STOLEN TRUST — How Scammers Target Seniors with Identity Theft Schemes
Older adults are often targeted by identity theft scams
R23 Law’s California Elder Identity Theft Attorneys explain common tactics and how to legally protect yourself or a loved one.
In an ideal world, age would come with added respect and protection. But in reality, scammers often target seniors, exploiting trust, isolation, and unfamiliarity with digital security. If you or a loved one over the age of 65 has been affected by identity theft, it’s not just personal—it’s potentially criminal, and you may have legal remedies under California and federal law.
At R23 Law, our California Elder Identity Theft Attorneys work with senior victims and their families to investigate scams, report fraud, and take legal action to recover stolen funds and protect personal data.
Why Are Older Adults Targeted in Identity Theft Scams?
Seniors are among the most vulnerable groups for identity theft. Here’s why:
Many have stable incomes (retirement, Social Security, pensions) that attract fraudsters
Seniors often have established credit histories, making them valuable targets
Some older adults may be less familiar with modern scams or more trusting of authority figures
Cognitive decline or isolation can make them more susceptible to manipulation
Unfortunately, these factors create an opening for scammers to impersonate, confuse, or pressure seniors into giving up sensitive information.
Common Identity Theft Scams Targeting Seniors
Fraudsters use a wide range of tactics to gain access to Social Security numbers, banking credentials, Medicare IDs, and more. Some of the most common scams we’ve seen at R23 Law include:
“Grandparent scams”: Pretending to be a grandchild in trouble and needing money
Charity fraud: Impersonating a nonprofit to solicit donations
Sweepstakes or lottery scams: Asking for bank info to “claim a prize”
Government impersonation: Claiming to be from the IRS or Medicare
Romance scams: Building trust through fake relationships and then requesting financial support
Law enforcement impersonation: Threatening arrest unless payment is made for a fake warrant or fine
Each of these scams has one goal: to gain access to the victim’s identity or finances.
Signs a Senior May Be a Victim of Identity Theft
If you’re concerned that a loved one may be under attack, watch for red flags like:
Unexpected withdrawals from bank accounts
Bills or debt collection calls for unfamiliar accounts
Declined credit or unexpected drops in credit score
Sudden fear or secretiveness around phone calls or finances
Missing mail or benefit statements
Scammers often tell victims to “keep it secret”—which isolates seniors even further. That’s why family involvement is critical in spotting and stopping fraud.
What Legal Rights Do Seniors Have?
In California, victims of elder identity theft have multiple legal tools at their disposal:
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – Allows disputes of inaccurate credit info and damages if bureaus fail to fix it
California Identity Theft Act – Provides remedies to clear names and seek damages
Elder Abuse Laws – May apply if the scammer is a caregiver, family member, or person of trust
Financial Exploitation Claims – Can lead to civil recovery of misused funds
R23 Law’s legal team assists with drafting disputes, freezing credit, contacting financial institutions, and taking civil action where appropriate.
What to Do If You Suspect Elder Identity Theft
If you or someone you love has been scammed, take action immediately:
Freeze the victim’s credit with all three credit bureaus
File a report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov
Contact banks or financial institutions to stop unauthorized access
Preserve evidence such as call logs, voicemails, emails, or texts
Consult R23 Law’s California Elder Identity Theft Attorneys for next steps
R23 Law: Fighting for California’s Most Vulnerable Consumers
At R23 Law, we don’t just pursue legal claims—we restore peace of mind. If a scammer has taken advantage of a senior’s trust, we act quickly to identify all responsible parties, restore the victim’s identity, and seek compensation where possible.
📞 Contact R23 Law’s California Elder Identity Theft Attorneys today for a confidential consultation.
Let us help you or your loved one recover from this deeply personal violation—and hold scammers accountable.
