What are the most common scams targeting seniors right now?

Phone-based vishing and fake tech-support calls, romance scams, phishing texts and emails, SIM-swapping, fake Wi-Fi "evil twin" networks, check washing, and title or deed fraud by mail are among the most commonly reported.

How can I tell if a phone call is a scam?

A legitimate agency or business will never demand immediate payment by gift card or wire transfer, ask you to stay on the line while you go to the bank, or ask you to confirm your full Social Security number over the phone. Hang up and call the organization back on a number you look up yourself.

What is vishing, and how is it different from regular phishing?

Vishing is phishing carried out by voice call rather than email or text. A caller impersonates a bank, government agency or tech company to pressure you into revealing personal information or moving money quickly.

How do I protect against identity theft and SIM-swapping?

Freeze your credit with the three major bureaus, set up a PIN or passcode with your mobile carrier so a SIM cannot be transferred without it, and watch for your phone suddenly losing signal — that can be the first sign of a SIM swap in progress.

What should I do if I think I've been scammed?

Contact your bank or card issuer immediately, file a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and with local police, and change any passwords that may have been exposed. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of stopping or reversing a transaction.

Does Fred Flamer speak publicly about senior scam prevention?

Yes — Fred gives talks on senior cybersecurity and fraud prevention for community groups, libraries and senior centers. Reach out through the contact links on this site to inquire about a speaking engagement.

Porch Piracy · seniorsecured.org

Porch Piracy

Information about Porch Piracy, and how you can protect yourself, family and business

Fred Flamer· August 23, 2026· 3 min read

By Fred Flamer

"Porch Piracy" has become increasingly common over the last several years, largely due to the rise of online shopping and the decline of traditional brick-and-mortar shopping. More people than ever are ordering products online because of the convenience, selection, and availability. Unfortunately, criminals have noticed this trend as well.

The simplest way that I can explain porch piracy is this: someone steals a package that was delivered to your home before you have an opportunity to retrieve it.

While that sounds simple enough, the people committing these crimes are not always the same. Some are opportunists who happen to see a package sitting on a porch and make a bad decision in the moment. Others are much more deliberate and methodical in how they operate.

One thing that has always fascinated me is the number of interviews and interrogations I have seen involving individuals who were caught committing thefts despite having little or no criminal history. Stealing clearly wasn't their lifestyle, yet for whatever reason they acted on an impulse and made a poor decision. I don't fully understand the psychology behind it, but trust me, there are more people that fit into this category than most would imagine.

On the other end of the spectrum are the prepared porch pirates.

These individuals often watch neighborhoods, monitor delivery patterns, and sometimes even follow delivery vehicles. Once they identify a target, they simply wait for the right moment to strike. In some cases, they know exactly what they're doing and are surprisingly patient.

Another tactic that occasionally surfaces is impersonation. Be mindful of individuals wearing official-looking uniforms or carrying clipboards in an effort to blend in. Most delivery personnel are legitimate, but if something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts. Legitimate employees will typically have company identification and should have no issue identifying themselves when asked.

Apartment complexes can be especially challenging when it comes to package theft. Many buildings have common delivery areas or lobbies where packages accumulate throughout the day. I sometimes refer to this as the "Christmas Effect" for porch pirates. When multiple packages are stacked in one location, it creates an attractive target for someone looking for an easy score.

Because of this, I strongly recommend having packages delivered to a more secure location whenever possible. This could include:

Your workplace (if permitted)
A trusted friend or family member
A secure package locker
A designated pickup location

If you must have packages delivered to your home, consider establishing a specific delivery area that is visible from inside the residence and covered by a security camera. Devices such as Ring or Nest cameras can provide valuable video evidence and may discourage would-be thieves from approaching your property in the first place.

Another simple but effective habit is retrieving packages as quickly as possible after delivery. You would be surprised how many thefts occur even when someone is home. A package gets delivered, the homeowner plans to grab it in a few minutes, and unfortunately those few minutes are all a thief needs.

I always tell people that the safest package is the one that never sits unattended.

Ways to Protect Yourself

Have packages delivered to someone you trust who is available to receive them.
Use package tracking so you know exactly when a delivery arrives.
Require a signature for expensive items.
Ship items to your workplace if company policy allows.
Use secure pickup options such as Amazon Lockers, UPS Access Points, or FedEx Hold Locations.
Install a video doorbell or security camera covering the delivery area.
Retrieve packages promptly after delivery.
Avoid advertising vacations or extended absences on social media while expecting deliveries.

At the end of the day, porch piracy is a crime of opportunity. The harder you make yourself a target, the more likely a criminal is to move on and look elsewhere.

A little planning and awareness can go a long way toward ensuring that the package you paid for actually makes it into your hands.

#BeOnTheLookOut #SeniorSecured #HaveYourOwnBack #AlwaysAware

-Fin-

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