Free playbook · Public-safety guide
Elder Fraud Prevention
A plain-language playbook for protecting parents, grandparents, and older neighbours from scams. Warning signs, the exact conversation scripts that work, and free tools to check anything before money moves.
Warning signs
Urgency, secrecy, gift cards, crypto, “don’t tell anyone” — the universal red flags.
Scripts that work
What to say (and what not to say) when you suspect a parent is being scammed right now.
Free checking tools
Verify any phone number, website, email, or wallet address in seconds. No signup.
Top 6 scams targeting older adults
- 1.Imposter scams — fake IRS, Medicare, bank, police, or tech-support calls
- 2.Grandparent scams — “It's me, I'm in trouble, please don't tell mom”
- 3.Romance scams — months of attention, then a sudden money emergency
- 4.Pig-butchering / crypto investment scams — fake high-return platforms
- 5.Lottery and prize scams — “pay a small fee to release your winnings”
- 6.Charity and disaster scams — fake fundraisers after news events
If money already moved
- Call the bank or wire service immediately — many transfers can be recalled inside 24 hours
- Freeze cards and change online-banking passwords from a different device
- File with local police and ask for a case number
- File at IC3.gov (US), Action Fraud (UK), CAFC (Canada), or your country’s equivalent
- Submit the scam on GACS so other families are warned in time
Share this with someone who needs it
The best protection is a quick, kind conversation before money moves. Send this page to a family member or print it for a parent.