Caring for a parent with dementia carries many challenges, and one of the most distressing is the very real risk of financial scams and online fraud.

As cognitive abilities decline, an individual’s judgment, memory, and problem-solving skills are affected, leaving them especially susceptible to exploitation. Unfortunately, scammers are well aware of this vulnerability and frequently target the elderly—often using sophisticated tactics that can catch even the savviest internet users unawares.

This article will guide you through practical steps to protect your parent from online scams, warning signs to watch for, and specific tools you can use to reduce risk—while respecting their autonomy as much as possible.

Why People with Dementia Are Targeted

People living with dementia may experience:

• Trouble recognizing deception and manipulative tactics.

• Difficulty recalling recent interactions or transactions.

• Impaired decision-making and weaker financial judgment.

• An increased susceptibility to emotional manipulation, such as “urgent” or “secret” requests from scammers.

Studies also show that scam awareness is a complex social-cognitive ability—and a decline in this awareness often occurs before other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are evident. Low scam awareness is not only a red flag for risk of financial loss but can also signal early cognitive impairment itself.

Common Warning Signs of Online Scams

Be vigilant for red flags and sudden changes in your parent’s behavior or financial patterns, such as:

• Large or unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts.

• Sudden increase in the number or value of credit card purchases.

• Missing bill payments, utilities being cut off, or unopened mail.

• Repeated purchases of dubious “security software,” antivirus, or online “support” packages.

• More incoming phone calls or unsolicited emails.

• New “friends,” romantic partners, or strange requests via social media.

If you spot any of these signs, act quickly but gently—your loved one may already be feeling confused, anxious, or embarrassed.

Tools to Protect Your Parent with Dementia

1. Establish Financial Safeguards

Spending Limits and Alerts: Set strict credit card or bank account spending limits and enable transaction alerts. Most major banks (e.g., Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) allow you to set up real-time notifications for suspicious activity.

Separate Accounts: Consider maintaining a small “everyday” account for accessible spending, while larger sums (and investments) are held in accounts you actively monitor or control.

Credit Freeze: Place a freeze on credit reports with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. This prevents scammers from opening credit card accounts or loans in your parent’s name.

Prepaid Cards: Instead of traditional debit or credit cards, give your parent a prepaid card with limited funds to minimize exposure.

Money Management Tools: Services like True Link Financial offer specialized debit cards for seniors with customizable spending rules and alerts.

Tool Summary:

• True Link Financial – Debit card with customizable spending rules and caregiver alerts.

• Experian / Equifax / TransUnion – Place a free credit freeze to prevent new accounts.

• Bank Alerts – Set up real-time text/email alerts for unusual transactions.

• Prepaid Cards – Safer alternative for daily spending with limited funds.

2. Secure Devices and Online Access

Passwords and 2FA: Use a password manager such as 1Password or LastPass and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts.

Device Settings: Turn on parental controls (built into iPhone/iPad, Android, and Windows) to limit downloads and block unsafe websites.

Anti-Virus Software: Install reputable programs such as Malwarebytes or Bitdefender to catch phishing and malware attempts.

Browser Extensions: Add scam- and fraud-blocking tools like uBlock Origin, Netcraft Anti-Phishing, or Avast Online Security.

Remote Monitoring: If appropriate, set up remote device management (e.g., Apple Family Sharing, Google Family Link) so you can check your parent’s devices periodically.

Tool Summary:

• 1Password / LastPass – Secure password managers.

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Available on most bank/email accounts.

• Malwarebytes / Bitdefender – Reliable antivirus and anti-malware software.

• uBlock Origin – Free browser extension to block malicious pop-ups/ads.

• Google Family Link / Apple Family Sharing – Caregiver-friendly device monitoring.

3. Block Contact from Scammers

Do Not Call List: Register their number at DoNotCall.gov.

Robocall Blockers: Use your phone carrier’s robocall-blocking services (AT&T ActiveArmor, Verizon Call Filter, T-Mobile Scam Shield) or dedicated tools like Nomorobo, Hiya, or RoboKiller.

teleCalm: A phone service specifically designed for seniors with dementia, which blocks scams while still allowing safe calls from family.

Email Filters: Turn on advanced spam filters in Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo. You can also use Clean Email to automatically sort and filter suspicious messages.

Social Media Privacy Settings: Limit their visibility and connections to only trusted family and friends.

Tool Summary:

• DoNotCall.gov – Register to cut down on telemarketing.

• Nomorobo / Hiya / RoboKiller – Spam call-blocking apps.

• teleCalm – Blocks scams but allows family calls.

• Carrier Tools – AT&T ActiveArmor, Verizon Call Filter, T-Mobile Scam Shield.

• Gmail / Outlook Advanced Filters – Block phishing attempts.

• Clean Email – Organizes inbox and filters spam automatically.

• ReportFraud.ftc.gov – Report scam emails/texts directly to the FTC.

4. Monitor and Control Mail

USPS Informed Delivery: Sign up at USPS.com to digitally preview incoming mail, so you’ll know if scams are arriving before your parent opens them.

PO Box or Caregiver Address: Redirect sensitive mail (bank statements, medical bills) to a trusted caregiver’s address.

Shredder: Keep a simple cross-cut shredder at home to destroy junk mail and prevent identity theft.

Tool Summary:

• USPS Informed Delivery – Preview incoming mail online.

• PO Box or Caregiver Address – Redirect sensitive mail.

• Cross-Cut Shredder – Destroy junk mail and protect identity.

5. Communication and Consent

Include your parent in decisions about their security to the extent they are able. Clearly explain the purpose of new measures. Respect and support their autonomy by giving them some control—such as letting them choose which trusted family members are notified of account alerts.

What To Do If Your Parent Has Been Scammed

If you discover they’ve fallen victim to a scam:

• Contact Their Bank Immediately: Report unauthorized transactions, close compromised accounts, and possibly recover some funds.

• Change Passwords: Update all login credentials and review devices for malware.

• Report Scams: Use authorities such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov), the Federal Trade Commission (reportfraud.ftc.gov), and local law enforcement.

• Block Further Contact: After a scam, ensure the scammer can’t reach your parent again—block phone numbers, emails, and social media profiles involved.

• Safeguarding Concerns: Alert your local Adult Protective Services (APS) if your parent is especially vulnerable.

Supporting Your Parent’s Independence

It can be difficult to balance protection with respect for your parent’s dignity and autonomy. Here’s how to maintain trust:

• Be patient and avoid blaming. The shame of being scammed can keep seniors silent.

• Encourage openness. Remind your parent to check with you before responding to requests for money or personal information.

• Create backup plans. Appoint a power of attorney (POA) if your parent is willing, or involve other trusted family members to share oversight responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

Protecting a parent with dementia from online scams is a continuous process that adapts to both your parent’s needs and the ever-evolving tactics of fraudsters. By combining financial safeguards, technology tools, scam-blocking services, and open communication, you’ll maximize safety while respecting your parent’s dignity.

Each small step makes a difference, and by working together with your loved one, you can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact of online scams.