Protecting an Elderly Family Member or Parent from Scams, Fraud, and Theft

Protecting an Elderly Family Member or Parent from Scams, Fraud, and Theft

As our loved ones age, they can become more vulnerable to scams and fraud. Scammers often target seniors because they may be more trusting or not as familiar with the latest tricks. But there are steps you can take to help protect your elderly members and/or parent(s) from falling victim to scams and theft.

1. Know the Common Scams

The first step in protecting your loved one is understanding what kinds of scams they might face. Some of the most common include:

• Phishing: Fraudulent emails or calls pretending to be from legitimate companies asking for personal information. 
• Lottery or Prize Scams: Scammers tell seniors they've won something but need to pay a fee to claim their prize.
• Tech Support Scams: Scammers claim to be from a tech company offering help but ask for payment or access to personal information. Many other computer scams also exist, i.e., hackers take over a person’s computer by tricking people into allowing remote access or installing keyloggers. 
• Medicare Fraud: Fraudsters pose as Medicare representatives to steal personal details.

Remind your loved one that they should never share personal information, like bank account numbers or Social Security details, unless they’re sure who they’re talking to. Remind them to not open e-mails from sources they don’t recognize or click on pop-up’s. When in doubt, they should always reach out to a trusted family member to help them determine if the call or e-mail is from a legitimate source. 

2. Monitor Financial Accounts

Seniors might not always notice strange activity in their bank accounts. It’s a good idea to help them set up alerts for any large withdrawals or unusual charges. You can also offer to go over their bank statements with them every month to make sure everything looks normal. 

3. Limit Access to Personal Information

Encourage your loved one to keep their personal information secure. Help them create strong passwords for online accounts, and remind them to change them regularly. Also, encourage them to avoid sharing sensitive or personal details on social media. 

If your loved one receives too many unsolicited calls, texts, social media messages or mail, help them register with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted solicitations, help them block unknown number(s) and take other measures to assist them in reducing fraudulent invitations. 

4. Be Cautious with Calls and Visitors

If someone they don’t know calls asking for money or personal details, tell them to hang up right away. If someone shows up at the door claiming to be from a company, encourage them to always ask for identification.

Adding a peephole or doorbell camera can also help your loved one screen visitors before opening the door. 

5. Install Safety Measures at Home

Sometimes, seniors are targeted because they are seen as easy targets when they’re at home alone. Simple measures like good locks on doors and windows can help protect them. A security system or outdoor lights with motion sensors can also act as a deterrent to thieves.

It’s also a good idea to store valuables and important documents in a safe, locked place.

6. Watch for Signs of Fraud

If you think your loved one may be a victim of fraud, look for signs like:

Missing money or valuables

Unexplained charges or withdrawals from their bank accounts

Unfamiliar purchases

Not keeping up with bills or appointments

Increased confusion or fear about someone or something

If you notice any of these signs, talk to them about what’s happening. They might not always recognize that they’ve been scammed, so your help can make a big difference.

7. Keep Them Socially Connected

Seniors who are isolated are more vulnerable to scams, especially those targeting lonely people. Help your loved one stay in touch with family and friends. Whether it’s through phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits, staying connected can reduce the chances they’ll fall for a scam. 

Seniors can often benefit from Senior Companion Care by a reputable company, like Visiting Angels of Coeur d'Alene. Companion care is able to provide many services to keep your loved one safe and happy, to include assisting them with checking their e-mail and printing a document. Other services provided within companion care include errands and transportation, safety checks and monitoring, housekeeping, outings and activities like reading, games or watching television together and medication reminders.

8. Seek Help if Needed

If you’re concerned about your loved one’s safety or financial security, consider setting up legal protections like power of attorney. This can give a trusted family member or friend the ability to help manage their finances if needed. If you think they’ve been scammed or stolen from, reach out to local authorities or adult protective services for guidance. 

Conclusion

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of scams, being proactive can make a big difference. By staying informed, monitoring finances, and offering support, you can help protect your parent or family member from fraud, theft, and scams. The more steps you take now, the safer they will be in the future. If you would like to find out more about how we can assist your loved one, fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 208-415-1000 to schedule a free care consultation. Our team can answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide you with any information you need to make an informed decision about your loved one’s care. We look forward to meeting you and your family!

We are ready to serve seniors at home in Athol, Priest River, Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, Hauser, Harrison, Hayden, Hayden Lake, Post Falls, Moscow & more.