The Warning Signs of Senior Scams

We welcome Danielle Murphy, a Consumer Educator for the Consumer Protection Section of the Education Unit of the Office of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

From impostors posing as government agencies to emotionally manipulative grandparent and romance scams, Danielle Murphy walks us through the most common traps, why seniors are often at higher risk, and the specific warning signs loved ones should watch for.

You’ll learn why simply not answering calls from unknown numbers is crucial, how scammers use caller ID spoofing, and why certain payment methods like prepaid gift cards should always raise red flags.

We’ll also talk about practical advice on protecting your cyber identity, safeguarding social media activity, and navigating tricky situations when fraud involves those close to us.

Whether you’re a senior, a family member, or simply care about protecting your loved ones, this episode is filled with actionable tips and essential resources to help keep your finances—and your future—safe.

This is a conversation that’s as informative as it is empowering, and don’t forget to check the show notes for links to all the resources mentioned in today’s episode!

If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!

Here are our top 3 takeaways for protecting seniors (and all of us!) from scams:

If it sounds too good to be true, it IS. Whether it’s a surprise windfall, a threat from a “government agency,” or a suspicious phone call, skepticism is your best first defense.

Never give out personal information or send money without verifying. Don’t trust caller ID—scammers can spoof numbers to appear legitimate. Always verify requests for money or sensitive data by calling organizations back at numbers you look up yourself, not those given to you over the phone.

Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. As Danielle Murphy shares, “the more you answer, the more your number gets marked as active and sold to more scammers.” Let unknown numbers go to voicemail—legitimate callers will leave a message for you to return.

Moments

00:00 Ohio Law Enforcement & Officials Support

05:45 Common Scams Affecting Ohio

09:16 "Stop Robocalls, Report Spoofing"

13:00 Imposter Scams Explained

16:05 Spotting Scams on Dating Sites

18:45 Charity Verification and Service Issues

22:20 Recognizing Elder Abuse Signs

23:34 Cybersecurity Tips for Protection

26:56 Password Updates and Security Concerns

29:58 Facebook Privacy Concerns Explained

36:02 "Beware: Too Good Is Fake"

38:02 "Consumer Resources and Protection Tools"

39:54 "Scammers Exploit Weak Moments"

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

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Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

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Listener Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.