How to Spot a Scam Email for Seniors

Scammers send fake emails that look real — from your bank, from the government, even from family. Here's how to tell the difference and protect yourself.

The Most Important Rule

Before anything else, remember this: No legitimate company — not your bank, not Amazon, not the government, not Medicare — will ever email you asking for your password, Social Security number, or to call a phone number urgently. If an email does any of those things, it's a scam. Full stop.

7 Warning Signs of a Scam Email

Common Scam Email Types

The "Your Bank Account Has a Problem" Email

You get an email that looks exactly like it's from your bank, saying there's a suspicious charge or your account is locked. They ask you to click a link to "verify" your account. Don't click. Call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card.

The Amazon / Package Delivery Email

An email says there's a problem with a package or that you need to confirm an order. It looks like it's from Amazon or UPS. Check: did you actually order something? If not, ignore it. If you're unsure, go to Amazon.com directly — don't click the email link.

The IRS / Social Security Email

The IRS and Social Security Administration never contact you by email for personal information. If you get an email claiming to be from the government, it is a scam. Delete it.

The "Tech Support" Email

An email says your computer has a virus or your Microsoft account has been compromised. It tells you to call a number for help. This is always a scam. Microsoft and Apple do not reach out to you this way.

The Family Emergency Email

An email appears to come from a family member saying they're in trouble and need money. Scammers can "spoof" email addresses to look like they're from people you know. Before doing anything, call the family member directly on their phone to confirm.

What to Do If You Got a Suspicious Email

1. 1
   Don't click anything. Don't click links, don't open attachments, don't call phone numbers listed in the email.
2. 2
   Don't reply. Replying confirms your email address is active — scammers will target you more.
3. 3
   Delete the email. In Gmail or most email apps, there's a trash can icon to delete. You can also mark it as spam.
4. 4
   If you're worried it's real, contact the company directly. Call your bank at the number on your card, or go to the company's website by typing the address yourself. Don't use any information from the email.
5. 5
   If you already clicked or gave information, act quickly. Call your bank immediately to freeze your account if you gave financial information. Change your password if you entered login details.