Stay Safe: How Seniors Can Spot and Avoid Scams in Lexington, KY

​Scammers are increasingly targeting vulnerable seniors, exploiting their trust and, at times, unfamiliarity with rapidly evolving technologies. In Lexington, this troubling trend mirrors the national surge in fraudulent activities aimed at seniors. These scams jeopardize financial security and inflict emotional distress on victims. 

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, local organizations like our team at Always Best Care are intensifying efforts to equip seniors with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and evade these deceptive schemes. By staying informed and vigilant, Lexington’s senior community can better safeguard themselves against potential fraudsters.

6 Common Scams Targeting Seniors

As technology evolves, so do the tactics of scammers looking to take advantage of vulnerable individuals—especially seniors. In Lexington, older adults are often targeted by fraudsters using a variety of schemes designed to steal money, personal information, or both. 

Phone Scams

One of the most widespread threats, phone scams, often involve impersonators pretending to be government officials, law enforcement, or even family members in distress. These callers use urgency, fear, or emotional manipulation to extract sensitive information or demand immediate payments—often through untraceable methods like gift cards or wire transfers.

Medicare and Health Insurance Scams

Scammers frequently pose as Medicare or health insurance representatives, offering bogus services or claiming they need to “verify” your information. In reality, their goal is to steal your Medicare number, Social Security number, or other personal data. These scams are particularly harmful because they can lead to identity theft and fraudulent medical billing.

Tech Support Scams

These scams usually start with a pop-up message or phone call warning that your computer has a virus. The scammer will offer to “fix” the issue remotely—for a fee. In the process, they may gain access to your device, steal data, or install malicious software. Seniors unfamiliar with technology are often prime targets.

Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams

A classic con, these scams inform the victim that they’ve won a prize—but to claim it, they must first pay taxes or fees. Official-looking documents or high-pressure tactics often accompany these fake winnings to convince the victim to send money or share banking information.

Romance Scams

Loneliness can make seniors particularly susceptible to romance scams. Fraudsters create fake online profiles, build emotional connections over time, and eventually request money under various pretenses—like travel expenses, medical emergencies, or family crises. These scams can be emotionally and financially devastating.

Charity Scams

During natural disasters or around holidays, scammers exploit generosity by posing as legitimate charitable organizations. They may pressure victims to donate on the spot, often through phone calls, fake websites, or even door-to-door solicitations. Always verify a charity’s legitimacy before contributing.

4 Red Flags to Watch For

Recognizing the warning signs of a scam is key to staying safe. Scammers often use similar tactics, no matter the type of fraud they’re attempting. Being aware of these red flags can help seniors in Lexington protect themselves from becoming victims.

Urgent Demands for Payment

One of the most common tactics scammers use is creating a sense of urgency. They might claim a loved one is in danger, that your utilities will be shut off, or that you owe immediate taxes. The goal is to make you act fast—before you’ve had a chance to think clearly or verify the facts. If someone demands immediate action, take a step back and consult a trusted friend or family member.

Unusual Payment Requests

Legitimate organizations will never ask for payments via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. If someone insists you pay using one of these methods, it’s almost certainly a scam. These types of transactions are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover once sent—making them ideal tools for fraudsters.

Poorly Written Messages

Scam emails and text messages often contain spelling and grammar mistakes, vague language, or suspicious links. These messages may look official at first glance but lack the polish of legitimate communication. If something feels off or the message asks you to click on a strange link, don’t engage—delete it and report it if possible.

False Claims of Authority

Scammers often pretend to represent government agencies like the IRS, Medicare, or Social Security Administration. They may use threatening language or official-sounding jargon to gain your trust—or scare you into compliance. Always verify a caller’s identity independently before providing any information or making a payment.

Protective Measures

Staying safe from scams starts with a cautious mindset and some practical habits. 

Always verify any requests before taking action, especially if they involve money or personal information. 

Contact the company or government agency directly using a trusted phone number or website—not the one provided by a potential scammer. It’s also essential to keep your personal information private. 

Avoid giving out Social Security numbers, banking details, or Medicare information to unknown callers or online contacts.

Staying alert and questioning anything that seems suspicious can go a long way. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take time to evaluate the situation, and don’t be afraid to say no or hang up. Regularly checking your bank accounts and credit card statements can also help catch any fraudulent activity early. Look out for unexpected charges or changes that don’t seem right.

Perhaps most importantly, make it a habit to talk about scams with family and friends. Open communication can help others stay informed, too. The more you know about the latest tactics, the better prepared you’ll be to protect yourself and your loved ones.

The Role of In-Home Care in Scam Prevention

In-home care plays a valuable role in helping seniors stay safe from scams. Caregivers often serve as the first line of defense, assisting with tasks like screening phone calls, reviewing mail, and identifying suspicious activity before it becomes a problem. Their presence adds an extra layer of oversight, which can be especially helpful for seniors who may have difficulty spotting red flags on their own.

Beyond practical help, caregivers also provide much-needed companionship. Social isolation is one of the key factors that can make older adults more vulnerable to scammers. Regular contact with a trusted caregiver can reduce loneliness and create more opportunities to talk openly about anything that seems off or unusual.

Support services, such as those offered by our Always Best Care of Greater Boston team, are designed to assist with daily living and protect seniors from financial and emotional exploitation. 

Ultimately, staying proactive and informed is the most effective defense. In-home caregivers are critical in that effort, helping seniors maintain their independence while staying safe and secure.

Always Best Care Caregivers in Lexington Provide Added Protection!

At Always Best Care of Lexington, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors. Contact Always Best Care of Lexington at (859) 305-0060 to learn more and schedule your free consultation. Stay informed, stay alert, and stay safe.