Many adults ask a simple question when something strange appears on their phone.
“How do I know if a text, email, or phone call is a scam?”
Scam messages are becoming more common every year. Criminals send millions of fake messages pretending to be banks, delivery companies, or technology companies.
Adults over 55 are often targeted because scammers assume they may be less familiar with modern technology.
The good news is that most scams follow the same predictable patterns. Once you know the warning signs, they become much easier to spot.
This guide will show you how to recognize scam texts, emails, and phone calls so you can protect your money and your personal information.
Quick Answer: How to Spot a Scam
A message or phone call is likely a scam if it:
• Creates urgency or pressure
• Asks for money, gift cards, or wire transfers
• Requests a verification code
• Claims to be your bank, Apple, Amazon, or Social Security
• Comes from a strange email address or phone number
• Contains spelling or grammar mistakes
• Tells you not to talk to anyone about it
If you notice even one or two of these warning signs, pause before responding.
Warning Signs a Message or Call Is a Scam
1. They Create Urgency
Scammers try to make you panic so you do not take time to think.
You might see messages like:
“Your bank account will be locked today.”
“Your package cannot be delivered unless you act immediately.”
“Suspicious activity detected. Verify your account now.”
Real companies rarely demand immediate action through text or email.
When something feels rushed, slow down. That pressure is often your first clue that something is wrong.
2. They Ask for Gift Cards or Wire Transfers
This is one of the clearest scam signals.
Scammers often ask victims to pay using:
• Apple gift cards
• Google Play cards
• Target or Walmart gift cards
• Wire transfers
• Cryptocurrency
Legitimate companies never ask for payment this way.
If someone asks you to buy gift cards to solve a problem, it is almost certainly a scam.
3. They Pretend to Be a Trusted Company
Many scam messages pretend to be from well known companies such as:
• Amazon
• Apple
• Your bank
• PayPal
• Netflix
• The IRS
• Social Security
These messages often claim something is wrong with your account.
Instead of clicking a link in the message, open your browser and go directly to the company’s official website or app.
4. They Ask for a Verification Code
This is a newer and increasingly common scam.
You might receive a message that says something like:
“Please read me the code we just sent to your phone.”
That code is part of something called two factor authentication, which protects your account.
If someone asks for that code, they are trying to break into your account.
Never share verification codes with anyone.
If you are unsure why your account is asking for a code, it may help to read our guide on
how to recover or reset your email password safely.
5. The Email Address Looks Strange
Scam emails often come from addresses that look slightly off.
For example:
support@amaz0n-help.com
apple-security-alerts@gmail.com
Notice how these addresses look similar but are not quite correct.
Legitimate companies usually send messages from their official domain name.
If something looks unusual, it is better to ignore the message and contact the company directly.
6. The Message Contains Spelling or Grammar Errors
Many scam messages contain unusual phrasing or grammar mistakes.
Examples include messages like:
“Dear customer kindly verify account immediately.”
“Your account suspended due to suspicious activity.”
Large companies have professional communication teams, so their messages are usually clear and polished.
7. The Caller Says “Do Not Tell Anyone”
Some phone scams involve someone pretending to be from:
• Your bank
• Law enforcement
• Social Security
• A technology company
They may say something like:
“Do not speak with anyone else while we fix this problem.”
This is a major red flag.
Legitimate organizations never ask you to keep a conversation secret.
Common Scams Targeting Adults Over 55
Some scams appear more often than others. Here are a few examples you may encounter.
Package Delivery Scams
You receive a message saying your package cannot be delivered unless you click a link.
Bank Security Alerts
A message claims your bank account has been compromised and asks you to confirm your information.
Tech Support Scams
Someone calls claiming your computer has a virus and asks for remote access.
Grandparent Scams
A caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble who urgently needs money.
These scams rely on urgency and emotion. Taking a moment to pause can stop the scam completely.
What to Do if You Receive a Suspicious Message
If you are unsure whether something is a scam, follow these steps.
- Do not click links or download attachments.
- Do not reply to the message.
- Do not share personal information or verification codes.
- Contact the company directly using the phone number listed on their official website.
When in doubt, it is always safer to ignore the message.
Technology problems sometimes appear confusing at first. They may involve scam messages, security alerts, or even issues like your phone suddenly running slow or acting strangely.
Other times people become worried when their phone says storage is full even though they are not sure why.
These types of issues are common and usually have simple explanations.
A Simple Rule to Remember
If someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for:
• money
• passwords
• personal information
• verification codes
stop and verify the situation first.
Scammers rely on people reacting quickly. Taking a moment to think often prevents the problem entirely.
Technology should make life easier. It should help you stay informed, connected, and confident using your devices.
It can also help you stay connected with family and grandchildren, which is one of the best parts of modern technology.
Need Help Figuring Out if Something Is a Scam?
Technology changes quickly, and scammers are always trying new tactics.
If you ever receive a message that makes you unsure or uncomfortable, you do not have to figure it out alone.
Tech with Tessa was created to help adults over 55 get clear answers to everyday technology questions.
You can ask things like:
• “Is this message a scam?”
• “Why did my phone send this verification code?”
• “Should I answer this phone number?”
Learn more at TechwithTessa.com.