Things Caregivers Can Do to Protect Their Elders from Scams

It is a sad truth that scammers target older adults more than youngsters. These conmen take advantage of older people's vulnerability, inadequate knowledge of technology, and other emotional causes. Since technology is not the strong point of most older adults, they target such vulnerable people to meet their vested ends.

Medicare scams have become one of the most common frauds across Hawaii and the entire US.


Everyone is susceptible to scams, but seniors are in a worse position, and thus it becomes imperative for caregivers to protect their loved ones against such scams.

SMP Hawaii is a senior medicare patrol program that protects the rights of elders and prevents them from falling prey to Medicare frauds. The advocates take up scam complaints and investigate to their core. They also offer counseling and support to seniors in the case of Medicare. However, as a caregiver, you also have your part to play. If you are wondering what you can do to help your seniors, here are some ways that work.

Ways to Protect Elders From Fraud Calls

  • Talk to Them

Having a discussion is very important. Since the elders have almost no knowledge of cybersecurity, you must give your best to explain it to them. Give them instances of frauds and elucidate the ways these frauds take place. 

Similar Link: Ways to Help Senior Citizens Avoid COVID-19 Medicare Scams

Have an open conversation with them, and if they fail to understand the first time, take time and explain to them until they understand. Such conversations require patience and empathy. While the technical bits may sound obvious to you, they may not sound so to your parents. Thus, try to simplify your explanation and guide them correctly.

  • Teach Them to Cross Check

Cross checking is the worst enemy of fraud. Conmen often ask you to act quickly without giving you the time to think. Ask your parents to crosscheck such information with family or counselors before divulging account details or making payments.

  • Explain Medicare Facilities

It is important to know how Medicare works to dodge scams. Make sure your seniors know what Medicare pays for and what not. Always discuss bills with them, so they know what facilities they have been provided. This helps them identify scam callers who ask for money in exchange for services and goods.

  • Security

Teach them the importance of privacy and why they should never share their social security number, pins, card numbers, and passwords. Strangers often call requesting money. Most experienced conmen will give you good reasons to share your details, but you must never do so. Remember, no respected agency will ask for such delicate details over a phone call.

  • Safety While Online

Many seniors today have social media accounts and browse the internet comfortably. However, you must warn them against online fraud. Here are some bits of advice you can offer them:

  • Using complex and unique passwords for each account. Instead of a simple name, they must combine letters, alphabets and signs.
  • Keep the device up-to-date and install legit anti-virus software.
  • Do not open suspicious mail.
  • Do not open attachments or links from unexpected emails.
  • Do not click on cloned websites.
  • Install anti-malware.
  • Do not click on random alerts and pop-ups.
  • Shut down the computer immediately in case of suspicious activity and call for help.

Introduce them to SMP Hawaii

Introduce them to adult protective services like SMP Hawaii. SMP Hawaii educates the elders in the best way possible. Their programs are meant to target such vulnerable crowds and help them defend themselves in any emergency.

SMP Hawaii also takes complaints against fraud. Therefore, even if the scammers manage to get the better of your older parents, they still have a place to lodge their complaints. Once the complaint has been launched, the team does its best to resolve it.

Scams have become rampant since the emergence of the internet. Of late, scammers are targeting older adults than young people simply due to the latter's knowledge of technology. It becomes harder for conmen to convince young people, and thus they target older people. Through emotional coaxing or making them nervous, the scammers find a way to extract information from them. In such a scenario, helping and protecting the elders becomes our responsibility. With little time to devote and some patience, we can help them dodge all fraud calls.

Location: United States

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