Helping Residents Stay Safe from Technology Scams
Technology has become an important part of everyday life for older adults. Whether it's video chatting with family, managing finances online, or streaming a favorite show, technology helps people stay connected and independent.
Unfortunately, scammers know this too.
A recent LeadingAge article highlights just how quickly the problem is growing. According to the Federal Trade Commission, adults age 60 and older reported $2.4 billion in fraud losses in 2024, a staggering increase from $600 million in 2020.
Social media has become the biggest source of reported losses, totaling $561 million in 2024, a 44% increase over the previous year. While many scams start with fake online shopping offers, the biggest financial losses come from investment scams (51%) and romance scams (28%).
Scammers are also reaching older adults through websites and apps ($303 million in losses), text messages ($183 million), online ads and pop-ups ($147 million), and email ($143 million). Many of these scams look surprisingly legitimate, with texts claiming to be from Amazon, a bank, or another trusted company warning about a suspicious purchase or account activity.
For adults over 80, the phone is still one of the biggest threats. They're much more likely to lose money after receiving a phone call from someone pretending to represent a business or government agency or promising a prize or lottery win. These phone scams resulted in a median reported loss of $2,210, compared to $650 for scams that began on social media.
While education is important, sometimes the best protection is simply knowing who to call when something doesn't feel right.
That's why we're committed to helping residents build confidence with technology every day. We regularly create free resident-friendly technology resources, including scam awareness tips, how-to guides, and practical technology education designed specifically for older adults. They're easy to understand, easy to share, and available to help communities keep residents informed.
For communities looking to provide an extra layer of support, that's exactly why we created Tech@Home.
Instead of searching online for help (or accidentally calling a scammer posing as tech support) residents have access to friendly, trusted technology professionals who can answer questions, troubleshoot devices, and help them recognize potential scams before they become costly mistakes.
At Parasol Alliance, we believe protecting residents isn't just about cybersecurity. It's about giving them someone they trust. Tech@Home gives residents the confidence to enjoy technology, stay connected with family, and safely navigate an increasingly digital world.
Want to learn more about Tech@Home? We'd love to show you how resident technology support can help your community reduce risk while giving residents and families greater peace of mind. Visit our website for more information.
Read the full LeadingAge article here.