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The Most Common Mobile Scams Targeting Older Adults in 2025

  • williamarthey2
  • Sep 12
  • 3 min read

For many older adults, a smartphone is their main link to family, doctors, and daily life. Unfortunately, scammers know this, and mobile devices have become one of their favorite entry points for fraud.


From fake texts to AI-powered calls, these are the most common and clever scams that target people through their phones in 2025.


1. Smishing (Text Message Scams)

How it works: Scammers send fake texts pretending to be from banks, delivery companies, or even government agencies. The message usually contains a link to “verify” information, or it warns of a missed package, unpaid bill, or suspicious login.


Red flags:

  • Messages full of urgency: “Your account will be locked in 2 hours.”

  • Links that don’t match the official website.


Tip for parents: Never click links in unexpected texts. Always go to the official app or website directly.


2. WhatsApp & Messenger Impersonation

How it works: A scammer pretends to be a family member or friend using WhatsApp, Messenger, or even SMS. They often write: “Hi, it’s me, I lost my phone, I need help.” Then they ask for money or gift cards.


Red flags:

  • Requests for urgent money transfers.

  • The sender avoids phone calls or video chats.


Tip for parents: Call the person back on their known number to confirm before sending anything.


3. AI Voice Cloning Calls

How it works: In one of 2025’s fastest-growing scams, fraudsters use AI to clone a loved one’s voice. Parents may get a phone call that sounds exactly like their child or grandchild, begging for money in an “emergency.”


Red flags:

  • The caller sounds real but won’t answer detailed questions.

  • They push for secrecy and urgency.


Tip for parents: Set a family “safe word” to confirm identity in emergencies.


4. Fake Delivery Notifications

How it works: A text or email claims to be from UPS, FedEx, Royal Mail, or Amazon, asking your parent to click a link to reschedule delivery or pay a small fee. The link leads to a phishing page that steals credit card details.


Red flags:

  • Unexpected delivery notices.

  • Requests for small “redelivery” fees.


Tip for parents: Check delivery status only through the retailer’s official app or website.


5. Subscription & Refund Scams

How it works: Your parent receives a mobile notification or email claiming their Netflix, antivirus, or Amazon Prime is about to renew. When they call the number provided, the scammer tricks them into “refunding” money and then pressures them into sending funds back.


Red flags:

  • Big refunds for services your parent never ordered.

  • Instructions to install apps for “remote support.”


Tip for parents: Never call numbers in emails or texts. Go directly to the company’s official customer service page.


6. Fake App Downloads

How it works: Scammers create fake apps that look like banking, shopping, or health apps. Once installed, these apps steal personal and financial data.


Red flags:

  • Apps downloaded outside the official App Store or Google Play.

  • Apps asking for unnecessary permissions (like contacts, camera, or messages).

Tip for parents: Only download apps from the official app stores — and check reviews carefully.


7. QR Code Scams

How it works: QR codes sent via text or posted online link to fraudulent websites that steal login details or install malware. Scammers sometimes disguise them as coupons, event tickets, or COVID-related information.


Red flags:

  • QR codes received from strangers or in unsolicited messages.

  • Requests for banking logins or payment info after scanning.


Tip for parents:If it comes through a random message, don’t scan it.


8. Mobile Payment App Scams (Zelle, PayPal, Venmo)

How it works: Fraudsters trick parents into sending money through instant-payment apps by pretending to be family, charities, or even banks. Once the money is sent, it’s nearly impossible to get back.


Red flags:

  • “Accidental payment” claims (scammer says they sent money by mistake and asks for a refund).

  • Requests to pay for goods/services through “friends and family” mode.


Tip for parents: Only use payment apps with people they personally know and trust.


Final Thoughts

Smartphones bring convenience, but also new risks. By understanding the most common mobile scams, you can help your parents avoid traps and feel confident using their devices safely.


Regular conversations are key: encourage them to pause before clicking, answering, or paying. And if something feels off, remind them it’s always safer to check with you first.

 
 
 

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