How to protect elderly parents and grandparents from online scams

Older adults are heavily targeted by scammers, partly because the messages feel urgent and official, and partly because they may not have grown up with phishing. The best protection is a calm routine, not a lecture.

Start with a conversation, not a warning

Share a story about a scam you almost fell for. It makes it easier for them to admit they have received strange messages too. Avoid “you should have known better”.

Teach a few simple rules

1. Stop and breathe. Real emergencies rarely need action in the next ten minutes.
2. Never tap links in unexpected texts or emails. Go to the real website or app.
3. No one legitimate asks for gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency to fix a problem.
4. Banks and government agencies do not demand payment by text or threaten arrest by phone.
5. When in doubt, call a family member first.

Common scams that target older adults

• Fake delivery and toll texts
• “Grandchild in trouble” calls or messages
• Tech support pop-ups and calls
• Romance and investment scams
• Fake bank or pension alerts

Set up the phone to help

• Turn on spam filtering in the messaging app.
• Enable automatic updates for the phone and apps.
• Use a password manager or a short written list kept somewhere safe at home.
• Turn on two-factor authentication for email and banking, with you as backup contact if appropriate.
• Add a simple link checker so they can verify before tapping.

Create a “pause and check” habit

Agree that they will send any suspicious message to you or a trusted person before acting. Make it easy, with a family chat or a number they can text. Respond quickly and kindly, and never make them feel silly for asking.

If they have already been scammed

Stay calm and supportive. Shame stops people reporting, and speed matters. Help them contact the bank, change passwords and report the scam. Scammers sometimes come back, so watch for follow-up contact.

A simple tool they can use

LinkGuard lets them scan a link or QR code and see a clear Safe, Suspicious or Dangerous result in plain language. It is free to try, and needs no account.