In a world where everyone is always connected online, scams become more complex, targeting specific demographics with shocking precision. Are there more and more crosshairs? The couple is over 50 years old.
This population often sits on large amounts of retirement savings and home equity and has become an attractive target for cybercriminals. But it’s not just money. These scams can also distort marriages, erode trust and leave long-term emotional damage. Even more shockingly, many of these scams disguised as harmless email, phone call or social media messages. Couples may not realize that they have been deceived until it is too late.
Here are seven online scams currently prey on couples over 50 and how to identify them before causing serious damage to your finances and relationships.
1. Romantic scams against a partner
Traditionally, romance scams have focused on singles, but more and more scammers are targeting relationships. They use dating apps, social media and even email to lure a partner into a secret online relationship. These scams usually start with innocent information, but quickly escalate into emotional manipulation. The scammers create compelling stories about getting stuck overseas, facing a sudden medical emergency, or needing help with travel expenses.
Target partners may start hiding these interactions in their spouses, sending out small amounts of money first and then making bigger payments as the lies of the scammers intensify. When deception is discovered, this will not only cause financial losses, but also cause marital friction. Some couples reported that these scams almost resulted in separation or divorce because trust was destroyed at both financially and emotional levels.
2. Technical support scam disguised as emergency alerts
The tech support scam has gone beyond the typical pop-up warning. Many people now arrive by email or text, often disguised as emergency alerts from popular software companies or banks. These scams claim that your account has been hacked or compromised and urge to take action immediately. The scammer then asks for remote access to your computer or smartphone to “solve” the problem.
What the victims did not realize was that the scammers installed malware to steal bank information, passwords and other sensitive data. Couples often become victims because a partner can trust a liar and allow access before discussing with the spouse. Once the scammers have control, they can run out of bank accounts or steal their identities in minutes.
3. Social Security and Medicare Imitation
Imitation scams are nothing new, but recently, there has been a surge in scams that pretend to be from Social Security or Medicare. These scams are often co-targeted by the intertwined nature of benefits. Victims usually receive calls or emails claiming their Social Security benefits have been suspended for suspicious activities or unpaid debts. Scammers force them to “verify” personal information to avoid losing income.
Likewise, a fake Medicare representative may provide a new card or require a change of eligibility changes, requiring a Social Security number or bank details. Many couples comply for fear of losing key gains and later found out that their personal data was used to fraud or open new credit lines under their name.
4. Investment scam disguised as retirement opportunities
Investment fraud targeting retirees is nothing new, but now many scams are explicitly targeting couples who are close or retired. These scams are often advertised on social media, YouTube, and even podcasts that cater to older people. The courts often involve a promise of guaranteed returns through a gold IRA, cryptocurrency or “government-supported” program. They often show a sense of urgency, warning of inflation or economic collapse.
The couple firmly believe that quick action will “protect their retirement,” but they eventually combine the funds with fake investment accounts that disappear overnight. Since these scams often involve joint finance or retirement savings, both partners suffer consequences, resulting in stress and blame in the relationship.
5. Fake charity scams exploit generosity
The liar is well aware that older people tend to be generous, especially for veterans, animal welfare or disaster relief. In many cases, the couple jointly decides to donate to the charity. Fraudsters take advantage by creating fake charities with compelling names and websites. Some even deceive legal organizations, making them harder to detect.
They usually strike after disasters, such as hurricanes or wildfires, send emails and texts to urge donations immediately. Many couples become victims because they feel the pressure to act quickly and think they are making a difference. Unfortunately, these “charities” have this money bag, which never involves the expected reasons. Couples usually don’t find a scam until they later try to confirm the donation or receive no tax documents.
6. Sweepstakes and lottery scams for joint accounts
Another common strategy for older couples involves fake styles and lottery bonuses. These scams usually claim that the couple won large cash prizes, holidays or vehicles. Victims were told they were required to pay processing fees, taxes or insurance before collecting bonuses. Scams usually cause wire transfers to couples or provide bank details for direct deposit.
Since many couples have shared accounts, the scammer exploits the assumption that a partner can act on behalf of both. In some cases, one spouse will charge the money without consulting the other, which leads to a later controversy. By the time the scam was revealed, the couple’s funds often disappeared and the scammers disappeared without traces.
7. Online shopping scams for retirement purchases
As older people shop more and more online, scammers shift their tactics to this population, especially for couples seeking retirement-related purchases. Fraudulent advertising often appears on social media, promoting major discounted items such as RVs, travel packages, medical devices or sports equipment to “advanced health”.
These scams often involve fake checkout pages where victims enter payment details and can only receive anything, or, worse, cheap fake products. Couples may not realize until a few weeks later that they have been cheated, especially if the purchase appears to be a common decision, or if they deal with a partner alone.
These scams can not only lead to financial losses, but can also cause debate about who makes the decision and whether it is appropriately cautious.
Protect your relationships and finances from online scams
Online scams targeting more than 50 couples are not just financial threats. They can cause long-term damage to relationships, trust, and emotional health. The key to protecting yourself and your partner is communication and awareness. Discuss financial decisions publicly, especially those involving online transactions, donations or investments.
Consider attending a cybersecurity workshop together or reviewing a well-known organization’s online security checklist. Never let strangers access your device remotely and always verify the legitimacy of charities, investment offers or government communications before responding. Being proactive can help prevent economic and emotional losses.
Have you or someone you know encountered an online scam against couples?
Read more:
Acts that make you a financial scam
8 Healthcare Scams for Elderly
Riley Schnepf is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to popular culture, she wrote everything in the sun. When she is not writing, she will spend time outside, reading or embracing two corgis.
