How to Protect Seniors from Scams

Advertiser Disclosure

This article may contain references to products or services from one or more of our advertisers or partners. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products or services. Nonetheless, our opinions are our own.

The information presented in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. However, information is subject to change, and no guarantees are made about the continued accuracy or completeness of this content after its publication date.

---

Older people may be more likely to fall for scams. These scammers know how to get people to trust them or how to make them feel confused. They also try to trick people who don’t know much about how new things work on the internet or with computers. One of the best and most caring things you can do is help the seniors in your life stay safe. These steps help lower risk, boost people’s confidence, and keep their money safe. They also help them relax their minds.

Why Seniors Are Targeted

Scammers often go after older people because they might have money saved, own a home, or feel like they should help others. Some older people aren’t used to using new technology, so they might trust calls and messages on the web more than they should. Knowing how scams work and where to find them can help keep a loved one safe.

Red Flags of Senior Scams

If you and the people close to you know the main warning signs, it can help you act fast before you lose money or personal details. Show your family and friends to be alert for these signs:

• You get calls or texts from numbers you do not know.
• Someone tells you that you must do something right away or tells you not to talk about it with others.
• You are asked to pay using methods like gift cards or wire transfer, which are not normal ways to pay.
• A person says they are from an office and needs details about you, or they tell you your loved one won something but needs to pay money before getting it.

Open and Regular Communication

Regular, open talks are key to keeping everyone safe. Try to make it normal to talk about money matters, strange calls, or weird emails. Use a kind tone. This will help loved ones feel good about sharing things with you and not feel shy or worried.

• Set a time every week or month to go over the bank statements and any messages with them.
• Tell them to stop and think before they answer sudden requests. They should talk to a family member they trust and get what they think, too.
• Keep a small list of people they know well, so they can call and see if something is wrong or strange.

Common Tactics and How to Respond

Knowing how some scams work can help you feel less scared and be better at finding fraud. Simple examples can make this clear. You can also use short role-plays to show these scams in action.

---

Voted "Best Overall Budgeting App" by Forbes and WSJ

Monarch Money helps you budget, track spending, set goals, and plan your financial future—all in one app.

Get 50% OFF your first year with code MONARCHVIP

View More

---

Financial Safeguards

Working together as a family to set up ways to keep yourselves safe can lower the chance of losing things and help everyone feel more at ease. Here are some steps to think about:

• Set up alerts on the account for big withdrawals and for transfers that look unfamiliar. This way, they get notices right away.
• For some accounts, put spending limits in place or let someone else check what is happening if this helps for the situation.
• Make sure to use strong, different passwords for your accounts. A password manager can help keep all the login details safe.
• Turn on two-factor sign-in when it is possible for email and financial accounts.

Regular Monitoring of Accounts

Checking your statements often can help you find fraud early. You can sit down and look over the most recent transactions together. You can also set up a system with them to watch for alerts. This way, you’ll both know if something doesn’t seem right.

• Go over the credit card and bank statements every week or month with your loved one.
• Look for small charges that might show someone is trying to use the card.
• Tell the bank right away if there is a charge that should not be there.

Trusted Support System

You are less likely to feel alone when you are with a trusted group. This is what con artists want. You should get together with your family, friends, and coworkers to form a small group. They can help you look into any strange requests.

• Write down the names and phone numbers of trusted family, and those who help with money. Keep this list in a place where you can get to it quickly.
• Think about talking with an advisor who knows how to help older people with money, if you or someone you know has to make a big money choice.
• Ask people to join local groups that teach about fraud, so they can learn more about how to spot and avoid scams.

Using Technology Wisely

Using new tools can keep you safe, but it might be hard to understand at first. Help the people you care about get used to simple tools. These can make things safer without making their lives too hard.

• You can install call-blocking apps or turn on spam blocks with the phone carrier.
• Set up spam filters in email and show how to mark messages as junk.
• Think about using identity monitoring services if there is a higher risk.

Responding to a Scam

If someone you care about gets tricked by a scam, act fast but stay calm. Quick action can help stop more loss:

• Get in touch with the bank or credit card company to tell them about the fraud. Ask them to put a hold on or close any accounts if needed.
• File a report with local police and any national consumer help offices that can help.
• Change all your passwords and make sure any accounts that were hacked are safe. Write down what happened and keep copies of everything you got or sent.
• Give emotional support. Many older people feel bad after a scam, so they need someone to tell them it is not their fault.

Final Thoughts

It is important to always protect older people from scams. It’s important to talk clearly, use simple ways to stay safe, and get help from people you trust. You don’t have to know everything to help. You can start today by doing something small. You could set up alerts for the accounts or plan a time to visit or call them. When you do these things, they will feel safe and secure. It also shows the people you love that you care about them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common types of scams targeting seniors?

People pretending to be someone else, fake lottery or prize wins, love scams, tech support tricks, and people asking for fake charity donations are all common scams you might run into. It’s important to stay alert and know what to look out for because scammers often change how they do things.

How can I educate my loved ones about these scams?

Talk to each other often and use simple words. Give clear examples and go over some practice scenarios. Before they do anything, show them how to check calls or emails with someone they trust.

What practical steps can I take to protect them?

Make alerts for your account. Enable two-factor authentication. Make sure your passwords are strong. Install tools that stop spam and calls you don’t want. Write down the names of family and friends you can talk to.

How important is it to involve other family members?

This is important. A small support team checks each other’s work. This helps make sure a senior does not act alone on a strange request.

What should I do if my loved one has fallen victim to a scam?

Let the bank and the local police know about what happened. Make sure all your accounts are safe. Write down all proof you have. Give support to anyone who needs it. Acting fast can help stop more harm.

Can technology really help prevent scams?

Yes. There are some tools that can help lower risk. You can use call blockers, spam filters, two-factor authentication, and identity monitoring. It is good to use these with regular checks and be aware of what is happening.

Join a vibrant community with the sole mission to achieve financial independence.

View more

Reviewed and edited by Albert Fang.

See a typo or want to suggest an edit/revision to the content? Use the contact us form to provide feedback.

At FangWallet, we value editorial integrity and open collaboration in curating quality content for readers to enjoy. Much appreciated for the assist.

---

Did you like our article and find it insightful? We encourage sharing the article link with family and friends to benefit as well - better yet, sharing on social media. Thank you for the support! 🍉

Article Title: How to Protect Seniors from Scams

https://fangwallet.com/2025/10/07/how-to-protect-seniors-from-scams/

---

The FangWallet Promise

FangWallet is an editorially independent resource - founded on breaking down challenging financial concepts for anyone to understand since 2014. While we adhere to editorial integrity, note that this post may contain references to products from our partners.

The FangWallet promise is always to have your best interest in mind and be transparent and honest about the financial picture.

---

---

Become an Insider

Subscribe to get a free daily budget planner printable to help get your money on track!

Make passive money the right way. No spam.

* indicates required

First Name

Email Address *

/* real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

---