How to protect an elderly parent from scam calls

What is a grandparent scam?

In a grandparent or family-emergency scam, a caller pretends that a loved one is in trouble and needs money immediately. The caller may ask for secrecy, claim to be a lawyer or other authority, or pressure someone to use cash, gift cards, wires, or a payment app. The FTC recommends slowing down and verifying with a phone number you already know is real. Read its grandparent-scam guidance.

How can a family make verification easier?

• Keep a short list of family, doctors, bank, and care-provider numbers in contacts and on paper.
• Agree that any request for money gets a second conversation with a trusted person, even when the caller says not to tell anyone.
• Use a family phrase or question as one check, but still call back using a known number; a phrase alone is not proof.
• Review voicemail and filtered-call lists together so important calls can be returned through verified numbers.

What if money or information was already shared?

Contact the bank, card company, payment app, wire service, or gift-card issuer as soon as possible using a number from a statement, card, or official website. Preserve the call details and receipts, then use the FTC’s steps after a scam and report the incident at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Where does call screening fit?

Labels and incoming call screening can create time to choose what to do, but they cannot promise perfect protection or identify every wanted caller. Start with labels or manual screening and keep a recovery routine for missed medical, school, pharmacy, and caregiver calls. See the Apple, Google, and carrier screening guide and the broader Privacy Guide for U.S. households.