Staying independent at home shouldn’t mean staying vulnerable. Seniors across Long Island face a growing wave of targeted scams that exploit trust, urgency, and isolation. The good news: thoughtful companionship dramatically lowers risk by adding a calm second set of eyes, structured routines, and real-time coaching. Here are ten common scams—and practical ways companions help stop them before money or personal data is lost.
1) “Grandparent” emergency calls
The scam: A caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble—or a “lawyer” speaking for them—demanding immediate payment or gift cards for bail, medical bills, or travel.
How companions help: They establish a family “code word,” verify caller ID, and insist on a pause-and-check protocol: hang up, call the grandchild or a parent on a known number, and confirm facts before any action.
2) Government impersonators (IRS, Social Security)
The scam: Threats of arrest, benefits suspension, or audits unless payment is made right away via wire, crypto, or cards.
How companions help: They remind seniors that government agencies don’t demand instant payment by phone, post an easy “Do Not Pay—Call Me First” note by the phone, and log suspicious calls for family follow-up.
3) Utility shutoff pressure (e.g., “PSEG tech” at the door)
The scam: A caller claims a missed bill and imminent power or gas shutoff, pushing for payment or doorstep “meter inspection.”
How companions help: They keep account numbers and official customer service lines on a household “utilities sheet,” call the utility directly, and never allow unverified workers inside. If a visit is legit, it’s scheduled through official channels.
4) Tech-support pop-ups and fake Microsoft/Apple calls
The scam: Pop-up warnings claim a virus and prompt remote access or fees.
How companions help: They install a browser pop-up blocker, create a one-step “shut down and tell me” routine, and handle legitimate tech support through trusted providers only—never incoming cold calls.
5) Home-improvement and storm-chaser scams
The scam: Door-to-door offers for roof, driveway, or tree work “today only” with big deposits—especially after storms.
How companions help: They photograph business cards, verify licensing/insurance with the town or county, and get written estimates from at least two local vendors. No on-the-spot decisions; deposits only after a signed contract.
6) Medical equipment and “free Medicare” offers
The scam: Calls offering “no-cost” braces or equipment, harvesting Medicare numbers and sending overpriced items—or billing for goods never received.
How companions help: They store Medicare cards securely, refuse unsolicited offers, verify all equipment needs through the primary care clinician, and monitor Medicare statements for phantom charges.
7) Bank spoofing and phishing texts
The scam: Texts or emails that look like a bank warning of suspicious activity, with links to fake sites.
How companions help: They set a simple rule: never click links; use the bank’s official app or phone number from the debit card. Companions also help enroll in alerts through the bank’s real portal and review statements weekly.
8) Prize, sweepstakes, and lottery “wins”
The scam: “You’ve won—just pay fees or taxes first.”
How companions help: They reinforce that legitimate prizes don’t require upfront payment, create a “no lotteries” household policy, and collect all mailers for a weekly review rather than same-day responses.
9) Romance and friendship confidence schemes
The scam: Online or phone-based relationships that build trust, then request money for emergencies or travel.
How companions help: They encourage social connections that include local community groups and supervised platforms, watch for secrecy or rushed requests, and set a rule: no money or gift cards to anyone new without a family discussion.
10) Charity fraud and disaster appeals
The scam: Emotional calls or door-knocks after crises asking for immediate donations.
How companions help: They maintain a vetted list of real charities, use the charity’s official website for giving, and avoid cash or gift-card donations. Companions help schedule donations during calm times, not during urgent pitches.
Daily habits that reduce risk
- The “24-hour rule.” No financial decisions the same day as a solicitation—cooling-off periods save wallets.
- One central money hub. All bills, statements, and cards live in a labeled folder; companions help reconcile weekly.
- Call-back culture. Never trust incoming numbers; use known contacts for banks, utilities, and doctors.
- Doorstep safety. No entry for unannounced “officials.” Companions confirm identity and appointments first.
- Password and device hygiene. Unique passwords, updated devices, and locked screens keep data safer.
How companions turn awareness into protection
- Structured check-ins. A 5–10 minute “mail and messages” review every visit catches suspicious items early.
- Scripts by the phone. Index cards with phrases like “I don’t make decisions by phone. Please mail information.”
- Community connection. Companions steer seniors toward trusted social circles (senior centers, libraries, faith communities), reducing loneliness—the top driver of scam vulnerability.
- Keeping a scam log (date, number, claim made) helps families and authorities spot patterns.
What families can do today
- Post a one-page “Safety Sheet” near the phone with key numbers and the 24-hour rule.
- Set card and bank alerts for transactions over a modest threshold.
- Review call block and spam filters on mobile and landlines.
- Decide on a family code word for real emergencies.
Companion support isn’t just company—it’s a practical defense against financial and emotional harm. With calm routines, clear boundaries, and quick verification, at-home companions for seniors make it easier to say no to pressure and yes to real connection. On Long Island, where door-to-door services and storm seasons create extra openings for scammers, that added vigilance can be the difference between a close call and a costly loss.
