009 - Talk to Older Family Members About Scams
“Scammers often target seniors with fake tech support calls, romance scams, and financial fraud. A simple family conversation about common scams can prevent devastating losses.”
Protecting the People Who Protected You
Think about the last time you sat down for a family dinner. You probably talked about work, shared a laugh over old memories, or argued over who makes the best potato salad. But there’s one critical, uncomfortable conversation most of us are completely skipping: digital safety.
Our parents and grandparents didn’t grow up with a supercomputer in their pockets. Because they are often polite, trusting, and may not spot the subtle red flags of digital trickery, scammers aggressively target them with fake tech support threats, romance scams, and bogus lottery winnings.
Why It’s Time for a Chat
It’s easy to assume your older relatives are doing fine if they know how to send a text or post a photo. But cybercriminals are professionals at manufacturing panic. They will call claiming your grandfather's computer has a "deadly virus" or email pretending to be the IRS, threatening legal action unless they pay immediately in gift cards.
Talking about this isn't about treating your family members like children; it’s about giving them a shield against people who want to steal their hard-earned peace of mind.
How to Start the Conversation
You don't need to give a dry, technical lecture. Keep it casual and collaborative.
Here is how you can practically help them right now:
Share a "Story" Instead of Rules: Don't start with "don't do this." Instead, say, "Hey, I read about a crazy scam today where people fake phone numbers to pretend they are the bank. Have you heard about that?" This opens the door without making them feel defensive.
Establish a "No-Judgment" Safe Word: Tell them explicitly: "If you ever get a weird, scary message or call, hang up and call me first. I won't judge you, and we'll figure it out together." Knowing they have a lifeline removes the shame that scammers rely on.
Set Up a Visual Reminder: Print out a small card to keep by their computer or on the fridge. Write a simple rule on it: “Real banks and tech support will never ask for your password, or demand payment in gift cards. When in doubt, hang up.”
A fifteen-minute conversation over coffee today could save your loved ones from a devastating loss tomorrow. Bring it up during your next visit.
What Now
If you or an older family member has been targeted or defrauded by a senior-focused scam, taking swift action can minimize the damage and prevent further loss. Based on guidance from leading advocacy organizations like the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and consumer protection authorities, implement this recovery plan:
Contact Financial Institutions Immediately: If bank account numbers, credit cards, or PINs were shared—or if money was transferred—call the affected banks or credit card issuers right away. Request to freeze the accounts, cancel exposed cards, and dispute any unauthorized or fraudulent transactions.
Break the Silence and Talk to Someone Vetted: Scammers rely heavily on isolation and shame to keep their operations hidden. Immediately loop in a trusted family member, caregiver, or friend to act as a second pair of eyes and help navigate the recovery steps without judgment.
Report the Crime to Local and National Authorities: File a report with your local police department and your state's Adult Protective Services (APS) agency. Additionally, report the incident online to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or contact the Department of Justice National Elder Fraud Hotline to help investigators track down the scammers.
Lock Down Your Credit Report: Prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts or taking out loans in your loved one's name. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a free fraud alert or credit freeze on their credit profile.
Update Device Security and Passwords: If the scam involved a fake tech support agent who gained remote access to a computer or phone, disconnect the device from the internet immediately. Run a comprehensive malware scan, uninstall any software the scammer told you to download, and change all account passwords from a separate, secure device.
Local Resources
Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington
https://www.helpingelders.org/
(360) 694-8144
Lutheran Community Services Northwest (Crime Victim Service Center)
https://lcsnw.org/office/vancouver/
(360) 694-5624
Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program
(360) 695-5313
