Elyria police warn seniors, their families about common scams

With National Senior Citizens Day on Friday, the Elyria Police Department took the opportunity to recognize elderly Elyrians and to warn the community about common scams that often target them. Police described common types of scans as well as warning signs, and asked community members to look out for the seniors in their lives and have open discussions about fraud. "Scammers often target seniors by using fear, trust and a sense of urgency to convince them to send money or share personal information," the department said in a news release on Friday. "Have an open conversation with the seniors in your life about the scams they may encounter. Knowing what to watch for could prevent a devastating loss." The department warned that government agencies will never ask citizens to pay fines, tickets, taxes or other payments in the form of Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies, gift cards or other "unusual payment methods." "If someone claims to be from the IRS, Social Security, police department, court, or another government agency and tells you to withdraw cash or deposit money into a Bitcoin or cryptocurrency ATM, it's a scam," the release said. "Government agencies will not threaten you with arrest or other consequences because you refuse to make an immediate payment. Stop, hang up, and verify the request through an official phone number or website." When in doubt, police said that seniors should slow down and talk to a family member or trusted friend before making any payments or sharing any information. "A few extra minutes could save you from becoming a victim," police said. A 2025 report from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center found an increase in scams targeting adults over 60, with the center receiving 201,266 complaints from adults over 60 and reporting losses of over $7.7 billion, a 59 percent increase over 2024. The average amount lost to these reported scams was $38,500, with 12,444 of the complainants reporting losses of over $100,000 to fraud. Lending credence to EPD's warning about payments demanded in cryptocurrency, the FBI found that 42,271 of the complaints it received in 2025, more than 21 percent, included the use or mention of cryptocurrency. "Scammers continue to target our senior community because they know they can use fear and urgency to get people to act before they have time to think," Police Chief James Welsh said. "We just want to remind everyone to take a second look before sending money. … Have these conversations with your parents, grandparents and neighbors. If something doesn't feel right, talk to someone you trust before sending money or giving out personal information." Welsh said that residents who believe they may be targets of a scam or if they just aren't sure, they can contact the Elyria police nonemergency line at (440) 323-3302. If you believe you or someone you know has been the victim of elder fraud, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11 (833) 372-8311. The department also provided a list of a few common scams to look out for: Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams: You're told you won a prize, but must pay a fee or provide financial information to claim it. Grandparent Scams: Someone pretends to be a grandchild or loved one in trouble and urgently asks for money, gift cards or cryptocurrency. Government and Utility Scams: A scammer claims to be from a government agency or utility company and threatens arrest, shutoff or other consequences unless you pay immediately. Tech Support Scams: A scammer pretends to be technical support and claims your computer has a problem, often attempting to gain access to your device or personal information. Romance Scams: A scammer builds an online relationship with the victim and eventually asks for money, gifts or personal information. Contact Owen MacMillan at (440) 329-7123 or omacmillan@chroniclet.com.