Fraud can happen to anyone—but older adults are often targeted because scammers believe they may have savings, steady income, or a trusting nature they can exploit. The good news: awareness, conversation, and a few practical safeguards can make a meaningful difference. At Mid Oregon Credit Union, we believe financial confidence grows when neighbors look out for neighbors. Whether you are protecting yourself, helping a parent, or supporting a loved one, these tips can help you spot red flags and respond quickly.

Common Scams to Watch For

  • Tech support scams: A caller, pop-up, or message claims your computer or account has a problem and urges you to pay for help or provide remote access.
  • Fake sweepstakes or lottery winnings: You are told you won a prize, but must first pay taxes, fees, or shipping costs.
  • Imposter scams: Someone pretends to be a family member, government official, utility company, financial institution, or law enforcement officer and pressures you to act immediately.

Scammers often rely on urgency, fear, secrecy, or a “too good to be true” promise. If a message asks for payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or cash app—or tells you not to talk to anyone—it is time to pause.

Warning Signs That Something May Be Wrong

  • Sudden or unusual withdrawals, transfers, or debit card activity
  • New secrecy or anxiety around money conversations
  • Urgent requests for money, especially if the reason keeps changing
  • Unfamiliar people becoming involved in financial decisions
  • New accounts, loans, or bills the older adult does not recognize

Start the Conversation Before There Is a Crisis

Talking about fraud prevention does not have to feel uncomfortable. Try framing the conversation around care, not control. You might say, “Scams are getting harder to spot, and I want us both to feel prepared.” The goal is to create a safe space where questions are welcome and no one feels embarrassed for asking for help.

  • Share examples of common scams without judgment.
  • Encourage a “pause and verify” habit before sending money or information.
  • Choose a trusted contact who can help review unusual requests.
  • Agree on a family code word for urgent calls or texts that claim to involve a loved one.

Remember: falling for a scam is not a character flaw. Scammers are professional manipulators. The more openly families and friends talk about fraud, the easier it becomes to ask for help early.

Practical Protection Steps

  • Set up account alerts. Alerts can help you spot withdrawals, debit card purchases, transfers, or low balances sooner.
  • Review accounts regularly. A quick weekly check can help catch unfamiliar activity early.
  • Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid reusing passwords across financial, email, and shopping accounts.
  • Pause before clicking. Instead of using a link in a text or email, go directly to the company’s official website or app.
  • Consider trusted account monitoring. If appropriate, a loved one or trusted contact may help watch for unusual activity while still respecting independence.

If something feels off, slow down. Hang up, close the message, and contact the organization using a phone number or website you already know is legitimate.

What to Do If You Suspect Fraud

Act quickly. Contact your financial institution right away if you notice suspicious activity or believe personal information has been shared. You can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact local law enforcement when appropriate.

Mid Oregon Credit Union is here to help members with tools, guidance, and support when something does not seem right. The sooner you reach out, the more options may be available.

A Community Effort

Protecting older adults from fraud is something we can do together—as families, friends, caregivers, and neighbors. By learning the warning signs, talking openly, and using available account tools, we can help keep more hard-earned money where it belongs: in the hands of the people who earned it.

For more tips on protecting your personal information, visit Mid Oregon’s Security and Fraud Page: https://ow.ly/hjHm50V9XE1 [ow.ly].

At Mid Oregon Credit Union, we are here to help you feel confident, informed, and supported. If something does not feel right, trust your instincts. Pause, verify, and reach out before you act.