Why elderly people are targeted
Scammers buy lists of people who've responded to past scams. They know who's home during the day, who's lonely, who answers unknown numbers.
The con works because it triggers urgency + authority + isolation, all at once. Even smart, careful people fall for it.
The pause rule
Tell them, calmly and without judgment, the rule for every money or code request — IRS, Amazon, grandchild in trouble, bank, anyone.
- ALWAYS hang up. Always.
- Wait 24 hours before doing anything
- Call you on the number they already have for you
- If it's a real emergency, it'll still be there in 24 hours
Practical setup
Add the rule to a sticker on their phone and on the fridge. Practice the script: 'I have a rule that I think about it for 24 hours. Goodbye.'
Set up call-screening on their phone. Add you as an emergency contact on bank accounts where possible.