11 Biggest Scams Targeting Seniors: How to Protect Yourself

As seniors in Halifax plan their next steps — whether it’s downsizing from a longtime family home, moving into a condo, or finding a cozy retirement community — it’s important to stay alert. Unfortunately, senior crime is a growing issue, and scammers often target older adults because they perceive them as more trusting or financially stable.

In fact, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, seniors in Canada lost more than $32 million to fraud in 2023 alone. Locally, Halifax Regional Police report that incidents of elder abuse and scams against seniors continue to rise, particularly involving phone and online fraud.

Here’s a guide to the 11 biggest scams you need to be aware of — and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Scam #1: The Grandparent Emergency Call

The Pitch:
You get a phone call from someone claiming to be your grandchild, saying they’re in trouble — jailed, injured, or stranded — and need money immediately.

How to Protect Yourself:

Always verify by calling a family member directly.
Never send money without confirming the story independently.

Scam #2: Fake Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Calls

The Pitch:
A caller threatens that you owe back taxes and that you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay immediately via wire transfer or gift cards.

How to Protect Yourself:

Remember, the real CRA will never ask for payment by gift cards.
Hang up and call CRA directly at their official number if unsure.

Scam #3: Home Repair Rip-Offs

The Pitch:
Someone knocks on your door offering quick “fixes” like roof repairs, paving, or tree trimming — often at a “special” senior discount — then disappears after taking a deposit.

How to Protect Yourself:

Get multiple quotes and references before agreeing to work.
Never pay in full upfront.

Scam #4: Romance Scams

The Pitch:
You meet someone online who quickly declares love and then asks for money to deal with a personal “emergency.”

How to Protect Yourself:

Be cautious with online relationships.
Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.

Scam #5: Investment Fraud

The Pitch:
You’re offered a “guaranteed” high-return investment, often involving crypto, real estate, or precious metals.

How to Protect Yourself:

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Always check with a trusted financial advisor before investing.

Scam #6: Prize and Lottery Scams

The Pitch:
You get a phone call, email, or letter saying you’ve won a big prize — but you need to pay a fee or provide banking information to claim it.

How to Protect Yourself:

You never have to pay money to claim a legitimate prize.
Avoid giving out personal or financial information.

Scam #7: Tech Support Scams

The Pitch:
You receive a call or pop-up message saying your computer has a virus, and you need to pay for “tech support” to fix it.

How to Protect Yourself:

Legitimate companies like Microsoft will not call you out of the blue.
Never give remote access to your computer to an unsolicited caller.

Scam #8: Health Care and Insurance Scams

The Pitch:
Someone claims they can offer you cheaper or better health insurance, medications, or devices — often asking for personal health information or upfront payments.

How to Protect Yourself:

Deal only with reputable, licensed providers.
Guard your health card and insurance information.

Scam #9: Charity Scams

The Pitch:
Fraudsters pose as representatives of real or fake charities, especially after natural disasters or around holidays, pressuring you to donate immediately.

How to Protect Yourself:

Research charities through official websites like CanadaHelps.org.
Never give in to pressure to donate on the spot.

Scam #10: Rental and Moving Scams

The Pitch:
As seniors downsizing, some are targeted by fake landlords demanding deposits for properties that don’t exist — or by fraudulent movers who hike up fees on moving day.

How to Protect Yourself:

Visit rental properties in person.
Use reputable, local moving companies with good reviews.

Scam #11: Power of Attorney Abuse

The Pitch:
Sadly, even trusted individuals can misuse power of attorney privileges, draining bank accounts or selling property without consent.

How to Protect Yourself:

Choose a trustworthy, transparent individual.
Review your financial accounts regularly or appoint an independent monitor.

Protecting Seniors in Halifax Starts with Awareness

Staying informed is your best defense against becoming a victim of a senior scam. HalifaxSeniorLiving.ca is committed to helping seniors in Halifax move forward with confidence, whether you’re downsizing in Halifax or simply learning how to better protect your financial future.

Remember: never rush a decision. Always verify information through trusted channels. And if you believe you or someone you know has been targeted, report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and Halifax Regional Police immediately.