Elderly man in his 90s scammed out of $800,000
A 92-year-old was convinced to move his money into “safe” accounts controlled by scammers before the scheme was uncovered.
Read the full story
Help your family spot scams before they lose everything.
A one-page, plain-language scam prevention tip sheet you can print, stick next to the computer or phone, and walk through together as a family.
Step 1
Download & Print
Print one copy for the computer and one for where the phone usually sits.
Step 2
Read it together
Walk through each scam example. Share stories of calls or messages you’ve seen.
Step 3
Agree on a plan
Choose a family “code word” and decide who they’ll call before sending money.
Why scam prevention for seniors matters right now
Scammers are getting smarter, more aggressive, and more personal. Older adults are often targeted because they’re trusting, polite, and may not be used to digital tricks.
- Billions of dollars are lost every year to online and phone scams.
- Investment scams and imposter scams hit older adults especially hard.
- Many victims never tell their families because they feel ashamed or embarrassed.
A simple conversation and a piece of paper in the right place can be the difference between “Nice try, scammer” and a wiped-out life savings.
What’s inside the scam prevention tip sheet
The PDF is designed for people who don’t live online. No tech jargon. No scare tactics. Just clear guidance in plain language to help seniors spot scams early.
Common scam red flags
The real phrases and tricks scammers use on the phone, by text, and online — so your family can recognize them instantly.
Simple “pause and check” steps
A short checklist to follow before clicking a link, sharing information, or sending money.
Family password idea
A private word or phrase your family can use to verify it’s really you on the phone or in a message.
What to do if they slipped up
Calm, practical steps to take if your parent clicked something or gave out information by mistake.
Real stories. Real losses.
These are just a few recent examples. They all have one thing in common: a scammer spotted a vulnerable moment and pounced.
Two students arrested for scamming an elderly person
In New York, two people on student visas were arrested after allegedly running a high-pressure scam targeting an older victim.
Read the full storyCaregiver stops a $15,000 PayPal scam in time
A caregiver noticed something off and intervened before an elderly man sent thousands to a fake PayPal support agent.
Read the full storyFrequently Asked Questions
What are the most common scams targeting seniors?
Tech support scams (“your computer has a virus”), fake bank or government calls, grandparent scams (“Grandma, I’m in trouble, don’t tell Mom”), and messages asking to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency are all extremely common. They rely on fear, urgency, and confusion.
How can I talk to my parents about online scams without scaring them?
Keep the tone calm and team-oriented. You’re not blaming them; you’re fighting scammers together. Walk through real examples, use the tip sheet as a prop, and make it clear they can always call you before doing anything they’re unsure about.
What should my parent do if they think they fell for a scam?
Don’t panic and don’t shame them. Help them call their bank or card company right away, change passwords on important accounts, enable two-factor authentication where possible, and report the scam to the proper agencies in your country. The sooner they act, the more damage can be limited.
Do you collect personal data or require an email for the tip sheet?
No. You can download the PDF directly, without sharing any personal information or email address. This project is a personal effort, not a marketing funnel. The author of this website pledges to never have ads, marketing, or requirements and donates his time and hosting costs to make it happen - and doesn't even include his name! This information will always be free and in the public domain to use, print, and distribute.
Is this site a replacement for legal or financial advice?
No. The tip sheet and this website are for educational purposes only. For legal, financial, or law-enforcement help, you should contact qualified professionals or official agencies.