Tech support scams were the most common form of fraud, with 17,696 cases reported that year and losses totaling $590 million. These scams are also getting costlier. According to the Federal Trade Commission, the number of older Americans reporting fraud losses of $100,000 or more has tripled in the last five years.
With scammers now using the power of AI to impersonate legitimate companies in their emails, create lookalike e-commerce websites, and generate fake mugshots and voice messages from loved ones, it’s harder than ever for older adults to protect themselves from fraud.
Here are some of the most popular new types of scams targeting seniors in 2025, plus what you need to know to protect yourself.
Phishing attacks
Phishing emails are emails that appear to be from sources known to the victim — friends, well-known institutions like banks, or popular retailers — but are actually attempts to steal your information.
Traditional forms of these emails were easier to spot, with spelling or grammatical errors, formatting issues, and dubious-looking email addresses. However, with AI, scammers can correct many of these issues and make their writing appear more professional and more credible, duping older adults into thinking their messages are legitimate.
While these scammers often target major businesses, they also spread a wide net for personal information, including credit card numbers. According to a report by the Better Business Bureau in 2024, those aged 65+ who had been targeted by scams reported a median loss of $160, the highest of all groups surveyed.
With AI enhancement, these scams are becoming more sophisticated and more frequent. It’s more important than ever to ensure that you have extra protection to spot scams.
You can protect your devices with Norton 360 Deluxe. Norton can check suspicious content for potential threats, scams, hackers, viruses, malware, or ransomware. Norton 360 Deluxe also offers the virus protection you trust, guaranteeing 100% virus protection or your money back. 1 They further safeguard your online shopping and browsing with a Virtual Private Network so you can browse privately and keep your personal data safe.
Fake websites
While seniors may be well aware of email and phone-based scams, online shopping scams are becoming more popular and are frequently advertised as legitimate local businesses on social media platforms. Scammers use AI to create fake websites, and these ‘stores’ entice shoppers to buy with heavy discounts or limited-time sales that pressure you to make a purchase.
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of these high-pressure offers, as they’re a way to get you to share your email address and a commonly used password. These sites often use an AI chatbot that will prompt you to share personal info.
With Norton 360 with Genie, you can shop more safely. It detects if websites are scams and answers questions you have about the scam, using AI to your benefit. It’s designed to stay ahead of the growing trends in scams — so even if you fall for a trap, Norton has your back while you shop, bank and browse online. You can keep passwords safe with their Password Manager and even help protect your nest egg if you’re victimized by certain scams—Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus offers up to $10,000 in stolen funds reimbursement if you fall victim to certain scams. 2
Scam detection and prevention
It’s more important than ever for older adults to stay vigilant and continue learning about new scam types.
Norton 360 with Genie helps you take extra steps to protect yourself from fraudulent messages. With AI-powered protection built right into your browser, you can shop, bank, and browse with confidence — staying scam-free online.
Norton 360 Deluxe with Genie includes a scam assistant that can help you find answers to any questions you may have about new or existing types of online fraud. Norton 360 plans with LifeLock also include Safe SMS, Safe Call, and Safe Email to protect you from this growing threat.
Genie’s advanced AI proactively detects potential scams across texts, websites, emails and phone calls. 3 Plus, it provides actionable tips to help you protect yourself and your family from online threats.
You can get Norton 360 Deluxe for only $49.99, 58% off the first year. Savvy shoppers can try the product for 60 days with a full money-back guarantee.
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Requires an automatically renewing subscription for a product containing antivirus features. For further terms and conditions, please see norton.com/virus-protection-promise.
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Scam protection coverage is available only with Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus. It is included as part of identity theft benefits and is currently available to all customers residing in the United States, including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, with the exception of residents of New York. Gen Digital is not a licensed insurance producer. Benefits under the Master Policy are issued and covered by HSB Specialty Insurance Company. You can find further details and exclusions in the summary of benefits.
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Safe Email and Safe Call features are only available with Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, Advantage, and Ultimate Plus.
