Scam texts targeting elderly individuals, particularly those with memory issues, can lead to significant financial losses; here are strategies to protect aging parents from these threats.
Scam texts are a nuisance for everyone, but for older adults, especially those with memory issues like dementia, they can lead to financial disaster. Rob, a resident of Kennesaw, Georgia, is facing this troubling situation with his 81-year-old mother, who relies heavily on her iPhone. Despite Rob’s efforts to protect her, the barrage of scam texts continues to ensnare her in links, purchases, and political donation pages.
Rob shared his concerns, stating, “Last year, I found that she had given $25 to a campaign, and over about two months, they charged more than $5,000 across two cards. Fortunately, I disputed the charges and got the money refunded. The problem is, the texts keep coming.” He expressed frustration at his mother’s inability to remember her actions, despite the evidence in the texts and browser history. He is seeking ways to restrict her phone to only allow texts from known contacts.
Rob’s experience highlights the need for more than just reminders to “be careful.” With mild dementia, his mother may not fully grasp the implications of the messages she receives. Therefore, it is essential to implement additional safeguards to minimize risky interactions on her phone.
To begin, if your parent uses an iPhone, Apple’s built-in Screen Time controls can be invaluable. One key feature is the Communication Limits setting, which restricts who can contact your parent through Phone, FaceTime, Messages, and other Apple communication features. Before making these adjustments, ensure that iCloud Contacts are enabled in the settings.
On her iPhone, set the Screen Time passcode yourself, using a code that your parent is unlikely to guess. This passcode will prevent changes to the settings later on. The “Contacts Only” option allows communication solely with people saved in her contacts list, so it may be wise to review this list and remove any unfamiliar names.
Another useful feature is Downtime, which can limit phone usage during specific hours. This can help if your loved one tends to click on links at night or during times when you cannot monitor her activity.
Apple’s message filtering can also assist in managing scam texts. In newer versions of iOS, messages from unknown senders can be sorted into a separate area. However, these messages may still be visible, which can lead to the issues Rob described. To check unknown sender filtering, navigate to the settings and enable it.
Additionally, consider turning off the red Messages badge, which indicates the number of unread messages. This small adjustment can significantly reduce the temptation for your parent to check filtered messages.
If your parent uses a Samsung phone, start by ensuring the device is updated to the latest Android and One UI software. Then, enable spam protection in Google Messages. This feature can help filter out unwanted texts before they reach the inbox.
On Samsung devices, activating Caller ID and spam protection can also help identify and block scam calls. While this won’t eliminate all scam calls, it adds an extra layer of security.
Next, contact your parent’s cell carrier to inquire about the strongest SMS spam and scam blocking options available. Inform them of your parent’s situation and ask for their recommendations.
If the scam texts persist, blocking the sender and reporting the messages as junk can help. You can also report unwanted texts to the FCC through its consumer complaint center.
One critical step in preventing unauthorized charges is to remove any saved payment methods from the phone. This includes deleting saved cards from the iPhone Wallet and turning off saved credit cards in Safari. For Samsung users, check Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet to ensure that no cards are stored that could facilitate unauthorized transactions.
Consider using a separate low-limit card for occasional purchases. This can help contain potential damages if your parent inadvertently clicks on a scam link. Additionally, consult with the card issuer about online purchase restrictions, merchant blocks, and daily spending limits.
It is also advisable to speak with the bank about tools that can help protect older adults from fraud. Ask if they can flag repeated political donations or recurring online charges for review. If necessary, request to speak with the fraud department or an elder financial exploitation team.
Establishing a trusted contact with the bank can also be beneficial. This allows the bank to reach out to someone reliable if they notice unusual activity on your parent’s account.
If your parent continues to struggle with memory issues and is frequently targeted by scams, it may be time to consult with an elder-law attorney. They can provide guidance on setting up a financial power of attorney or other legal tools to safeguard her finances without compromising her dignity.
Rob’s situation is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by families caring for aging loved ones. The goal is not to strip away independence but to create a safer environment before scammers can exploit vulnerabilities.
In addition to the measures mentioned, regularly checking your parent’s email and banking accounts can help identify any ongoing issues. Review subscriptions, browser history, and saved payment methods to eliminate any potential risks.
Ultimately, the combination of phone settings, carrier tools, payment restrictions, and bank alerts can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scams. Families must work together to make it more difficult for scammers to take advantage of their loved ones.
For more information on protecting aging loved ones from scams, consult resources like CyberGuy.