THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, ApRil 3, 2026 Page 15 Sa Sa a Say y Senior enior Sen by Jim Miller Top Senior Scams and How to Avoid Them Dear Savvy Senior, My adult kids keep warning me about scams, but it’s hard to know which calls and messages are dangerous. What scams are most commonly aimed at seniors right now? --Almost 80 Dear Almost, Your kids’ concerns are well founded. Financial fraud is a massive – and rapidly growing – problem for older Americans. In 2024 alone, scams cost older adults an estimated $81.5 billion, according to the Federal Trade Commission. That staggering fi gure includes both reported losses and the many crimes that likely go unreported. While many scams today target people of all ages, older adults are often singled out or suffer the greatest fi nancial harm. From urgent phone calls and alarming emails to online romance schemes and bogus investment opportunities, scammers use high-pressure tactics, fear and emotional manipulation to convince seniors to hand over money or sensitive personal information. Knowing the most common scams is the fi rst line of defense. Here’s a list of scams seniors should watch for: Imposter and government scams: Fraudsters pretend to be from Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, the police, banks, or utility companies. They claim there’s a problem requiring immediate payment or personal information and may threaten arrest or loss of benefi ts. Tech support scams: Calls, emails, or pop-ups warn your computer has a virus. The scammer off ers to “fi x” it but instead steals money, personal data, or access to your device. Grandparent or family emergency scams: Callers pose as a relative—often a grandchild— in distress and urgently request money. Some even use AI to mimic a loved one’s voice. Investment and cryptocurrency scams: Offers for “too good to be true” investments, including crypto or high-yield retirement schemes, often promise big returns but lead to large fi nancial losses. Romance scams: Scammers build fake online relationships on social media, dating sites and other interactive platforms, then invent emergencies or investment opportunities to get money. Seniors have lost millions to these schemes. Medicare scams: Calls or texts claim to be from Medicare, asking you to verify your number, off ering special plans, or warning of fraud. Medicare will not contact you this way. Sweepstakes and lottery scams: You’re told you’ve won a prize but must pay fees or taxes fi rst. Real lotteries never require payment. Charity scams: Scammers call or email, asking for donations to fake charities, often after disasters. Always verify before giving. Phishing and online fraud: Emails, texts, and pop-ups that look like they’re from banks, Amazon, or PayPal try to steal passwords, account numbers, or trick you into clicking harmful links. Employment scams: Seniors seeking part-time work or ways to supplement their retirement should watch out for fake job offers on LinkedIn, Indeed and other online job sites. Scammers may promise easy income or workfrom-home opportunities but ask for upfront fees, personal information, or involve illegal tasks like package reshipping. Always verify employers and never pay to apply. How to Protect Yourself Awareness and caution are your best defenses. Slow down when a call, email or text pressures you to act immediately. That sense of urgency is a red fl ag. Hang up, don’t click suspicious links, and verify any request by calling the organization directly using a number you look up yourself, or by checking with a trusted family member. Never send money using gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. Legitimate organizations will not ask for payment this way. Stay informed through trusted resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network (aarp.org/ fraudwatchnetwork), the National Cybersecurity Center (nationalcybersecuritycenter.org) and the Federal Trade Commission (consumer.ftc.gov). Protect your accounts by setting up bank alerts, regularly checking your credit reports, and using strong, unique passwords. Some seniors also fi nd it helpful to have a trusted family member or financial ally review unusual account activity. Report suspicious calls, messages or off ers at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Being informed, cautious, and deliberate can greatly reduce your risk of fraud – giving you and your family peace of mind. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. O f Everett. Passed away peacefully on March 29th at the age of 73. He was born on May 20th, 1952 in Everett. He is the son of the late Byron Dean Gibbs and the late Jaqueline Alice Chute. Dean worked for the city of Everett as the wire inspector for 30 years. Dean was an outgoing and funny person he would talk to anyone and always cracked jokes no matter where he was. Dean was surrounded by so much love by his wife of 53 years LouAnn Gibbs, their children Paul Gibbs, his partner Michelle DaSilva, and Serena Gibbs, the grandkids Taylor Gibbs, Jamie DaSilva, and Tori Gibbs, and his great grandson Kameron. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7 from 9:00 nr ior Dean E. Gibbs OBITUARIES AM to 10:30 AM at the Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, 331 Main St, Everett followed by a Prayer Service in the funeral home at 10:30 AM. Michael C. Foley es, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Relatives and friends were invited to attend a visitation at the J.F. Ward Funeral Home, 772 Broadway, Everett, on Thursday, March 26th, followed by a service in the funeral home. In lieu of fl owers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital @ www.stjude.org O f Everett. Passed away at home on March 21st, 2026, at 77 years. Beloved husband to the late Patty Foley. Loving father of Stephanie Jones and Red Foley and her partner Eli. Cherished Papa to Justin Jones (Sandra) and Arianna Jones (Jahvon). Loving brother to Philip and his husband Bobby, JohnPat and his late wife Kathy, Danny and his wife Linda, Sharon and her late husband Tom, Gerald Foley, and the late Francis Gudjonsson and Franklin Foley. He is also survived by many dear niecHome of the Week PEABODY - Wonderful 3-bedroom Cape in a great neighborhood of Gardner Park. Living room offers beautiful stone fireplace open to the new kitchen with quartz counters, island & SS appliances. 1st flr den has a slider to an impressive new composite deck. 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