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Set Up Scam Protection for an Aging Parent or Relative

Scammers target older adults, but a few set-up steps and a family plan make a big difference. Do it together, with respect.

Step by step

  1. Have the conversation. Share stories of scams, not warnings about ability.
  2. Agree on a family code word.
  3. Turn on call and text filtering.
  4. Set bank alerts and consider a trusted contact.
  5. Freeze credit together.

What to expect

Expect a respectful conversation guide and a checklist of settings that block, alert and verify.

Mistakes to avoid

Do not lecture or imply they are foolish. Avoid secret monitoring. Do not leave out other relatives.

A good next step

Review the settings together every six months.

A prompt you can copy

Type this into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini

Write a respectful script for talking with my father about scam protection, including how to suggest a family code word and bank alerts without sounding bossy.

Good to know. Never take over their accounts without their agreement. Offer help and let them decide.

Want to try this with a friendly teacher?

Join a free live class on Zoom. Small group, no experience needed, no sign-up fee.

Reserve a free seat

Common questions

What if they already lost money?

Respond with support, not blame, and follow a recovery checklist.

Who else can help?

Their bank, local police and the FTC.

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