The Hidden Threat: How Fraudsters Target the Elderly

July 25, 2025

With scam activity on the rise in our community, we want you to be aware — many of these scams are highly sophisticated and designed to trick unsuspecting individuals, especially seniors, into giving up money or access to their devices. Below are two common types of scams that have been recently reported:

1. Tech Support & Utility Scams
Victims receive a fake notice (often appearing to be from Microsoft or Comcast) via email or phone call. They are then instructed to follow up with a scammer who claims their device will be locked or their cable service shut off. The scammer locks the device remotely and demands that the victim purchase gift cards and provide the codes from the back to “unlock” their device. If questioned during the gift card purchase at a retail store, victims are coached to say the cards are for family members.

2. Fake Investigations & Cash Transfers
In this scenario, the victim is contacted and told they are under investigation. They are instructed to make their computer or device available for review, after which access is blocked. The victim is then told to withdraw a large sum of cash from a branch they don’t normally visit and, if questioned, to say it’s for purchasing an “item.” They are told the money will be placed in a "new account" pending completion of the investigation and are directed at sending the cash to a specific address.

3. Utility Bill Scams & Fake QR Codes
Scammers impersonating utility companies contact victims, often through phone calls, texts, or emails, claiming overdue bills and threatening service interruption. They then provide a barcode, instructing the victim to load money onto it at locations like the Walmart Money Center to avoid shutoff or fees. However, real utility companies don't demand immediate payment via barcode or gift cards. Victims should contact their utility providers directly using verified contact information to confirm any outstanding balances.

Be cautious of QR codes received via unexpected emails or texts, particularly those claiming to be from Walmart or regarding online purchases or deliveries, according to Aura. Scanning these QR codes could lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal or financial information. 

REMEMBER!!  No legitimate company will ever ask someone to:

• Purchase gift cards and read the code over the phone.
• Send cash through the mail as part of an investigation.

It is incredibly unfortunate when anyone falls victim to one of these scams. Most are elderly and may feel too embarrassed to report it. These are a few of the scams we have been experiencing recently in our area. Please educate your family members and loved ones so that they will be armed with knowledge if scammers try to target them. At The Napoleon State Bank, we will continue to be vigilant and help protect our customers from these harmful schemes.

Information provided by Angela Duerstock, The Napoleon State Bank’s Deposit Operations Fraud Specialist & Jayson Purdy, The Napoleon State Bank's EDP Operator.