Protecting Aging Parents from Online Scams, Without Constantly Hovering

If you’re caring for elderly parents and worrying about scammers that prey on the vulnerabilities of senior citizens, you are not alone.

One parent recently reached out and shared this:

“My parents almost got scammed for a large amount of money. Someone used AI to impersonate a family member in trouble and said they were in jail. Someone actually showed up at their house to collect bail money. How can I protect them from this kind of thing? I feel like I have to constantly check their credit cards and emails. Is there any way to reduce the stress and still keep them safe?”

That story is real. Scary. And sadly, it’s not rare.

Scammers are evolving fast with the help of AI (artificial intelligence) and new tactics that sound and look like your loved ones. And it’s no longer just phishing emails. Now it’s AI voice clones, texts from fake “grandchildren,” and in-person visits from people pretending to be bail collectors or tech support.

Let’s talk about how you can really protect your parents online without feeling like you need a second full-time job.

First: What’s Actually Happening?

Scams targeting older adults often rely on:

• Urgency – “Your grandson is in jail!”

• Fear – “You need to send bail money now.”

• Isolation – “Don’t tell anyone. This is private.”

• AI-enhanced impersonation – It sounds like a real family member on the phone.

Even the savviest seniors can fall victim. These scams are designed to be believable.

6 Ways to Protect Your Parents

1. Create a Family Code Word

This is one of the most effective and easiest steps you can take.

Pick a simple phrase (like “banana boat” or “Grandpa’s chili”) that only your family knows. If someone contacts your parent claiming to be a grandchild in trouble, your parent can ask:

“What’s our family code word?”

If they don’t know it, end the call. Shut the door. Walk away.
Repeat it often so your parents remember under stress.

2. Use a Password Manager (and Lock Down Devices)

Install a trusted password manager like Bitdefender or 1Password.

It helps your parents:

• Store passwords securely

• Use stronger, unique logins

• Avoid reusing easy passwords like “123456” everywhere

Bonus: You (as caregiver) can have emergency access if something goes wrong.

3. Freeze Their Credit & Set Up Monitoring

This prevents anyone, including scammers, from opening new accounts in your parent’s name.

Freeze credit with all 3 credit bureaus:

• Equifax

• Experian

• TransUnion

Then use a free tool like Annual Credit Report to monitor for new activity and get a free weekly report.

4. Block Suspicious Calls and Texts

Register their phone number (landline or cell phone) with the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce the number of telemarketing calls.

Then use your cell phone provider’s screening tools or install a call-blocking app.

Have a conversation about not trusting caller ID to verify that a caller is legitimate - scammers can “spoof” phone numbers to appear authentic.

Next:

• Set their phones to receive phone calls from only their contacts, by accessing the Do Not Disturb features and programming who can still call through. You can also silence calls from unknown callers.

• Turn off “AirDrop” or “Nearby Share” features on their devices

• Show them how to block numbers and celebrate when they do

5. Consider True Link or Prepaid Debit Cards

True Link is a debit card designed specifically for seniors.

You can:

• Block suspicious transaction types (like sweepstakes or gambling) or even all internet transactions

• Set spending limits

• Get alerts without being controlling

It gives your parents financial independence, with a real safety net.

Prepaid debit cards limit the amount of money your parent can spend. You can set spending limits and restrictions, track transactions in real-time, and prevent overdrafts with these cards.

6. Call Their Banks and Credit Card Companies to Set Up Caregiver Alerts

Contact your parent’s credit card company to set up text or email alerts that go directly to you when charges are made. You’ll need to have your parent on the line too, to give them permission to share this information.

Ask the company:

• Can we get a real-time notification for every charge over a certain amount?

• Can we authorize a caregiver to view transactions or receive alerts (without full access)?

• Is there a read-only login available for monitoring purposes?

Most banks and credit card issuers now offer this as part of their fraud prevention programs. It’s a great way to stay informed without micromanaging.

Don’t Forget the Emotional Side

Even if your parents are independent, smart, and capable, they still need support in today’s digital world. What worked five years ago doesn’t work now. There is so much guilt and shame after a person realizes they’ve fallen for a scam.

Your older loved ones need to hear these messages:

• “Even smart people fall for scams because these are designed to override our skepticism and trick us.”

• “This isn’t about control. I don’t want to control you. It’s just about having backup when weird stuff happens.”

Learn the Top 5 Scams Targeting Seniors

According to the National Council on Aging, these are 5 scams caregivers need to help their parents recognize:

1. The grandparent scam. Just like the example at the top of this article, in this scam, fake grandchildren ask for help with car repairs, late rent, a medical emergency, or even to post bond. They pretend to be in distress. Or the caller claims to be a police officer, doctor, or lawyer trying to help the grandchild. Now, scammers are using AI to re-create a grandchild’s actual voice, further confusing the situation.

2. Financial services scam. These scams are effective because they appear to come from a legitimate source: a bank, a credit card, a mortgage company, or a debt collection agency. They may claim that a checking or savings account has been compromised and ask for personal information, such as a password or Social Security number, to “secure” it.

3. Tech support scams. In this scam, a person’s computer or phone will freeze or go blank, then a pop-up message appears with a phone number to call for help. When the user calls, the scammer will log onto the device remotely and steal information or demand a fee to fix the issues.

4. Government impersonation scams. In this scam, callers pretend to be officials from the United States Postal Service (USPS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Social Security Administration, or Medicare. They threaten to arrest or deport the person who picks up the phone if they don’t pay their unpaid taxes or bills. Or, they may threaten to cut off benefits unless the person gives personal information, such as their social security number. Once they get this information, they can commit identity theft.

5. Romance scams (Sweetheart scams). Romance scammers create fake social media profiles and use them to gain their victims’ trust. Over time, they use that trust to steal money. Some scammers are overseas and may ask their victims for money to pay for visas, medical emergencies, and travel expenses.