Tools and habits that help protect seniors from scams
1. Normalize the “pause and check” reflex
One of the simplest, most powerful defenses is teaching a habit: Stop. Don’t act immediately.
Scams thrive on urgency such as, “you must act now or lose access” or “this offer expires in 5 minutes.” NCOA warns that rushed decisions often lead to mistakes when protecting seniors from scams.
Encourage your senior to always say:
“Let me sleep on this (or confirm with someone) before I commit.”
This makes it easier for them to reach out to a trusted contact (you, another family member, or financial advisor) they can always consult before taking action.
2. Build a “verify-first” culture
Fake authority is a common trick. Fraudsters impersonate the IRS, Social Security, banks, utilities, or even charities. This is what NCOA calls impostor scams, one of the top frauds targeting older adults in 2023. Protecting seniors from scams involves education and awareness of these tactics.
Here are rules you can introduce:
- Don’t trust caller ID, it’s easily spoofed.
- If someone calls claiming to be from an organization, hang up and call back using a verified number from their official website or paperwork.
- Never give personal or financial info (like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or one-time passcodes) unless you initiated the contact.
- Be especially wary of requests for payment via prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. These are classic red flags.
3. Strengthen their tech setup
A lot of scams begin with phishing, malicious attachments, or pop-ups. NCOA outlines best practices to plug those leaks and protect seniors from scams.
Here are practical steps you can do (or help them do):
- Install and keep trusted antivirus or anti-malware software
- Use a password manager so passwords can be strong and unique without having to memorize them
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on critical accounts (email, bank, health, etc.)
- Make sure automatic updates are turned on so the device gets security patches
- Turn on pop-up blockers and spam filtering for emails or texts
4. Educate on phishing & smishing red flags
Scammers often hide in plain sight. A seemingly legitimate email or text can be the trap. NCOA highlights several clues to watch for in the effort of protecting seniors from scams.
Some red flags to flag together:
- Poor grammar, spelling mistakes, or weird phrasing
- Mismatched or odd-looking URLs (hovering over links shows a different address)
- Unsolicited requests for personal or financial info
- Messages that insist “urgent action required”
- Generic greetings instead of your name
- Use of URL shorteners (e.g. bit.ly)
- Requests for payment in nonrefundable, irreversible formats (gift cards, crypto, peer-to-peer apps)
Walk through a few real or sample emails with your senior to practice spotting the signs. The more exposure, the more “muscle memory” they’ll develop.
5. Guard emotional vulnerabilities
Scams that tug at the heartstrings are especially painful: romance scams, “grandchild in trouble,” or charity pleas. NCOA reports that the “grandparent scam” is one of the top complaints among older adults.
If your senior starts sending money or opening up a deep relationship with someone they’ve never met, gently intervene. Always frame conversations with empathy, not blame. Some strategies:
- Ask open-ended questions: “How did you meet this person? What proof do you have they’re who they say?”
- Suggest waiting periods before sending any money or sensitive info
- Offer to help independently verify identities (e.g. video call with someone, ask for documents)
6. Keep communication lines open
Scammers often rely on isolation. If your senior isn’t used to sharing what’s going on, red flags can go unnoticed. Make it part of your caregiving to ask:
- “Have you gotten any strange calls or texts lately?”
- “Did you receive any messages asking for money or personal info?”
- “Has any online friend ever asked you to download something or make an investment?”
By being a safe, judgment-free sounding board, you’ll make them more likely to share worries or uncertainties and succeed in protecting seniors from scams.
What to do if a scam happens (or you suspect one)
No one is immune, even the most tech-savvy can slip. If your senior realizes something went wrong, act fast.
Contact the financial institution immediately
- Try to freeze accounts, reverse transactions, or stop payments.
Report the crime
Use trusted channels such as:
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) via ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker
- Local law enforcement and Adult Protective Services
Document everything
- Keep copies of emails, texts, screenshots, call logs, and any payment receipts or transfer records.
Change passwords & secure accounts
- After a scam, consider resetting passwords, removing linked devices, and enabling extra protections (like 2FA).
Reassure and rebuild confidence
The emotional toll of being scammed is significant. Offer support, remind them it’s not their fault, and reassure them that this experience can become a learning tool. By focusing on protecting seniors from scams, you contribute to their well-being and security.
If there’s one truth I want to leave you with: knowledge does make a difference. As NCOA puts it, staying aware of scam tactics helps older adults pause and reflect instead of acting impulsively. As a caregiver, your presence, curiosity, and willingness to help can be among the strongest defenses your loved one has. You can't stop every scam, but you can certainly make it much harder for fraudsters to succeed.
1+1 Cares is a referral agency that works for clients and caregivers. We match caregivers with clients and inform them of your requirements. We work for you so you and your loved one can have a safe, enjoyable caregiving experience.
