Scam Calls Targeting Seniors: Why It Feels Like Whac‑A‑Mole

If you’ve ever watched an older adult in your care try to manage scam calls targeting seniors, you know the look: the phone rings, they hesitate, they answer, and—whack!—another scammer pops up. They hang up, angry and frustrated—only to hear the phone ring again moments later.

It’s the same exhausting cycle as the arcade game Whac-A-Mole®—except in this version, the stakes are far higher than a few lost tokens. For older adults, each “mole” is a scammer trying to steal their money, personal information, or peace of mind. And unlike the arcade, there’s no bell to signal the end of the round.

For professional guardians and care managers, this isn’t just frustrating—it’s a daily threat to the safety, dignity, and financial stability of the people you serve.

The Relentless Nature of Scam Calls Targeting Seniors

Scam calls are not just common—they’re relentless. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans reported losing $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, with phone calls being one of the most common contact methods. Seniors are disproportionately targeted: the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report found that adults over 60 lost $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024 — up from $3.4 billion in 2023.

Why the focus on seniors? Scammers know that older adults may:

• Be more trusting of unknown callers
• Have landlines or published phone numbers
• Be less familiar with caller ID spoofing and robocall technology
• Have accumulated savings or assets

The result is a perfect storm—one that leaves many seniors feeling like they’re playing a losing game of Whac-A-Mole, where every scammer they “whack” is replaced by another.

Why Stopping Scam Calls Feels Impossible

Even the most vigilant seniors and caregivers can’t keep up. Here’s why:

• Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers disguise their number to look local or mimic trusted institutions.
• Volume and Automation: Robocall technology allows scammers to place thousands of calls per minute.
• Persistence: Once a number is identified as “active,” it’s often sold to other scammers.
• Emotional Manipulation: Scammers use urgency, fear, or even fake familiarity to keep seniors on the line.

The AARP notes that even with the STIR/SHAKEN call authentication framework in place, many scam calls still slip through—especially those originating overseas. For caregivers, that means the “moles” just keep popping up, faster than you can swing the mallet.

The Human Cost Behind the Numbers

For professionals in elder care, the statistics are only part of the story. The real impact is measured in:

• Stress and Anxiety: Seniors may dread answering the phone, isolating them from family and friends.
• Financial Devastation: A single successful scam can wipe out savings or create debt.
• Erosion of Trust: Victims may lose faith in institutions, family, or even their own judgment.
• Caregiver Burnout: Constantly monitoring calls adds to the already heavy workload of guardians and care managers.

One guardian recently described it this way:
“It’s like standing over a Whac-A-Mole machine for hours. You can’t walk away, because the moment you do, another scammer pops up—and this time, they might win.”

From Arcade Chaos to “Game Over”

Here’s where teleCalm changes the rules. Instead of trying to swing faster, teleCalm removes the moles entirely—ending the game before it starts.

How teleCalm Works:

• Blocks ALL Scam & Sales Calls: Both incoming and outgoing, so seniors can’t be tricked into calling scammers back.
• Trusted Caller List: Only approved numbers ring through, ensuring every call is safe.
• Caregiver Control: Guardians and care managers can update the call list remotely, in real time.
• Peace of Mind: Seniors can answer the phone without fear, and caregivers can focus on other priorities.

This isn’t just another mallet—it’s stopping the game altogether.

Why This Matters for Professionals

For those in legal, social work, and care management roles, scam calls aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a liability risk, a quality-of-life issue, and a drain on resources.

With teleCalm, you can:

• Reduce the risk of financial exploitation cases
• Protect vulnerable clients from emotional harm
• Document proactive steps taken to safeguard clients
• Free up time and mental bandwidth for higher-value tasks

In other words, you’re not just protecting your clients—you’re protecting your practice and your peace of mind.

The Whac-A-Mole Analogy in Action

Imagine your client’s phone as the Whac-A-Mole board. Every mole is a scammer. Without intervention, the game never ends.

• Before teleCalm: You’re swinging constantly, missing some, and exhausting yourself in the process.
• After teleCalm: The board is empty. The moles are gone. The game is over.

It’s a simple, vivid way to explain to families and colleagues why traditional “monitor and react” approaches aren’t enough—and why prevention is the only winning strategy.

What the Experts Say

• FTC: “Scammers are constantly changing their tactics to avoid detection.”
• FBI: “Elder fraud is a growing problem, with losses increasing year over year.”
• AARP: “The best defense against robocalls is a combination of technology and smart call management—especially tools that give caregivers control.”

These aren’t just headlines—they’re a call to action for every professional working with older adults.

Taking the Next Step

If you’re ready to stop playing Whac-A-Mole with your clients’ safety, teleCalm offers a proven, caregiver-controlled solution that ends scam calls for good.

Let’s talk about how we can help you protect the people who depend on you.

• Click here to learn more about teleCalm’s service plans
• Call our US-based caring staff at 888-701-0411 to discuss your clients’ needs

Because when it comes to scam calls, the only winning move is to end the game.

References:

1. New FTC Data Show a Big Jump in Reported Losses to Fraud to $12.5 Billion in 2024
2. FBI Internet Crime Report 2024
3. AARP, FTC Announces New Steps to Stop Flood of Illegal Robocalls

Whac-A-Mole is a registered trademark of Mattel, Inc.