Amy Long, AVP, Branch Customer Service Manager
Most elder fraud doesn’t start with an obvious red flag. It starts with a message that feels believable, urgent, and easy to respond to in the moment.
The request sounds reasonable, so it’s easy to think, “I should handle this now.” That urgency is exactly what makes scams work. The best protection is not a complicated system. It’s a simple plan that your family agrees to follow every time.
Older adults are often targeted because scammers look for situations where verification is less likely to happen quickly. Newer technology can make fake alerts and spoofed calls harder to spot. In some cases, a trusting nature or cognitive changes can also make high-pressure messages more effective.
Why Elder Fraud Is Hard to Spot in the Moment
Scammers are getting better at sounding legitimate. They may spoof phone numbers, use familiar language, and create a situation that feels time-sensitive. Then they add one more layer: secrecy. “Don’t tell anyone.” “Stay on the line.” “We need to fix this right now.”
If you’ve ever felt rushed by a message like that, you’re not alone. The goal is to keep you from doing one simple thing: verifying the story through a trusted source.
What Elder Fraud Looks Like Today
Elder fraud can take several forms, and it can shift quickly from one channel to another. A scam may start as a text that looks like a bank alert, then turn into a phone call that pressures someone to act immediately. Other scams sound personal, like a “family emergency” request. Tech support scams use fear. Investment scams use opportunity and urgency.
Elder fraud is designed around older adults’ routines and relationships. Scammers often use trust, family connections, or “official” sounding messages to push action before anyone can verify.
These are all different stories with the same strategy: quick action before you have time to confirm what’s real.
The Red Flags Families Should Look Out For
If a message includes any of the red flags below, treat it like a stop sign and verify before responding.
- They pressure you to act immediately or keep it secret
- They ask for passwords, PINs, login credentials, or one-time security codes
- They tell you to move money to a “safe account”
- They ask for payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or an urgent wire transfer
- They request remote access to a device or unfamiliar software
- They insist you stay on the line while logging in or moving money
A Simple Family Protection Plan
You don’t need a long checklist to protect yourself. You need a few steps your family can use every time, especially when a request feels rushed. Once those steps are agreed on ahead of time, it’s much easier to pause and verify instead of reacting.
1) Set a verification rule for money requests
Make an agreement as a family that any request involving money, account changes, gift cards, wires, or personal information triggers verification.
Here’s the rule that helps the most: hang up, then call back using a trusted number. That means the number on the back of a card, an official statement, or a website you already use. It does not mean a number provided in a text, email, or voicemail.
If it’s legitimate, it will still be legitimate after you confirm it.
2) Choose a trusted contact person
Pick one or two people who can be contacted if something feels suspicious. Save their numbers in your phone and write them down somewhere that is easy to find.
This step matters because scams work best when someone feels isolated or embarrassed. Your plan should make it normal to ask for a second opinion.
3) Use a simple callback script
When pressure shows up, one sentence can create space. For example: “I’m going to verify this first. I’ll call back.”
You can also decide on a family verification question that only close relatives would know. Keep it simple.
4) Reduce exposure without reducing independence
Small changes can lower risk while preserving autonomy. Keep devices updated, avoid unexpected links in texts or emails, and limit personal details shared publicly online.
Also, consider turning on account alerts so unusual activity is easier to spot quickly.
What to Do if You Suspect Elder Fraud
If you believe a scammer has engaged with you or a loved one, acting quickly can reduce losses.
Start by ending contact. Then, document what happened, including phone numbers, email addresses, and timing. Next, contact your bank using a trusted number to review recent activity and discuss next steps. If login details were shared, change credentials using a trusted device.
The Takeaway for Families
Elder fraud prevention comes down to one reliable habit: pause and verify.
When families agree on a simple plan, it becomes easier to slow down high-pressure requests and take the next step with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elder Fraud
What is elder fraud?
Elder fraud is fraud that targets older adults, often through impersonation or manipulation, designed to obtain money or sensitive information.
What is the most effective way to prevent elder fraud?
A consistent verification routine helps people avoid acting under pressure and confirm requests using trusted contact information.
What should we do if a loved one has already sent money?
Contact your bank immediately, document what happened, and report the incident through appropriate channels.
About the Author
Amy Long is an Assistant Vice President, Branch Customer Service Manager at Waterford Bank, N.A. in Perrysburg, Ohio. She prides herself on working with customers to understand their needs and provide comprehensive solutions.
Outside of the office, she enjoys supporting the small businesses in Downtown Perrysburg, exploring the Midwest in her trusty Jeep, fishing, and spending time with family. Would you like to connect with Amy? Contact us here.
