Talk about the common scams, without blame
Most scams follow a few patterns. Someone calls or texts pretending to be the bank, Medicare, the IRS or Amazon. A pop-up says the computer has a virus and gives a number to call. A grandchild is in trouble and needs money right away. A new online friend needs help with a fee.
They usually push your parent to act right away and keep it to themselves, then ask for money, gift cards, a code or remote access to a computer. Talk about these with your parent as something that happens to everyone, because it does. A parent who feels embarrassed is less likely to tell you when something seems off.
Your small next steps
Add a few simple protections
A few settings make your parent much harder to target. Turn on two-factor authentication for their email and bank. Set up alerts so the bank texts or emails your parent for large withdrawals or transfers. A credit freeze at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion is free and stops strangers from opening new credit in your parent's name.
If your parent has investments, ask about naming a trusted contact person on the account. Under FINRA rules, a brokerage firm can contact that person if it suspects exploitation or can't reach your parent. A trusted contact can't make trades or see the balance, so your parent keeps control.
Your small next steps
Agree on a family code word
Voice-cloning tools now let scammers sound like a real grandchild or son on the phone. A simple family code word gives your parent a way to check. If a caller says they're family and asks for money, your parent asks for the word. A real relative will know it. A scammer won't.
Pick something easy to remember and hard to guess, and share it only in person or on a call with the people who need it.
Your small next steps
Know what to do if it happens
If your parent has sent money or shared information, act quickly and without blame. Call the bank or card company first, using the number on the back of the card, to stop or dispute payments. Change the passwords on any account the scammer may have seen. Then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Two free helplines can guide you through the next steps. The National Elder Fraud Hotline from the U.S. Department of Justice is 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311), weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline is 877-908-3360, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.
Your small next steps
The thing to remember
A parent who feels safe telling you is your best protection. Keep the talk open, add a few settings, and know who to call.
Official pages
General educational information only—not legal, financial, or security advice. Provider features and local laws can change. Use official provider guidance and consult a qualified professional for your circumstances.