Brick + Beam Detroit

Asked by Deangelo Von at 3:01pm on Jun 13 2025

When people think about fraud, they usually imagine hackers, scammers, or organized criminals. However, one often overlooked group involved in certain types of fraud is pensioners. While the majority of elderly people are honest and law-abiding, there are cases where some commit fraud—intentionally or unintentionally—leading to financial and legal consequences.

One common type of fraud by pensioners involves false claims for government benefits or pensions. Some individuals continue to receive pensions for a deceased spouse or relative without reporting the death. Others may hide additional income or property to qualify for financial aid or subsidies. In some cases, pensioners work unofficially while still claiming full pension benefits, which is illegal in many countries.

Another area includes housing fraud, such as subletting government-supported housing without permission or lying about who lives in the home to receive more support. Some may also be involved in scams where they act as “money mules,” helping younger criminals move stolen money, often for a share of the profit.

It’s important to note that not all pensioners who commit fraud do so with bad intentions. Some may not fully understand the law, suffer from memory loss, or be manipulated by others. Still, fraud—intentional or not—causes damage to public resources and trust.

Authorities in many countries are beginning to take this issue more seriously, increasing checks and offering better education for older adults about what is legal and what isn’t. Helping pensioners understand their responsibilities, while also protecting them from becoming victims or unwilling participants in fraud, is crucial.