When a loved one has dementia, they become more vulnerable to online scams because of memory loss, confusion, and difficulty recognizing suspicious behavior. To reduce the risk of these scams, it is important to take proactive steps that protect their personal information and finances while maintaining their dignity and independence.
Start by having open and gentle conversations about common scams targeting seniors. Explain that scammers often use urgent messages, fake alerts, or calls pretending to be from trusted companies or government agencies. Encourage your loved one to never respond to unexpected pop-ups, emails, or phone calls asking for personal or financial information. Instead, they should independently verify any suspicious contact by looking up official phone numbers or websites before taking action.
Set up safeguards on their devices, such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and spam filters to block scam emails and calls. Help them avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources. Regularly review their bank and credit card statements together to spot any unusual transactions early.
Create a trusted support network by identifying family members or friends they can call before making financial decisions or sharing sensitive information. If your loved one shows signs of confusion or unusual behavior related to money or online activity, intervene promptly and consider involving professional caregivers who can provide supervision and guidance.
Teach them the simple rule: if something sounds too good to be true or pressures them to act quickly, it probably is. Encourage them to pause, ask questions, and share concerns with you or another trusted person. Reporting any suspected scams to authorities like the National Elder Fraud Hotline can also help protect others.
By combining education, technology safeguards, and a supportive environment, you can significantly reduce the risk of online scams targeting a loved one with dementia while helping them feel safe and respected.
Sources
https://www.careworkshealthservices.com/online-safety-for-seniors/
https://www.comfortinghome.com/posts/how-to-stay-safe-from-scams-that-target-older-people
https://www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk/care-advice/how-to-help-the-elderly-avoid-scams/
https://athomeindependentliving.com/new-senior-phantom-hacker-scam/
