The Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program is an initiative designed to protect older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers from scams and fraud. Through presentations and resources, the program raises awareness about common scams—such as imposter schemes and financial fraud—and teaches strategies to avoid becoming a victim. The annual "Scam Jam", held in partnership with AARP Virginia, brings together experts in law enforcement, finance, and consumer protection to provide the latest information on how to avoid falling for a scam and other resources to keep older adults safe.
Fairfax County's Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign wants to help you recognize and stop scams!
Scammers are going to do what they can to get money out of you. Here are a few tips to help protect yourself from scams:
You don't have to answer the phone or respond to texts. If you do and it's not who you thought, end the conversation.
You do not have to answer the door.
Follow your instincts. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Create a password or phrase (pre-arranged with friends and family) to verify the identity of who you are speaking with.
Latest Scam Information
It is impossible to list all of the known scams in one place, but being aware of current scams, and well-known warning signs, can help keep you, your information, and your money safe.
Scam Jam 2025: Protecting Adults from Scams and Abuse
Hundreds gathered on April 30 at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale for Scam Jam 2025. This year’s theme was Prevention, Protection and Prosecution: Ensuring the Safety of Older Adults Through Adult Protective Services. Learn more.
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offers consumer advice to help you learn about the latest scams. Learn how to avoid scams, report them, and recover for them.
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone and email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals.
The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Know the telltale signs of a scam and how to know if it’s really the IRS.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI): What is AI and How to Avoid AI Scams
In this video, Silver Shield Task Force members Melissa Smarr and Martin Bailey discuss artificial intelligence (AI). Learn what AI is, how AI relates to scams already happening in our community, and get tips on protecting yourself from AI scams. Watch now.
Information on Artificial Intelligence: Voice Cloning and Deepfakes
This is Part 2 of a series by Fairfax County's Silver Shield Campaign about artificial intelligence (AI), taking an in-depth look into scams that use AI. The information provided in this video help you understand how scammers use voice cloning and deep fakes to scam their victims. Learn tips on what you can do to protect yourself from these scams. Watch now.
Avoid Scams Against Elders and Dementia with Melissa Smarr
In this episode of Eye on the Caregiver, Melissa Smarr from the Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign shares information on how to avoid scams against older adults and people with dementia. This podcast is produced by the Alzheimer’s Caregiver Alliance. Check out this episode.
Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program Events
Would you like to request for a speaker for your event? Or would you like to provide information about Silver Shield at a table at your event? Please complete the Speaker’s Bureau Request Form.
Do you have a question about the Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign? Email us. Interested in county events? Check out the calendar listing.
The Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program is an initiative designed to protect older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers from scams and fraud. Through presentations and resources, the program raises awareness about common scams—such as imposter schemes and financial fraud—and teaches strategies to avoid becoming a victim. The annual "Scam Jam", held in partnership with AARP Virginia, brings together experts in law enforcement, finance, and consumer protection to provide the latest information on how to avoid falling for a scam and other resources to keep older adults safe.
Fairfax County's Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign wants to help you recognize and stop scams!
Would you like to request for a speaker for your event? Or would you like to provide information about Silver Shield at a table at your event? Please complete the Speaker’s Bureau Request Form.