How to protect your elderly from scam calls?

Scam calls are a major problem for everyone, but they can be especially dangerous for the elderly. Scammers often prey on older adults because they are more likely to be trusting and less likely to be familiar with the latest scams.

These scammers use various tactics to exploit their trust and lack of familiarity with modern technology. In this blog post, we’ll discuss practical ways to protect your elderly family members from scam calls, in an interactive, friendly, and easy-to-understand manner.

There are a number of things you can do to help protect your elderly loved ones from scam calls. Here are a few tips:

Educate them about scams

The first step is to educate your elderly loved ones about the different types of scams that are out there. This includes explaining how scammers operate and what to look out for. There are many resources available online and in your community that can help you with this.

You can also talk to your elderly loved ones about their experiences with scam calls. This can help them to identify red flags and make better decisions about who to answer the phone to.

Start by having an open conversation with your elderly family members about the dangers of scam calls. Explain common scam tactics, such as fake lottery wins, grandparent scams, and tech support fraud. Encourage them to be cautious and skeptical of any unsolicited calls.

Encourage them to screen their calls with Caller ID

Another important tip is to encourage your elderly loved ones to screen their calls. This means letting them know that it’s okay to not answer calls from people they don’t know.

You can also help them to set up call-blocking features on their phone. This can help to reduce the number of scam calls they receive in the first place.

Teach your elderly loved ones to use caller ID to identify incoming calls. If the number is unfamiliar, advise them to let it go to voicemail. Scammers often use spoofed numbers, so relying on caller ID alone may not always work, but it’s a good first step.

Set Up a Trusted Contacts List

Help your elderly family members create a trusted contacts list. These are the numbers they should answer without hesitation. Show them how to save these contacts in their phone’s address book to make recognizing calls easier.

Use Call Blocking Apps

There are many call-blocking apps available for smartphones. These apps can filter out known scam numbers and prevent them from reaching your loved ones. Help them install and configure a reliable call-blocking app on their phone.

Keep Personal Information Private

Emphasize the importance of never sharing personal or financial information over the phone. Scammers often pose as banks, government agencies, or charities, claiming they need sensitive information. Remind your elderly family members to be cautious and verify the caller’s identity if in doubt.

Verify Before Acting

Encourage your loved ones to verify any requests made over the phone by contacting the organization directly. For example, if they receive a call from their bank asking for personal information, advise them to hang up and call the bank’s official number to verify the request.

Be Wary of Urgent or Threatening Calls

Scammers often create a sense of urgency or threat to manipulate their victims. Teach your elderly family members to stay calm and not make hasty decisions when faced with such calls. They should consult with a trusted family member or friend before taking any action.

Report Suspected Scam Calls

Instruct your loved ones on how to report scam calls to the appropriate authorities. They can contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or use the “Do Not Call” registry to reduce the number of unwanted calls.

Consider a Landline Call Blocking Device

If your elderly family members still use a landline, you can invest in a call-blocking device that can screen and block scam calls automatically.

Stay Updated

Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics. Encourage your elderly loved ones to stay informed about the latest scams and to reach out to you or a trusted individual if they ever feel unsure about a call.

Be their advocate

If your elderly loved one does receive a scam call, be there to support them. Help them to talk through what happened and what they should do next.

You may also need to report the scam to the authorities on their behalf. This can help to prevent other people from falling victim to the same scam.

Here are some additional tips that you can share with your elderly loved ones:

• Never give out personal information over the phone. This includes your Social Security number, bank account number, or credit card number.
• Be wary of unsolicited calls. If someone calls you out of the blue, it’s probably a scam.
• Don’t fall for pressure tactics. Scammers will often try to pressure you into making a quick decision. Don’t be afraid to say no and hang up the phone.
• If you’re unsure, hang up and call back later. If you’re not sure whether a call is legitimate, hang up and call the company or organization back using a number you know to be correct.

Remember, you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you protect your elderly loved ones from scam calls. Contact your doctor, financial advisor, or local senior center for more information.

How to report a scam call

If you or your elderly loved one receives a scam call, you can report it to the following organizations:

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): You can report scam calls to the FTC online or by calling 1-877-382-4357.
• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC): You can report scam calls to the FCC online or by calling 1-888-225-5322.
• Your state attorney general’s office: You can find contact information for your state attorney general’s office online.

By reporting scam calls, you can help prevent other people from falling victim to the same scams.

Conclusion

Protecting your elderly family members from scam calls is an ongoing effort that involves education, awareness, and vigilance. By following these simple steps and maintaining open communication, you can help shield your loved ones from the distressing effects of scam calls. Remember, the key is to stay informed and look out for one another, ensuring that our elderly family members can enjoy their golden years without fear of falling victim to scammers.