Effectively Prevent Senior Scams: A Guide for Caregivers

Updated August 7, 2025 | Lisbeth Cano

Table of Contents

Preventing senior scams is crucial. Older adults are often targets for financial fraud. Scammers are clever. They use many tricks. As an adult child, you can help protect your aging parent. This guide offers practical steps.

Common Senior Scams (and How They Work)

Scam Type Tactic Used What to Watch For
Government Imposter Pretend to be from IRS, SSA, or Medicare Threats of arrest or benefit loss, demand for gift cards or wire transfers
Grandparent Scam Fake emergency call from “grandchild” Urgent need for secrecy and fast cash
Tech Support Pop-up warning or cold call Request for remote access or payment to “fix” your computer
Sweepstakes/Lottery Claim you’ve won a prize Demand for upfront fees or taxes
Romance Scam Emotional manipulation online Crisis situations, repeated money requests, never meet in person

Scam Warning Signs to Watch For

  • [ ] Large, sudden withdrawals or gift card purchases
  • [ ] Secrecy about new friends or online activity
  • [ ] Emotional distress, stress about “urgent” money needs
  • [ ] Lots of unsolicited calls or mail
  • [ ] Unpaid bills despite available funds

If you notice any of these, talk to your parent immediately and investigate further.

How to Prevent Senior Scams

💬 Open and Ongoing Communication

Keep the conversation going. Normalize talking about scams by sharing stories, news, or community alerts.

Never shame your parent for being cautious. Encourage them to talk to you if anything feels off.

📞 Protect Communication Channels

Action How It Helps
Block robocalls Use phone settings or physical blockers1
Screen unknown numbers Let voicemail handle them
Register for Do Not Call Reduces marketing calls2

Also check out Dealing With Parents for communication tips.

🔐 Strengthen Financial Safeguards

  • [ ] Shred all personal mail with account details
  • [ ] Monitor bank/credit card activity (with permission)
  • [ ] Freeze credit to block identity theft3
  • [ ] Set up direct deposit for benefits like Social Security4
  • [ ] Vet financial advisors carefully

💻 Improve Digital Security

Task Recommendation
Antivirus software Keep it updated and running
Strong passwords Use a password manager if needed
Software updates Turn on auto-update for all devices

Teach your parent to verify links and caller identity before acting.

📚 Use Trusted Sources

Encourage your parent to:

  • Hang up and call back using the agency’s real website5
  • Bookmark trusted resources like NCOA or Eldercare Locator

If a Scam Happens: What to Do

Act quickly to limit damage.

🏦 Financial Steps

  • Contact their bank or credit card issuer
  • Request account freezes or fraud alerts
  • Monitor for new activity or changes

📢 Reporting Channels

Where to Report How to Report
Local Police In person or by phone
FTC (all scams) ReportFraud.ftc.gov
FBI (internet scams) IC3.gov
Adult Protective Services Use Eldercare Locator to find local agency6

🤝 Emotional Support

“It’s not their fault. Scammers are professionals.”

Reassure your parent. Help them move forward without guilt. It’s more common than you think.

Resources for Help

Resource Purpose
NCOA Elder financial abuse prevention7
Eldercare Locator Local APS and services6
SSA Direct Deposit Secure income delivery4

Also see How to Help Aging Parents for more on protection and planning.

  1. Federal Communications Commission. "Stop Unwanted Robocalls and Texts." https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-robocalls-and-texts ↩

  2. Federal Trade Commission. "National Do Not Call Registry." https://www.donotcall.gov/ ↩

  3. Federal Trade Commission. "Credit Freeze FAQs." https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs ↩

  4. Social Security Administration. "Direct Deposit for Your Benefits." https://www.ssa.gov/deposit/ ↩ ↩

  5. USA.gov. "Find Federal Agencies." https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies ↩

  6. Administration for Community Living. "Eldercare Locator." https://eldercare.acl.gov/ ↩ ↩

  7. National Council on Aging. "Elder Financial Exploitation." https://www.ncoa.org/caregiver/money/management/ ↩

Explore Related Topics:

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.

Lisbeth Cano Clinical Researcher and Elder Advocate

Meet the author: Lisbeth Cano earned her medical degree from Universidad de Iberoamérica in Costa Rica and worked as a doctor before becoming a clinical researcher. She now focuses on senior care, writing evidence-based guides for SeniorCanvas.com to help families make safer, smarter decisions for aging parents.