Scam texts targeting elderly individuals can lead to significant financial losses, especially for those with cognitive impairments. Here are strategies to help protect aging parents from these threats.
Scam texts are a nuisance for everyone, but they can be especially harmful to older adults, particularly those with memory issues. Rob, a resident of Kennesaw, Georgia, is facing this exact challenge with his 81-year-old mother, who has mild dementia. She relies heavily on her iPhone, but the constant barrage of scam texts has led her to unwittingly make costly purchases and donations.
Rob’s experience highlights the urgent need for effective measures to combat this issue. He recounted a troubling incident where his mother, after receiving numerous scam texts, ended up donating $25 to a political campaign. Over the course of two months, she was charged more than $5,000 across two credit cards. Thankfully, Rob was able to dispute the charges and secure refunds, but the relentless flow of scam texts continues to pose a risk.
Rob expressed his frustration, stating, “I already have the new iOS text filter on, but she opens the filtered texts and starts looking through them. I am so frustrated. Is there a way to stop all texts except known contacts?” His concerns are valid, as reminders alone may not suffice for someone with cognitive challenges.
To address this issue, it is essential to implement additional safeguards on her phone, carrier account, payment methods, and bank alerts. The goal is to make it more difficult for her to encounter risky texts, links, and charges.
For iPhone users, Apple’s built-in Screen Time controls can be a valuable resource. One effective feature is the Communication Limits setting, which restricts who can contact your parent via Phone, FaceTime, Messages, and other Apple communication tools. Before making these adjustments, ensure that iCloud Contacts are enabled by navigating to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and checking that Contacts is turned on.
To set up Screen Time on her iPhone, create a passcode that she does not know or cannot easily guess. This will prevent her from altering the settings later. The Contacts Only option allows communication solely with individuals saved in her Contacts list, so it may be wise to review and remove any unfamiliar contacts.
Additionally, activating Downtime can help limit phone usage during specific hours, which is particularly useful if she tends to browse late at night when supervision is not possible.
Apple’s message filtering feature can also assist in managing incoming texts. In newer iOS versions, messages from unknown senders can be sorted into a separate area. However, these messages may still be visible, which can lead to unwanted interactions. To check the unknown sender filtering on an iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and enable the option.
Another helpful adjustment is to turn off the red badge notifications for Messages. This change can reduce the temptation for her to check filtered messages, as the badge will no longer indicate the number of unread texts.
For those using Samsung devices, the latest Android and One UI software offers similar features. Start by checking for software updates and then enable spam protection in Google Messages. This can help filter out unwanted texts before they reach the phone.
To block and report scam texts in Google Messages, navigate to Settings > Spam Protection and enable the feature. Samsung phones also provide Caller ID and spam protection, which can help identify and block suspected spam calls.
While scam texts are a significant concern, scam calls often originate from the same sources. Enabling Samsung’s Smart Call feature can provide an additional layer of protection against unwanted calls.
It is also advisable to contact the cell carrier to inquire about the strongest SMS spam and scam blocking options available. Inform them of your parent’s situation and request the best possible protections for her line.
If the problem persists, consider blocking the sender and reporting the messages as junk. You can also report unwanted texts to the FCC through its consumer complaint center.
One of the most critical steps is to remove saved payment methods from her phone. If she can tap a link and make a payment instantly, the risk of financial loss remains high. For iPhone users, this means removing cards from the Wallet app and disabling saved credit cards in Safari. For Samsung users, check Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet to ensure no cards are stored.
To further protect her finances, consider using a separate low-limit card for occasional purchases. This strategy can help contain any potential damage if she inadvertently clicks on a malicious link. Additionally, inquire with the card issuer about online purchase restrictions and daily spending limits.
It may also be beneficial to discuss options with her bank, such as setting up alerts for unusual transactions or designating a trusted contact who can be notified if suspicious activity arises. This measure can provide an extra layer of oversight without infringing on her independence.
If the situation continues to escalate, it may be time to consult with an elder-law attorney. They can provide guidance on establishing a financial power of attorney or other legal tools to help safeguard her assets. This approach is not about stripping away her dignity but rather about creating a protective plan before scammers can exploit her vulnerabilities.
Rob’s situation is a poignant reminder of the challenges families face when protecting aging loved ones from scams. The key is to implement layered protections that make it more difficult for scammers to succeed. By combining phone settings, carrier tools, payment restrictions, and bank alerts, families can help reduce the risks associated with scam texts.
For more information on protecting older adults from scams, visit CyberGuy.com.