How to Protect Your Senior Parents from Phone Scams

January 28, 2025 by Tom

Phone scams are one of the most common ways scammers target seniors. Fraudsters use fear, urgency, and deception to trick older adults into giving away personal information or money. Since many seniors grew up in a time when answering the phone and trusting callers was second nature, they are especially vulnerable to these deceptive tactics.

Protecting your senior parents from phone scams involves a combination of education, technology, and proactive measures. Here are practical ways you can help safeguard them.

Educate Them About Common Phone Scams

Start by discussing the most frequent types of phone scams that target seniors, including:

IRS or Government Imposter Scams: Callers claim to be from the IRS or Social Security Administration, threatening legal action or arrest unless payment is made.
Grandparent Scams: Someone pretends to be a grandchild in distress, asking for emergency funds.
Tech Support Scams: Fake tech support calls warn of computer viruses and request remote access or payment.
Medicare Scams: Fraudsters offer free medical supplies in exchange for Medicare or personal information.
Charity Scams: Calls requesting donations to fake charities, especially after natural disasters or during the holidays.

Explain how these scams work and why legitimate organizations will never demand immediate payment over the phone or request sensitive information. NEVER GIVE OUT THIS INFORMATION!

Encourage Them to Let Unknown Calls Go to Voicemail

Advise your parents to avoid answering calls from unfamiliar numbers. If it is important, the caller will leave a voicemail. Reassure them that it is okay not to answer every call, even if it feels impolite. Scammers often spoof local numbers to appear legitimate, so caution is essential!

Set Up Voicemail with a Custom Greeting

A custom voicemail greeting can discourage scammers. Record a message like:

“Hi, you’ve reached [Name]. I do not answer calls from unknown numbers. Please leave a message, and I will return your call if I recognize you.”

This can deter robocalls and signal that they are cautious about answering calls.

Register Their Number on the National Do Not Call Registry

While this will not stop all scam calls, it can reduce telemarketing calls. Register your parents’ phone number at https://www.donotcall.gov/.

Use Call-Blocking Technology

Install call-blocking tools to filter out scam calls. Options include:

Carrier Call-Blocking Services: Find out if their phone provider offers free or low-cost scam-blocking services (e.g., AT&T Call Protect, Verizon Call Filter, T-Mobile Scam Shield).
Third-Party Apps: Apps like RoboKiller, Nomorobo, and Hiya can block robocalls and known scam numbers.
Built-in Call Blocking: Your parent’s smartphone will likely have a feature available to allow you to block specific numbers and silence unknown callers.

Help your parents set up these services to reduce unwanted calls.

Teach Them to Recognize Red Flags

Help your parents identify warning signs of scam calls:

Pressure to Act Quickly: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Legitimate organizations will give you time to respond.
Requests for Payment by Gift Cards or Wire Transfers: No reputable business or government agency will ask for payment this way.
Threats of Arrest or Legal Action: Government agencies do not threaten arrest over the phone. In addition, they do not call, they write to you, usually by certified mail.
Requests for Personal or Financial Information: Social Security numbers, bank details, and credit card numbers should never be shared with unsolicited callers.

Monitor Phone Bills for Unusual Activity

Regularly check your parents’ phone bills for unauthorized charges or premium services they did not request. Some scammers trick people into calling back expensive international numbers or subscribing to services.

Remind Them it is Okay to Hang Up

Emphasize that it is perfectly fine to hang up if a caller makes them uncomfortable or pressures them for information. They do not owe anyone an explanation, and hanging up is the safest response to a suspicious call.

Phone scams can be frightening and financially devastating, but with the right precautions, you can help protect your senior parents from becoming victims. Open communication, call-blocking technology, and educating them about red flags go a long way in keeping them safe. Encourage them to call you if they feel uncomfortable!

While an estate plan cannot directly block phone scams, it can establish strong legal and financial safeguards that make it much more difficult for scammers to take advantage of your loved ones. Tools such as powers of attorney, trusts, and account protections can reduce financial vulnerability and empower trusted family members to step in when necessary.

If you would like to explore how estate planning can help protect your parents’ financial security, contact Wilson Law today. Our team can help create a comprehensive plan that not only manages assets but also helps safeguard against financial exploitation. Call us at 866.603.5976 or fill out our online form to schedule your appointment. Let us help you protect what matters most.