05 · Family
Spot scams and help an older family member
Practice how to pause, check an urgent request and help an older relative respond if money or information has already been shared.
Agree on what to do before a call comes in
Anyone can be rushed into a bad decision. Talk through one example together and agree that either of you can call the other for a second opinion. Ask how your relative wants help and let them choose whom to call.
End the conversation and call back independently
Try saying, “I’ll look up the number and call back.” Hang up. For a bank, use the number on the card or in its usual app. For a family emergency, call the person at a saved number or reach another relative who can check. A familiar voice, caller ID or message thread can be convincing, so make a fresh call.
Pause before sending money or giving access
During an unexpected call or message, keep sign-in codes private and decline requests to install remote-control software, move money to a “safe account,” or pay by gift card or cryptocurrency. If a message gives you a link or QR code to scan, open the service’s app or website yourself. At a meter or kiosk, use another posted payment method if a QR sticker looks like it covers the original.
Make your plan easy to find
Write down the name and saved number of the person each of you will call for a second opinion. Keep it somewhere easy to reach. Rehearse with one example. Imagine a grandchild calls and says they need money now and you must keep it secret. Practice ending the call and reaching the grandchild or another family member independently.
Recognize common requests
- “Your computer is infected.” If a pop-up supplies a support number, close it and seek help through the device maker’s official support page or a person you already trust.
- “This is your bank or a government agency.” If someone claims your account is at risk, says you owe money or threatens arrest, end the call and contact the organization directly.
- “I need help, and you can’t tell anyone.” An emergency request may sound like a relative or come from a person you’ve been talking to online. Check through a contact you already know. Keep money, account access and identity documents private.
- “You’ve won a prize” or “This investment is guaranteed.” Pause if someone wants you to pay to collect winnings, move money quickly or invest through a link they supplied. Check the offer independently.
If someone already acted
Start with “I’m glad you told me. Let’s see what we can do now.” Ask what was shared or sent and when. If money was sent, help them call their bank or payment provider immediately. If someone controlled the device, disconnect it from the internet and use a different trusted device to make calls or secure accounts. Save messages and receipts. Choose what happened on the Emergency page
You’re done when
Both of you know who to call, where to find a trusted number and what you’ll say when a caller tries to rush you.
Sources and review
Reviewed November 9, 2026.
Do next
06 · Protect your privacy at home