from an official website, account statement or known contact.
  5. Ask Someone You Trust
    A second opinion can help you spot pressure tactics.
  6. Be Careful With Payment Requests
    Gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers and payment apps are often used in scams because funds may be difficult to recover.
  7. Save The Evidence
    Keep screenshots, emails, texts, phone numbers, receipts and transaction details.

Read Next: Six Tips To Help You Bank Safely Online

How To Help A Parent Or Loved One Stay Protected

If you are helping a parent, spouse, friend or loved one, focus on support instead of blame. Many people feel embarrassed after encountering a scam, which can make them less likely to speak up.

Helpful steps include:

  • Talk openly about common scams targeting older adults.
  • Encourage them to pause before clicking links or sending money.
  • Create a family verification phrase for emergency calls or messages.
  • Help them bookmark trusted websites for banks, government agencies and health care providers.
  • Review account alerts and digital banking settings together.
  • Encourage them to call you before sending large or unusual payments.
  • Keep important phone numbers in one easy-to-find place.
  • Remind them that asking questions is a smart safety step.

If your loved one banks with us and receives a suspicious message that appears to involve their account, encourage them to contact Banterra directly.

What To Do If You Think A Scam has Happened

If you think you or a loved one may have been scammed, act quickly, but do not panic. Stop communication with the scammer, contact your bank directly, change affected passwords, save evidence, report the scam and monitor your accounts for unusual activity.

Use this checklist:

  1. Stop Contact With The Scammer
    Do not answer more calls, reply to messages or click additional links.
  2. Contact Your Bank Directly
    If your Banterra account, debit card, online banking or personal information may be involved, contact Banterra as soon as possible.
  3. Change Passwords
    Update passwords for affected accounts. Use strong, unique passwords.
  4. Do Not Reuse Compromised Login Information
    If you used the same password elsewhere, change it on those accounts as well.
  5. Save Screenshots And Details
    Keep texts, emails, phone numbers, links, receipts, payment confirmations and dates.
  6. Report The Scam
    You can report suspected elder fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11, also listed as 833-372-8311. You can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
  7. Monitor Your Accounts
    Review your balances, transactions, cards, credit reports and account alerts.
  8. Talk With Someone You Trust
    Fraud can be stressful. A trusted family member, caregiver or friend can help you organize next steps.

Read Next: Identity Theft Tips For Identity Theft Awareness Week

Fraud Education Resources From Banterra

Fraud tactics continue to change, but basic safety habits can help you stay more prepared. Take time to review our fraud education resources, talk with loved ones about common scams, and contact us directly if something involving your Banterra account feels suspicious.

Scammers rely on urgency and silence. Slowing down, asking questions and verifying through trusted channels can make a meaningful difference.

Contact Banterra If You Suspect Fraud

Related Reading From Banterra

FAQs About Scams Targeting Older Adults

How Do I Know If A Bank Text Is Real?

A bank text may be suspicious if it asks you to click a link, provide your password, share a one-time code, confirm sensitive account information or act immediately. If a text appears to come from Banterra but feels unusual, do not click the link. Contact us directly using our official website, customer care number or a local branch.

Will Banterra Ask For My Online Banking Password?

No. We will never reach out by phone or text asking you to verify a transaction through a link or provide sensitive login information, including your online banking password. Keep your username, password, PIN and one-time passcodes private.

What Should I Do If A Loved One Sent Money To A Scammer?

Stay calm and avoid blame. Gather details about the payment, including dates, amounts, receipts, phone numbers, emails, links and screenshots. If a Banterra account or card was involved, contact us directly as soon as possible. You can also report the scam to the National Elder Fraud Hotline and the Federal Trade Commission.

How Can Older Adults Reduce Scam Risk?

Older adults can reduce scam risk by avoiding links in unexpected messages, refusing to share login details, verifying calls through trusted phone numbers, setting up account alerts, using strong passwords and talking with a trusted person before sending money. Caregivers and family members can also help by discussing common senior scams before one occurs.

Where Can I Report Elder Fraud?

You can report suspected elder fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11, also listed as 833-372-8311. You can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If your Banterra account may be involved, contact us directly as soon as possible.