Protect your parent from fraud, recognize the tactics, prevent the damage
Understanding the vulnerability
Seniors lose over $3 billion annually to scams. They're targeted because they're often trusting, polite, have savings, and may be isolated or have cognitive changes that affect judgment. Knowing the tactics is the first defense.
Someone calls pretending to be a grandchild in crisis, arrested, in an accident, stranded overseas. They beg for money and secrecy. "Don't tell Mom and Dad!"
Defense: Hang up and call the real grandchild directly. Scammers use social media to learn names and details.
Caller claims there's a problem with their Social Security, a warrant for arrest, or back taxes owed. Demands immediate payment by gift card or wire.
Defense: Government agencies don't call demanding immediate payment. Hang up and call the official number yourself.
Pop-up or call claims their computer is infected. Scammer gains remote access, installs malware, steals banking info, or charges for fake "repairs."
Defense: Microsoft, Apple, etc. do NOT call you. Never give remote access to strangers. Close the browser; it's fake.
Online "love interest" builds relationship over weeks or months, then asks for money for emergency, medical bills, or travel to meet. They never meet in person.
Defense: Never send money to someone you haven't met in person. Video chat isn't enough, images can be fake.
They've "won" a lottery or prize but must pay fees, taxes, or processing costs to claim it. Real prizes don't require payment.
Defense: You can't win a lottery you didn't enter. Never pay to receive a prize.
Protect them before it happens
Talk to your parent about scams before they happen. Be respectful, no one wants to be treated like they can't handle themselves. Frame it as "These scammers are really sophisticated" not "You're vulnerable."
If anyone calls asking for money or personal information, say:
"I don't make decisions like this over the phone. I'll need to discuss this with my family first. Goodbye."
Then hang up and call a family member to discuss.