Protecting Your Home From Scams & Online Fraud
- STAFF WRITER
- Jul 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 4
As a homeowner, especially if you are in your golden years, protecting your home and finances is more important than ever. Unfortunately, older adults are often prime targets for financial scams and online fraud due to their accumulated wealth, stable homeownership, and sometimes less familiarity with fast-evolving technology. Scammers use sophisticated tricks designed to deceive and exploit, but with the right knowledge and vigilance, you can safeguard your home and your hard-earned money.
Common Financial Scams Targeting Older Homeowners
Mortgage and Reverse Mortgage Scams
Fraudsters may offer “too good to be true” refinancing or reverse mortgage deals, pressuring homeowners into costly or fraudulent loans. They may ask for upfront fees or personal financial information.
Home Repair and Improvement Scams
Scammers show up at your door offering urgent or discounted home repairs, then overcharge, do shoddy work, or disappear without completing the job.
Investment and Lottery Scams
Promises of guaranteed returns or lottery winnings entice homeowners to send money or share banking info, only to lose it all.
Phishing and Email Scams
Emails or texts pretending to be from banks, government agencies, or utility companies try to trick you into clicking links or giving away passwords and financial details.
Utility or Tax Scams
Scammers call pretending to be from utility companies or tax authorities, threatening disconnection or legal action unless immediate payment is made.
Scam Prevention Checklist
Verify Before You Act
Always independently verify company information or a person’s identity before making decisions or payments.
Use Trusted Professionals
Hire licensed contractors and consult trusted financial advisors before signing documents or agreeing to services.
Secure Your Personal Information
Shred documents with sensitive information and use strong, unique passwords for online accounts.
Stay Informed
Regularly check news and alerts from consumer protection agencies, senior advocacy groups, and your local police department.
Talk About It
Discuss any suspicious contact or unusual offers with trusted family members, friends, or advisors.
Have you or someone you know been a victim of fraud?
Contact your local police and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Join us for a Lunch & Learn Workshop
The Golden Road’s 2026 Lunch & Learn Workshop Series offers practical, easy-to-understand guidance for older adults, families, and caregivers who want to plan ahead with confidence. Each monthly session features trusted local professionals sharing insights on aging in place, financial security, home protection, and preparing for the unexpected.
These workshops are designed to be informative, welcoming, and pressure-free—just clear information, meaningful conversation, and helpful tools you can use right away. Join us for one session or the full series and take meaningful steps toward a more secure, informed future.
Request Your Complimentary Consultation
Thank you for attending a Golden Road workshop. As part of our commitment to supporting seniors and our community, we offer complimentary, no-obligation consultations with trusted Golden Road members.
Complete the form below and a local professional will reach out to:
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There is no cost and no pressure—just a helpful conversation focused on your needs. We respect your time and privacy and will only contact you regarding the services you request.
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Copyright©2026 Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation (“Fairway”) NMLS#2289. 4750 S. Biltmore Lane, Madison, WI 53718, 1-866-912-4800. All rights reserved. Fairway is not affiliated with any government agencies. These materials are not from HUD or FHA and were not approved by HUD or a government agency. Reverse mortgage borrowers are required to obtain an eligibility certificate by receiving counseling sessions with a HUD-approved agency. The youngest borrower must be at least 62 years old. Monthly reverse mortgage advances may affect eligibility for some other programs. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates, and programs are subject to change without notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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