HELPING A SENIOR WHO MAY BE GETTING SCAMMED
Slow it down. Avoid shame. Verify together.
AVOID SHAME
Do not lead with:
- “How could you fall for this?”
- “This is obviously a scam.”
- “I told you not to do this.”
Try this instead:
“I can see why that sounded real. Before any more money moves, let’s verify it together.”
THE GOAL
Break the scammer’s influence without making the senior feel embarrassed, defensive, or afraid to ask for help again.
FIRST 30 MINUTES
- Stop additional payments. Do not send more money to “fix” or recover the first payment.
- Preserve evidence. Save texts, emails, phone numbers, receipts, gift cards, screenshots, usernames, and websites.
- Secure devices. If someone had remote access, stop using that device for banking until it is checked.
- Call the real institution. Use a number you independently verify.
- Bring in another trusted person. Scammers gain power through isolation.
IF MONEY ALREADY MOVED
Call the bank, card issuer, gift-card company, transfer service, or crypto platform immediately. Ask whether the transaction can be stopped, frozen, recalled, or recovered.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
- Who contacted you and how?
- What did they say would happen if you did not act?
- Did they tell you to keep it secret or act immediately?
- What payment method did they request?
- Have you already sent money? How much and when?
- Are you still communicating with them?
- Did they obtain passwords, verification codes, ID images, or remote access?
WHY HELP MAY BE RESISTED
Victims may believe the story, feel embarrassed, fear losing independence, or have an emotional relationship with the scammer. Create a pause, not an argument.
GET HELP / REPORT
National Elder Fraud Hotline833-FRAUD-11
AARP Fraud Watch Network877-908-3360
FBI Internet Crime Complaint CenterIC3.gov
Federal Trade CommissionReportFraud.ftc.gov
IMMEDIATE DANGER
Call 911. If a vulnerable adult may be exploited by a caregiver, family member, or other person, consider Adult Protective Services as well.