I spent 20 years as a detective. I've seen the aftermath of fraud more times than I can count — and the cases involving seniors are the ones that still keep me up at night. Not because the amounts are always the largest, but because the impact goes so much deeper than money.
When a senior loses their savings to a scam, they don't just lose money. They lose confidence. They lose trust. They lose the feeling that the world is a safe place. And that's something no amount of money can buy back.
The good news? Most scams follow predictable patterns. Once you know what to look for, you're much harder to fool.
The Most Common Scams Targeting Seniors
1. The Grandparent Scam
This one is devastatingly effective. You get a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild — or a police officer, lawyer, or bail bondsman acting on their behalf. They say your grandchild is in trouble (arrested, in an accident, stranded abroad) and needs money immediately.
The caller creates urgency and asks you not to tell anyone. They want payment by wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency — all untraceable.
🚨 What to do: Hang up. Call your grandchild directly at their known number. If you can't reach them, call their parents. Never send money based on a phone call alone.
2. CRA / Government Impersonation
A caller claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada, or another government body. They say you owe back taxes, your SIN has been compromised, or you'll be arrested if you don't pay immediately.
🚨 What to do: The CRA will never call and threaten arrest. They will never demand payment by gift card or cryptocurrency. Hang up and call the CRA directly at their official number: 1-800-959-8281.
3. Romance Scams
These are cruel and calculated. A scammer builds a fake relationship — usually online — over weeks or months. They're charming, attentive, and patient. Once trust is established, they start asking for money. A medical emergency. A business deal gone wrong. A plane ticket to come visit.
🚨 What to do: Never send money to someone you haven't met in person. If they always have an excuse for why they can't meet or video call, that's a red flag. Talk to a trusted friend or family member before sending anything.
4. Door-to-Door Scams
Someone shows up at your door offering a "free" home inspection, driveway sealing, furnace cleaning, or duct work. They pressure you into signing a contract on the spot, often at inflated prices. Some are outright fraudulent — they take a deposit and never come back.
🚨 What to do: Never sign anything at the door. Ask for a business card and say you'll call them. Check reviews and verify their business registration before agreeing to any work.
5. Tech Support Scams
A pop-up appears on your computer saying it's infected with a virus. Or someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft, Apple, or your internet provider. They ask for remote access to your computer — and once they're in, they can steal passwords, banking information, and personal data.
🚨 What to do: Never give remote access to anyone who contacts you unsolicited. Close the pop-up. Hang up the phone. If you're concerned about your computer, take it to a trusted local repair shop.
The Warning Signs
Almost every scam shares these characteristics:
- Urgency — "You must act NOW or face consequences."
- Secrecy — "Don't tell anyone about this."
- Unusual payment methods — Gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or cash.
- Too good to be true — You've "won" something you never entered, or someone you've never met wants to give you money.
- Pressure — They don't want you to think, verify, or consult anyone.
How to Protect Yourself
- Slow down. Legitimate organizations will never pressure you into an immediate decision.
- Verify independently. If someone claims to be from a company or government agency, hang up and call the official number yourself.
- Talk to someone you trust. Before sending money or sharing personal information, run it by a family member, friend, or your ASAP coordinator.
- Register for the National Do Not Call List — it won't stop all calls, but it reduces them.
- Report scams — to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online at antifraudcentre.ca.
At ASAP, scam and fraud prevention is built into every wellness check-in. We educate, we monitor, and we advocate — because protecting seniors from exploitation isn't optional. It's the foundation of everything we do.
That's my thought while having my cup of joe this morning. Knowledge is the best defence against fraud. Share this article with someone you love — it might save them from a devastating loss. Let's pay it forward, together.