Protecting Elderly Parents from Phone & Tech Scams

Understanding the Threat to Elderly Australians

Scammers often target elderly individuals because they may be less familiar with evolving digital threats, more trusting, and sometimes less likely to question authority figures (even fake ones). These scams can range from fake tech support calls to investment opportunities, impersonation scams, and even romance frauds. The financial and emotional toll can be devastating, impacting not just the victim but the entire family.

Scammers are incredibly sophisticated, using psychological tactics to create urgency, fear, or a sense of obligation. They often exploit loneliness or a desire to connect, making it difficult for victims to recognise the deception. Awareness is the first step, both for your parents and for you as their advocate.

Starting the Conversation: Empathy is Key

Approaching the topic of scams with elderly parents requires sensitivity and patience. Avoid judgmental language or making them feel foolish. Instead, frame it as a shared concern for their safety and well-being, acknowledging that scammers target everyone, regardless of age or tech savviness.

Share recent scam examples from news or personal anecdotes (without identifying victims) to illustrate the tactics. Emphasise that reporting scams isn't a sign of weakness, but a critical step in protecting others. Reassure them that you're a safe person to confide in if they ever feel confused or pressured by a call or email.

Tips for a respectful conversation:

• Choose a calm, private setting.
• Use 'we' language, e.g., 'We need to be careful together.'
• Listen more than you talk.
• Emphasise that it's okay to ask for help.
• Reassure them you're on their side.

Practical Safeguards and Digital Hygiene

Beyond conversation, implementing practical measures can significantly reduce risk. Help your parents set up strong, unique passwords for all their online accounts, using a reputable password manager if they're comfortable. Encourage them to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible, especially for banking and email.

Regularly update their devices and software, as these updates often contain crucial security patches. Install reputable antivirus/anti-malware software and ensure it's always running and updated. Remind them never to click suspicious links or open attachments from unknown senders. Explain that legitimate organisations like banks or the ATO will rarely ask for personal information via email or text, and certainly not for login details.

Recognising Common Scams and Red Flags

Educate your parents about common scam types. Phone scams often involve calls impersonating government agencies (ATO, Services Australia), banks, or tech support. Scammers might demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or claim their computer has a virus. Remind them to hang up and verify the call by looking up the official number and calling back.

Online and tech scams frequently involve fake pop-ups claiming a virus, emails with urgent requests for money (e.g., 'prince in distress'), or investment opportunities that are 'too good to be true.' Key red flags include unsolicited contact, requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency, pressure to act quickly, and demands for remote access to their computer.

Common scam red flags to watch for:

• Unsolicited contact from an unknown number/email.
• Requests for remote access to their computer.
• Demands for payment via unusual methods (gift cards, crypto).
• Threats or extreme pressure to act immediately.
• Offers that seem too good to be true.

What to Do When a Scam Occurs

Despite best efforts, scams can still happen. It's crucial your parents know what to do if they fall victim or even just suspect something is amiss. The first step is to stop all contact with the scammer. If money has been sent, contact their bank immediately to report the fraud.

Report the scam to official Australian bodies such as ReportCyber (if it's a cybercrime), Scamwatch, or IDCARE for identity theft. For support with account recovery and understanding next steps, KNOMI is who you call – we help guide families through the complexities of digital incidents, providing calm, expert assistance when they need it most.

Frequently asked questions