How to Help Your Parent Spot a Scam Call or Text
To help your parent spot a scam call or text, teach the FTC’s four signs. Scammers pretend to be from a group you know. They say there’s a problem or a prize. They push you to act now. They tell you to pay a specific way. Then make one rule: hang up and call back on a known number.
You can’t be on every call. A plan your parent knows can help.
Tech Time for Seniors keeps it short: four signs, one code word, one check-in.
What is a scam call or text?
- Someone pretending to be a person or group you trust.
- They want money or personal information.
What are the four signs of a scam?
From the FTC:
1. Pretend. They say they’re from an organization you know.
2. Problem or prize. Money you owe, a family emergency, a virus, a big win.
3. Pressure. Act right now. Don’t hang up.
4. Pay. Crypto, a wire transfer, a payment app or a gift card.
How common are scam calls and texts for older adults?
- 2025: of no-loss scam reports from people 60+ that named a contact method, texts (32%) and phone calls (29%) were the most common. (FTC, Oct. 19, 2026 report, p. 24.)
- 2025: people 60+ were 15% more likely than younger people to report losing money to a fake friend or family member. (Same report, pp. 24-25.)
What should my parent do if a call or text feels wrong?
What to do right now
- Hang up. It's OK.
- Call back on a number they know, not one the caller gives.
- Caller says it's family? The FTC says: "Don't trust the voice." Call that person directly.
- Don't tap links in a text they weren't expecting.
- Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM), or use the app's "report junk" or "report spam" option. Then delete it.
How does a family code word help?
- The FBI suggests you "Create a secret word or phrase with your family to verify their identity."
- If a caller says they're family and asks for money, ask for the word.
- It's one check, not the only one. Still hang up and call back.
How can I help my parent spot a scam call when I'm not there?
- Make a check-in plan. Pick one person your parent calls before paying anyone.
- The rule: no money, no codes until they've checked.
- Name the red flag: being told to keep it a secret.
The FTC says: “Stop and talk to someone you trust.”
What to say to your parent
- "If anyone calls saying I'm in trouble, hang up and call me on my regular number."
- "You can always call me before you pay anyone. Even if they say not to tell."
- "Got a text with a link you didn't expect? Send me a screenshot."
- "If you ever get fooled, tell me. These people are good at this."
Quick checklist
- Review the four signs.
- Pick a code word.
- Choose the one person to call.
- Practice: hang up, call back.
- Show how to forward spam to 7726.
- Keep help numbers handy.
Where can my parent get help or report a scam?
- Local help: your local police, your state attorney general's office, or your local area agency on aging
If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
FAQ
How can I tell if a call to my parent is a scam?
Look for the FTC’s four signs of a scam. The caller pretends to be from a group you know, says there’s a problem or a prize, pressures you to act now, or wants a specific payment method, like a gift card or wire transfer. Any one of these is a reason to hang up and check.
Can caller ID be faked?
Yes. The FTC says scammers use technology to change the number that shows on caller ID, so the name and number you see might not be real. If a call seems off, hang up and call back on a number you know.
What is a family code word?
A family code word is a secret word or phrase your family agrees on ahead of time. The FBI suggests one to verify a caller’s identity, and AARP suggests one too. If a caller says they’re family and asks for money, ask for the word, then still call back on a known number.
Who can my parent call for free help after a scam?
The AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline is free at 877-908-3360. If the person scammed is 60 or older, you or your parent can call the Justice Department’s National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311 on weekdays. You can also report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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Sources (read Oct. 25, 2026):
Last reviewed: Oct. 25, 2026.
General information only. Not legal, financial or medical advice. Numbers and links can change.