The elderly are a primary target for fraudsters. From numerous ongoing news reports, what tactics do scammers use to gain seniors' trust? We reveal these methods along with ways to protect the elderly around you from fraudsters.
Although data from the DSI shows that the number of fraud complaints by elderly people (aged 60 and above) is relatively low compared to all cases, the financial loss per victim is very high. Most often, it involves money the elderly have saved their entire lives for retirement, which they lose due to fraudsters' deceptions.
Information from SCB’s website reveals that modern fraudsters no longer use force or threats but instead rely on "psychology" and playing on emotions to deceive the elderly. These tactics include:
This tactic exploits hope and the desire to earn money. Scammers often impersonate prominent individuals, reputable companies, or create fake platforms to appear credible. They trick seniors into investing in seemingly promising opportunities such as digital currencies, fake funds, or stocks, advertising quick, high returns. This type of scam causes the greatest financial damage per victim.
Call center gangs pretend to be government officials like police or DSI agents, claiming the victim is involved in serious legal cases and must transfer money to verify innocence. Due to fear and respect for the law, most seniors believe and comply.
Fraudsters create appealing and trustworthy profiles, strike up warm conversations, and build relationships until the victim falls in love and trusts them. Then, they fabricate sad stories to request financial help.
Scammers exploit love and concern for family by calling, pretending to be a relative in an accident or emergency needing urgent money for medical treatment.
They sell medicines or supplements claiming to cure various diseases with exaggerated advertising, making health-conscious seniors easy targets.
Scammers impersonate officials from government agencies or state enterprises, such as the Electricity Authority, Land Department, or pension offices, telling seniors they are entitled to refunds, have unpaid fees, or urgent issues to resolve. They then trick victims into clicking fake links or providing personal information to confirm receipt, exploiting joy, hope, and misunderstandings about official procedures.
For relatives with elderly family members or close seniors, here are ways to help them stay safe from fraudsters:
Do not disclose personal details such as full name, ID number, bank account numbers, PINs, or OTPs to unknown callers or messages, regardless of claimed identity—including government officials, banks, or companies.
If a call causes shock or fear, hang up immediately and do not transfer money or follow instructions. Compose yourself and independently call official numbers of the concerned agency for verification.
If someone urges money transfers, borrowing, sharing personal data, or investments, consult relatives before acting. Government agencies and banks do not call to accuse, demand transfers, or ask you to click links to verify or receive refunds.
Avoid clicking suspicious links or scanning QR codes received via SMS, LINE, or social media. Do not install unknown apps or those requesting control permissions over your phone.
Relatives should regularly discuss and update seniors on new scams in a friendly tone without blame or pressure. Teach safe use of phones and social media, such as privacy settings and strong passwords.
Install apps that identify unknown phone numbers, like Whoscall, to warn against scam calls and call center fraud gangs.
Importantly, if money has already been transferred and you realize it was a scam, immediately contact your bank to freeze the account and report the incident to the police.