Protect Elderly Family Members From Phone Scams

Adults over 65 are the most financially impacted by phone scams, with average losses exceeding $9,000 per incident according to FTC data. Here's how to protect the seniors in your life.

Why Seniors Are Targeted

Scammers target older adults because they tend to be more trusting of authority figures, more likely to answer unknown calls, more likely to have savings, and less familiar with modern technology and scam tactics. Many seniors grew up in an era when a ringing phone was always worth answering and callers could generally be trusted.

The Most Dangerous Scams for Seniors

Grandparent Scam: A caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble — arrested, in an accident, stuck abroad — and begs for money. They ask the grandparent not to tell other family members. This scam exploits the most powerful emotion: a grandparent's love for their grandchild.

Medicare/Health Insurance Scam: Callers offer free medical devices, genetic testing, or a new Medicare card to collect personal health information and Medicare numbers for fraudulent billing.

Tech Support Scam: A caller claims the senior's computer has a virus and needs remote access to fix it. Once connected, they install malware, steal financial data, or charge hundreds of dollars for fake services.

Practical Steps to Protect Them

Install a call blocker. For landlines, a hardware call blocker is the single most effective tool. It blocks known scam numbers before the phone even rings, removing the burden of decision-making from the senior.

Set up a family code word. Agree on a secret word or phrase that any family member must use in an emergency call. If a "grandchild" calls asking for money but doesn't know the code word, it's a scam.

Enable carrier spam protection. Call their phone carrier and activate any free scam-blocking features. Most carriers offer this at no additional cost.

Have the conversation. Explain that it's OK to hang up on anyone who makes them uncomfortable. Emphasize that no legitimate organization will ever call and demand immediate payment, especially via gift cards or wire transfers.

Post reminders by the phone. A simple card near the landline: "Never give personal information to callers. Hang up and call [your number] if unsure."

Regular check-ins. Ask about any unusual calls during your regular conversations. Scammers often tell victims not to discuss the call with family — so if they mention being told to keep something secret, that's a major red flag.