R.O.S.E., Resources/Outreach to Safeguard the Elderly
Scammers are always looking for new ways to separate people from their money, and one of their favorite tricks is pushing victims toward alternative payment methods. These methods—wire transfers, peer-to-peer (P2P) apps like Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App, prepaid gift cards, and even cryptocurrency—make it much easier for fraudsters to get away with the crime. Older adults, who may be less familiar with these newer systems, are often the prime targets.
Why do scammers love these options? Because once the money is sent, it’s usually gone for good. Unlike credit cards, which provide strong consumer protections and allow you to dispute unauthorized charges, many of these alternative methods don’t offer the same safety net. Debit cards, for example, pull money directly from your bank account, and recovering those funds can be difficult or even impossible. Wire transfers and crypto transactions are essentially irreversible—once you hit “send,” there’s no undo button.
Here are a few red flags and tips to help you stay safe:
1. Be suspicious of urgency. Scammers often pressure victims to act fast, claiming there’s a limited-time offer, an emergency with a loved one, or a government fine that must be paid immediately. Slow down—real companies and agencies will not rush you into paying this way.
2. Watch out for unusual payment requests. If someone asks you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto, it’s almost always a scam. Reputable businesses accept traditional, traceable payment methods.
3. Stick with credit cards when possible. Credit cards offer the strongest consumer protections under federal law. If something goes wrong, you can dispute the charge and avoid being held liable.
4. Be cautious with P2P apps. Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App were designed for sending money to people you already know and trust—like family or friends—not for paying strangers or online sellers.
5. Trust your instincts. If something feels “off,” it probably is. A legitimate business will understand if you want to confirm details before paying.
Remember: scammers want you to pay in ways that are hard to trace and impossible to reverse. By recognizing these tactics and sticking to safer payment methods, you can protect yourself and your money.
R.O.S.E. seeks to create change by educating and providing awareness of financial scams that typically target the older adult population, with a focus on those age 60 and over. For more information and resources, visit roseadvocacy.org, email us at info@roseadvocacy.org, or call us at 602-445-7673. Sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of our home page.