Hey there, scam fighters! Did you know that May is Older Americans Month? 🎉 It’s the perfect time to whip out your magnifying glass, don a detective hat, and help protect our beloved older adults from those sneaky scams. But don’t worry, you won’t be working alone. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a super cool program called “Pass It On” that empowers everyone to be a fraud-busting hero. 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️

What is Pass It On?

Think of “Pass It On” as your trusty anti-scam toolkit. It’s packed with free, simple, and actionable resources that are perfect for sparking important conversations about fraud. Whether you’re chatting with Grandma about her new “online beau” or helping your tech-challenged friend avoid those pesky pop-up scams, “Pass It On” has got you covered.

Scams: They’re Not Just for the Movies

  1. Romance Scams 💔: You know the story—someone falls head over heels for a mysterious online stranger. If your grandchild seems suspiciously smitten, direct them to Pass It On’s article on romance scams. It could save them from a heartache and a wallet-ache!

  2. Tech Support Scams 🖥️: It’s a classic—an unexpected pop-up screams “Virus Alert!” and urges immediate action. To help your friend dodge this digital deception, share a “Pass It On” bookmark or other materials. They’ll thank you for keeping their computer—and sanity—safe.

  3. Unwanted Calls and Texts 📞: If you’re working with older adults, unwanted calls can be as annoying as a mosquito at a picnic. Download a ready-to-use presentation on unwanted calls and texts from Pass It On. Customize it, or keep it as-is, and help protect their peace!

Become a Scam-Savvy Superstar

Want to stay ahead of the scammers? Attend a free virtual roundtable, “How Scammers Exploit Trust to Steal Our Money,” happening on May 27, 2026, at 2 PM ET. Experts will spill the beans on how scammers manipulate trust to nab your cash and info. It’s like a Netflix true-crime series, but live and with real-life tips!

And remember, knowledge is power! Subscribe to FTC Consumer Alerts to get the latest scam news right in your inbox. If you smell something fishy, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Together, we can outsmart those pesky scammers and keep our loved ones safe.

So, gear up, get informed, and let’s Pass It On! 🕵️‍♀️

For more details, check out the original article: FTC Consumer Protection Article.

Original article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/05/month-pass-it-help-someone-you-know-avoid-scam