Our parents and older loved ones are being targeted every single day by professional scammers. These criminals are smart, fast, and ruthless preying on confusion, trust, and fear. As someone with a background in cybersecurity and a passion for fraud prevention, I created this guide to help you spot the red flags before it’s too late.

Share it. Print it. Talk about it at dinner. One small conversation could protect someone you love.

1. The Grandparent Emergency Scam

A scammer pretends to be your parent’s grandchild (or a lawyer or police officer), claiming they’re in jail, hurt, or stranded and need money immediately.

Red flag: Emotional urgency + secrecy (“Don’t tell Mom or Dad”).
 

2. Medicare or Health Insurance Scam

Fake calls saying your parent’s Medicare card needs to be updated or reissued, asking for Social Security or banking info.

Red flag: Government agencies never call to ask for personal info over the phone.
 

3. Tech Support Pop-Ups

Fake virus alerts pop up on your parent’s screen, telling them to call a number for help. The “tech” steals access to their computer or requests payment.

Red flag: Real tech companies don’t use pop-ups to request support calls.

4. Fake Amazon or Delivery Notices

Your parent gets a call or email about a suspicious charge or undelivered package and is told to “confirm” payment info.

Red flag: Pressure to act fast + click links or give financial info.

5. Romance Scams

A scammer builds an online relationship, then invents financial emergencies to get money.

Red flag: They always have a reason they can’t meet in person or video chat. Lately with AI advancements they may be more willing to share choppy videos or photoshopped photos. Always reverse search images!
 

6.Lottery or Prize Scams

“Congratulations! You’ve won, but first, pay taxes or fees.” These scams trick seniors into wiring money or buying gift cards.

Red flag: You never have to pay to receive legitimate prizes and you cannot win a sweepstakes you did not enter.

7. Utility Shut-Off Scam

A call claiming to be from the electric or water company saying service will be disconnected unless payment is made immediately.

Red flag: Real utilities usually send a paper notice first and rarely just call out of the blue.

8. Fake Charity Appeals

Especially after disasters, scammers pose as charities asking for urgent donations.

Red flag: Vague charity names, high-pressure tactics, or requests for wire/gift card payments.

9. Bank Impersonation Scam

A scammer claims to be from your parent’s bank, warning of “fraud” and walking them through steps that actually steal money or login info.

Red flag: They ask for account info, PINs, or ask you to move money to a “safe” account.

10. Check Washing or Mail Theft

Criminals steal outgoing mail, alter checks with chemicals, and cash them for thousands.

Red flag: Checks that clear for the wrong amount or never reach their destination.

How You Can Protect Them

Talk openly: Make scam awareness a normal family conversation.

Use call blocking tools: Many carriers offer free spam filters.

Set up transaction alerts: Help monitor suspicious bank activity.

Sign up for Informed Delivery: USPS emails you daily mail previews to catch stolen mail faster.

Encourage “trust but verify”: Always double-check suspicious calls or emails especially when they feel urgent.

You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert to keep your family safe, you just have to stay a few steps ahead of the scammers and continue to educate yourself and your parents. If you found this helpful, feel free to share or reach out. I’m on a mission to protect our most vulnerable from fraud and it starts with awareness.