My dad keeps getting scammed. What can I do? A 30-day plan

Before day 1: a conversation that keeps him talking

If your dad has been scammed more than once, he may be embarrassed, defensive, or both. Scams fool careful, intelligent people. The goal of the first talk is not to win. It is to make sure he tells you next time. For why repeat scams happen, see why your parent keeps falling for scams.

Week 1 (days 1 to 7): stop the bleeding

1. Check what is happening now

   Ask: is anyone still in touch with him, asking for money, or promising to recover money? The FTC warns that "recovery" offers that charge a fee are scams. Cut contact with anyone like that.

2. Call the bank and card companies

   Use the number on the back of the card. Report any recent scam payments and ask what can be reversed. Our guide on getting money back explains the odds by payment type.

3. Check for remote access

   If a "tech support" person ever connected to his computer, follow our remote access guide before he logs into banking again.

4. Freeze his credit

   Free at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, per the FTC. It stops new accounts being opened in his name.

5. Report it

   File at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and at ic3.gov if money was lost online. If he is 60 or older, the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) can help.

Week 2 (days 8 to 14): lock down accounts and devices

1. Change key passwords

   Start with email, then banking. Do it from a device you know is clean. Turn on two-step verification, which the FTC recommends after any possible compromise.

2. Check email for scammer settings

   Scammers sometimes add forwarding or filters to a hijacked inbox. Our Gmail guide shows where to look.

3. Update his phone and computer

   Install updates and run a security scan, as the FTC advises for possible malware.

4. Write down his real numbers

   One card by the phone with the bank's number, yours, and a trusted sibling's. Scammers rely on him calling the number they give.

Week 3 (days 15 to 21): cut off the channels scammers use

1. Calls

   Turn on the carrier's free scam blocking and the phone's unknown-caller screening. Step-by-step settings are in how to protect elderly parents from phone scams.

2. Texts

   On an iPhone with iOS 26, turn on Screen Unknown Senders in Settings, Apps, Messages. Teach him to forward scam texts to 7726.

3. Email

   Many repeat scams come by email: fake renewals, invoices and refund offers. Set up email screening so suspicious messages are held before he sees them.

4. A code word

   Agree on a family code word for emergency calls. The FBI recommends one because voices can now be cloned.

Week 4 (days 22 to 30): money guardrails and the long view

1. Trusted contact at every account

   Ask him to name you as a trusted contact at each bank and brokerage. The CFPB says the bank can then reach you if it suspects exploitation, without giving you access to his money.

2. Alerts and limits

   Turn on alerts for large withdrawals and transfers. Ask the bank whether daily transfer limits can be lowered. Policies vary.

3. View-only access, if offered

   Some banks let him give you view-only access so you can spot problems early. Ask.

4. Legal planning

   Book a meeting with an elder law attorney about a durable financial power of attorney. See power of attorney and scams.

5. A memory check, gently

   Repeated scams can be one sign among others of memory changes, though often they are not. The Alzheimer's Association lists challenges with judgment and money among early signs. If you see several signs, suggest he mention them at his next checkup.

After day 30: the weekly two-minute check-in

Keep it light and regular. Praise him every time he flags something, even if it turns out to be real. That is the behavior you want.

• "Anything weird in the mail, email or texts this week?"
• "Anyone new asking you for anything?"
• "Any charges you didn't expect?"

If he won't accept help

Adults have the right to make their own choices, including risky ones, while they have capacity. You can still keep the door open, set up what he agrees to, and stay in touch. If you believe someone is actively exploiting him, contact Adult Protective Services through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116). In an emergency, call 911.

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