With the advancement of technology, digital scams have become increasingly sophisticated and represent a growing threat, especially for the elderly. Criminals use messaging apps, fake calls, cloned profiles and even artificial intelligence tools to create more convincing approaches and deceive victims. In many cases, they exploit the trust, lack of familiarity with digital resources and vulnerability of this audience, which can result in significant financial losses.

An unprecedented survey by the Seade Foundation revealed that 82% of people aged 60 or over in the state of São Paulo have already suffered virtual scam attempts through fraudulent messages, emails or calls. Although the percentage is lower than that observed among adults aged 30 to 59, a range in which rates exceed 90%, the data shows that the elderly are also widely exposed to the risks of the digital environment, a scenario observed throughout the country.

For lawyer Mário Henrique Martins, from Martins Cardozo Advogados Associados and specialist in Diffuse and Collective Rights, the combination between the rapid digitalization of services and the evolution of techniques used by fraudsters has created an especially challenging environment for the elderly population.

“Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated resources to deceive victims, exploiting feelings such as trust, fear and urgency. In many cases, the damage goes beyond financial issues and directly affects the autonomy, security and quality of life of the elderly. Information and education continue to be the main tools of prevention“, he states.

Given this scenario, the expert lists the 5 most common digital scams applied against the elderly in 2026 and the main forms of protection.

1. Fake central banking scam

Criminals often create a sense of urgency to prevent the victim from thinking before acting. When someone asks for passwords, authentication codes or transfers under the argument of protecting a bank account, the first step should be to stop contact and seek confirmation directly from the financial institution. No bank requests this type of procedure over the phone.

2. Voice cloning by artificial intelligence

A artificial intelligence it made the moves more sophisticated because it allows voices to be reproduced with an increasingly greater degree of realism. Today, hearing the voice of a family member is no longer a guarantee of authenticity. Whenever there is an unusual request for money, the advice is to confirm the situation through other channels before any transfer.

3. False registration update request

Many frauds begin with a seemingly simple message informing the need to update data or regularize a registration. The objective is to obtain the victim’s personal and banking information. Therefore, it is essential to avoid clicking on links received in messages and only access official channels of the companies or institutions involved.

4. False benefit or refund scam

Promises of amounts receivable usually arouse immediate interest, especially when they involve retirement, benefits social benefits or refunds. Consumers need to keep in mind that public bodies do not require advance payments to release resources. Whenever there is an advance charge to release a supposed benefit, there is a strong indication of fraud.

5. Cloned WhatsApp scam

Most cases could be avoided with basic digital security measures. Two-step authentication creates an additional layer of protection and makes it significantly more difficult for criminals to act. Furthermore, urgent requests for money sent via messaging apps must be confirmed directly with the person before making any decision.

Information is the main protection tool

According to Mário Henrique Martins, confronting violence digital against the elderly requires a combination of digital education, family support and legal awareness. “Many elderly people were educated in a culture based on trust and end up becoming preferred targets of criminals who exploit precisely this characteristic. Talking about scams, sharing information and encouraging data checking before any financial decision are simple attitudes that can avoid significant losses”, he highlights.

The lawyer reinforces that knowing your rights is also a form of protection. “In many cases, the victim believes that there is nothing they can do after the scam. However, depending on the circumstances, it is possible to seek accountability from those involved and compensation for damages. Information remains the best defense against any fraud”, he concludes.

By Samuel Alexandre