When her phone rings, Kewanee resident TJ Martin admits she rarely answers.

“It’s usually a scam call,” she said.

But on Tuesday afternoon, when her phone rang and the caller ID displayed a number purportedly from OSF records, she answered, thinking it might be something important related to her health care. Martin said that when the woman on the other end informed her that her Medicare coverage could be at risk, she immediately recognized the ploy.

“They were just trying to get information,” she said, adding that she was tipped off when the woman asked her if she even had Medicare. OSF HealthCare would already have that information and wouldn’t be asking for it, she said. She ended the call and immediately called OSF Saint Luke Medical Center, where staff assured her that the inquiry had not come from their organization.

While Martin wasn’t taken in by the fraudulent call, many Americans aren’t so fortunate. Each year, millions fall victim to scams that trick them into giving up personal information or money.

According to a July 2025 Pew Research report, online scams and other internet crimes are skyrocketing, with a record $16.6 billion in losses reported to the FBI in 2024.

Online scams target Americans in a variety of ways, including phone calls like the one Martin received, as well as texts and emails.

A majority of U.S. adults—68%—report receiving scam phone calls or text messages at least weekly, usually attempting to obtain personal information, the Pew report found. In fact, 31% of those polled said they receive scam phone calls at least daily.

And while all age groups are susceptible, seniors are especially vulnerable. One recent study concluded that naturally occurring changes in the brains of older adults make them more prone to financial exploitation.

In the 2025 Federal Trade Commission’s annual report to Congress on protecting older adults from scams, the agency reported that total financial losses among Americans over age 69 increased by 400% between 2020 and 2024. The true figure is likely much higher, as many seniors never report the crime.

Martin did report her scam call to the Kewanee Police Department. She said she wanted to make local police aware that the area might be a target for these calls, though she acknowledged there is not much law enforcement can do to stop them.

A local bank branch has recently warned about cybercriminals targeting Verizon customers, after the cellular provider experienced a major network outage. The scam includes text messages that appear to be from Verizon with the claim that the person has expired reward points to be redeemed. But the bank warns that the ploy is intended to get people to click on a link and provide their financial information.

While people can’t prevent scam calls from continuing, the FTC offers guidance on how to recognize and avoid them, as well as where to report attempted scams.

Four signs that it’s a scam

Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know.

Scammers often claim to be contacting you on behalf of the government, using real names like the FTC, Social Security Administration, IRS, or Medicare or making up official-sounding names. Others pretend to be from businesses you know, such as utility companies, tech companies or charities. They use technology to change the phone number on your caller ID, so the name and number you see might not be real.

Scammers say there’s a PROBLEM or a PRIZE.

They may claim you’re in trouble with the government, owe money, or have a family emergency. Some say there’s a problem with one of your accounts and ask you to verify information. Others claim you’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes but must pay a fee to collect it.

Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately.

They want you to act before you have time to think. They may tell you not to hang up so you can’t verify their story. They might threaten arrest, lawsuits, license suspension, deportation or claim your computer is about to be corrupted.

Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way.

They often insist on payment through cryptocurrency, wire transfer, payment apps, or gift cards. Some send a check that later turns out to be fake, then tell you to deposit it and send them money.

How to avoid being taken in

The FTC advises people to block unwanted calls and text messages. Never give out personal or financial information in response to an unexpected request. Legitimate organizations won’t call, email, or text to ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers or bank account details.

If you receive an email or text from a company that you do business with and think it might be real, don’t click any links. Instead, contact the business directly using a phone number or website you know is trustworthy. Look up the number yourself—don’t use one provided in the message or on caller ID.

Resist pressure to act immediately.

Honest businesses give you time to make decisions. Anyone who pressures you to pay or provide personal information, or threatens you for not complying, is a scammer.

Recognize the payment methods scammers use.

Never pay someone who insists on cryptocurrency, wire transfers, payment apps or gift cards. Never deposit a check and send money back to someone.

Lastly, talk to someone you trust. Before acting, tell a friend, family member or neighbor what happened. Discussing it can help you recognize a scam.

If you have been the victim of a scam or scam attempt, report it to local police and to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.