Not every “ding” on your phone is good news… unless you like overdraft alerts.
In this publication, we're spotlighting a scam that’s quietly draining seniors’ savings — one text message at a time. It’s called smishing, and it’s more dangerous than it sounds.
A growing number of older adults are falling victim to smishing — text message scams that impersonate trusted sources like banks or government agencies. The emotional toll and financial losses are staggering, especially for seniors living alone.
How It Works:
Smishing (SMS + phishing) is a form of fraud where scammers send text messages pretending to be from trusted sources. It works like this:
- You receive a text that looks like it’s from your bank, the IRS, or a package delivery service.
- The message contains alarming info — a frozen account, missed payment, or suspicious login attempt — along with a link or number to “resolve” the issue.
- When you click the link or call the number, you're led to a fake website or tricked into speaking with someone who asks for your personal or banking information.
- Once scammers have your data, they drain accounts, take out loans, or commit identity theft.
Who’s Targeted:
- Older adults, especially those aged 60 and up
- Individuals who live alone, recently widowed, or socially isolated
- Anyone who uses text messaging but isn’t well-versed in digital security
Real-Life Example:
An 83-year-old woman in Lincoln, Nebraska lost over $14,000 after falling for a smishing scam. She received what looked like a legitimate text, followed the instructions, and unknowingly gave fraudsters access to her bank account. Her story is one of thousands — and a reminder that tech-based scams don’t just happen to “the young and online.”
Why You Should Care:
In 2024, seniors lost $4.9 billion to scams — a massive jump from $3.4 billion in 2023. That’s not just numbers; that’s rent money, grocery budgets, and medical expenses, wiped out in moments.
Smishing attacks are uniquely dangerous because they come through a channel most people trust — their phone — and are often opened instantly. And scammers often target those grieving a loved one, recovering from illness, or seeking connection.
The result? A personal crisis with lasting emotional and financial consequences.
How to Protect Yourself:
Don’t click links from unknown texts – Even if the message claims to be urgent.
Verify independently – Call your bank or service provider using the official number on their website.
Stay socially connected – Isolation increases vulnerability. Keep seniors engaged with friends and family.
Use phone security features – Block unknown senders and enable scam/spam filters.
Report fraud immediately – Go to the FBI’s IC3 site (ic3.gov) and contact your bank.
Quick Tips & Updates:
Quick Tip #1: “Did you know? Scammers often gather details from obituaries and social media to personalize their attacks.”
Pro Tip: “Set up two-step verification on bank accounts and teach older loved ones how to spot fake texts.”
Update: In honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance is urging families to check in with older relatives and explore their free fraud prevention resources at MakeCentsMakeSense.Nebraska.gov.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords:
• Smishing – A phishing scam conducted via text message.
• Senior Fraud – Scams that primarily target older adults.
• Elder Isolation Risk – Increased vulnerability due to loneliness or limited social contact.
• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – An international observance promoting the safety and dignity of older adults.
• NDBF – Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance, a key source for financial fraud prevention resources.
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