The FBI says scammers often combine spoofed communications with identity theft and fake investment or crypto narratives to drain seniors. Fraudsters may impersonate authorities and use pressure tactics to force victims to send money or liquidate holdings.

The FBI’s senior-fraud PSA details how criminals use a layered approach to reach older victims, frequently starting with phishing or spoofing delivered via phone, email, or text. The PSA explains that impersonators may present themselves as government officials and then escalate the scam with demands for urgent actions—such as transferring funds, cashing out assets, and complying with instructions that prevent verification. The release connects these tactics to identity theft and broader financial exploitation. It notes that scams can incorporate investment or cryptocurrency elements, using the promise of resolving the victim’s “account,” “investigation,” or “legal risk” to justify payments. By blending financial narratives with authoritative impersonation, scammers can make their requests feel urgent and credible, especially for victims who are unfamiliar with these fraud patterns. The FBI emphasizes practical avoidance steps: do not respond to unsolicited requests, do not follow instructions received through unexpected calls or messages, and be skeptical of any claim—especially those involving warrants, agents, or immediate payment demands. The PSA also urges reporting suspected fraud so investigators can identify related schemes and potentially disrupt repeat targeting of older adults.