A Guide to Protection and Peace of Mind

When a loved one falls victim to a scam, it’s more than a financial blow – it’s an emotional one. The betrayal of trust, the confusion, the fear – it can be devastating. Unfortunately, instances of elderly getting scammed are on the rise, and those who are most trusting or less familiar with evolving technology are often the most vulnerable.

If you’re wondering what to do if your parent is being scammed, you’re not alone. Many families face this heartbreaking situation. But there is hope: With swift action, compassionate support, and proactive steps, you can protect your parent and help restore their confidence.

Understanding Why Seniors Are Targeted

Scammers prey on kindness, isolation, and unfamiliarity with digital tools. Seniors, especially those living alone, can become easy targets for sophisticated fraud schemes. Knowing how to protect seniors from scams starts with understanding their unique vulnerabilities – and approaching the situation with empathy.

Being scammed can be humiliating for anyone, but for older adults, it can trigger feelings of shame, fear and anxiety. That’s why your response matters just as much as the action you take.

Signs Your Parent Might Be a Victim of a Scam

Sometimes, the signs that your loved one is being taken advantage of are subtle. Other times, they’re shockingly clear. Here are a few red flags to watch for:

• Unexpected financial issues: Sudden withdrawals, missing funds, or new credit accounts that your parent can’t explain.
• Changes in mood or behavior: A parent who was once open may now seem anxious, secretive or withdrawn – especially about money matters.
• Unfamiliar contacts: A flurry of phone calls, letters or emails from people or companies you’ve never heard of.
• Urgent requests for money: Whether through wire transfers, gift cards, or cash, scammers often pressure seniors to act quickly and in secret.
• New “friendships”: A person your parent recently met online who seems overly involved in their life – especially if they’re asking for money.

If any of these feel familiar, your loved one may be experiencing a scam. And while that realization can be painful, it’s also your cue to step in with gentle support and practical steps.

Common Scams Seniors Should Be Aware Of

While fraud takes many forms, some scams on the elderly are particularly common:

• Medicare and insurance scams: Scammers pose as medical professionals to obtain personal or billing information.
• Romance scams: Emotional manipulation by someone pretending to care for your parent, often ending in pleas for money.
• Tech support hoaxes: Fake alerts claiming a computer virus or security threat, leading to demands for payment.
• Grandparent scams: Someone impersonates a grandchild in trouble, urging immediate financial help.
• Sweepstakes or lottery scams: Promises of big prizes, but only if your parent pays upfront fees or “taxes.”
• Imposter scams: Fraudsters claim to be from the IRS, Social Security, or another agency, threatening legal action without immediate payment.
• Fake charities: Exploiting a senior’s generosity, especially after natural disasters or global crises.

Knowing the tactics scammers use helps you educate and protect your parent with confidence and compassion.

What To Do Immediately if Your Parent Has Been Scammed

If you discover your parent has been scammed, time is of the essence. These steps can help limit the damage and start the recovery process:

1.   Stay Calm and Listen

Approach your parent without judgment. Listen to their experience, reassure them they’re not alone, and let them know you’re here to help – not criticize.

2.   Gather Evidence

Collect emails, text messages, transaction receipts, bank statements – anything that shows the scammer’s contact or the financial activity involved.

3.   Contact Financial Institutions

Notify your parent’s bank and credit card providers immediately. Request that suspicious accounts be frozen or closed, and inquire about fraud protection services.

4.   Change Passwords

Help your parent update logins for email, banking, and other sensitive platforms.

5.   Report the Scam

Once you’ve comforted your parent and gathered the details, reporting the scam is one of the most important things you can do. While it may not always lead to recovering lost money, it can prevent further abuse, support law enforcement efforts, and help protect other seniors from falling victim.

• Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• FBI’s Internet Crime Center: www.ic3.gov
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: Call 833-372-8311 for free, confidential support.
  
  

6.   Check Credit Reports

Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to spot any fraudulent activity or new accounts.

7.   Keep the Family Informed

Let siblings or caregivers know what’s happened. United, you can better support your parent and watch for future warning signs.

How To Protect Your Loved One Going Forward

Once the immediate danger has passed, the focus shifts to healing – and to building a safety net so your loved one feels protected, not just today but in the future. Scams targeting the elderly are, unfortunately, becoming more sophisticated, but there are proactive, empowering steps you can take together to restore trust and guard against further harm.

1. Open the Door to Ongoing Conversations

Talking about scams shouldn’t be a one-time event. Make financial safety a regular, judgment-free part of your conversations – just like you’d discuss health, appointments, or family news. The goal is to make your loved one feel safe confiding in you without fear of embarrassment or shame.

Let them know: “If something feels off, it’s okay to ask. We’ll figure it out together.”

2. Teach Them To Spot the Red Flags

Understanding how to protect seniors from scams starts with education. Help your parent recognize the most common scam tactics without overwhelming them. Focus on a few key warning signs:

• Unsolicited calls or emails asking for money or personal information
• High-pressure tactics that demand secrecy or urgency
• Requests to pay by gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• Messages claiming to be from government agencies, banks, or tech support

Even printing out a short list of red flags and placing it by the phone or computer can be an empowering tool.

3. Set Up Simple Safeguards

Ease and protection can go hand in hand. Consider these non-intrusive, supportive ways to help your loved one stay financially secure:

• Enable account alerts with their bank or credit card company to monitor large withdrawals or suspicious activity
• Use fraud protection services like LifeLock, Experian, or credit freezes to safeguard personal information
• Set up call screening or a robocall blocker to reduce unwanted calls and give them more peace of mind
• Register their number with the National Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov.

4. Create a Financial Safety Plan Together

If your parent is open to it, talk about forming a shared financial plan. This could involve setting spending limits, reviewing monthly statements together, or establishing a trusted co-signer for certain accounts. The goal is to create a circle of trust, where they can lean on support while feeling respected.

5. Encourage Healthy Skepticism

You don’t want your loved one to feel suspicious of every call or email, but healthy caution can go a long way. Encourage them to:

• Pause before acting on any urgent request
• Verify the identity of anyone asking for money or personal information
• Reach out to you or another trusted person before making big decisions

A simple script can help: “That sounds important. Let me check with my daughter/son first.” It gives them an easy out when feeling pressured.

6. Promote Meaningful Engagement

One of the best ways to protect your parent from being scammed again is to help them stay socially and mentally engaged. Scammers often prey on loneliness and isolation, which is why community and purpose are so powerful in prevention.

Encourage hobbies, outings, and group activities that bring joy and connection – whether it’s joining a book club, attending a fitness class, or participating in senior living activities. Staying active and involved builds confidence and reduces vulnerability.

You Don’t Have To Navigate This Alone

Protecting your aging parent from scams isn’t just about preventing loss – it’s about preserving trust, dignity and independence. When approached with love and openness, this process can bring you closer together and empower your loved one to feel safe again.

Cascade Living Group: Your Trusted Partner

At Cascade Living Group, we believe that older adults thrive in environments built on trust, support, and meaningful engagement. Our communities offer not only safety and comfort, but also opportunities for connection – helping seniors stay mentally sharp, emotionally supported, and less susceptible to fraud.

If you’re worried about your loved one’s safety or wondering whether a move to senior living might help, we’re here to listen and support you both. Together, we can create a future where your parent feels secure, empowered, and surrounded by care. Reach out today to learn more about how a Cascade Living Group community can be the next step in your loved one’s journey.