Every week, scammers find a new way to sound like someone you trust. Ask SAM Weekly is a free email that shows you what is going around, how to spot it, and what to do, in plain language.
THE NUMBERS
Imposter scams cost Americans $3.5 billion last year
That is what people reported losing to imposter scams in 2025, nearly three times the 2020 total. People 60 and older reported about $3 billion lost to fraud of all kinds, and for people 80 and over the typical reported loss was $2,000. The FTC says the real cost is far higher, because most people never report.
Sources: FTC, June 2026 and FTC report to Congress, October 2026
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Fake officials. A caller says they are from the FTC, Medicare, the IRS or the police, and that you are in trouble.
Bank alerts. A text or call says something is wrong with your account and asks for a code, or tells you to move money to a "safe" account.
Prizes and charities. You won something, but there is a fee to collect it.
Voices and videos made with AI. A call that sounds like a grandchild in trouble, or a video of someone you know asking for money.
THE ONE HABIT
Pause. Hang up. Ask SAM.
Every one of these scams depends on rushing you before you can think. So slow it down. Hang up or set the message aside, then check with someone you trust before you do anything.
That is what SAM is for. SAM is an AI phone and text companion for older adults. Call or text 844-8-ASK-SAM, tell SAM what happened, and SAM goes over the warning signs with you and what to do next. No app to download, and your first 2 checks are free.
Have a link, text or photo instead? Check it with SAM's Scam Detector.
WHAT YOU GET EACH WEEK
One short email every Monday morning:
The scam going around this week, how to spot it, and what to do
Money news that matters to older adults, like Medicare and benefits dates
Plain guidance on senior living and care choices
Every story links to its source, so you can check it yourself.
Looking out for a parent? Sign up yourself and forward each issue to them, and grab the free Family Scam Defense Kit to share with the family.
Think it's a scam? Ask SAM
Hang up or set it aside first. Then talk it through with SAM before you do anything.