10 signs your parent is being scammed

1. 1

   They are suddenly secretive about calls, emails or money

   The CFPB lists a loved one becoming "more private or secretive" as a warning sign. Scammers often tell people to keep things quiet. The FTC says no one legitimate will tell you to keep it a secret.

2. 2

   They are buying gift cards, or asking how

   Only scammers tell people to pay with gift cards, according to the FTC. Watch for receipts, card packaging, or questions like "How do I read the numbers off the back?"

3. 3

   Money is moving in new ways

   Look for wire transfers, payment app activity, cash withdrawals, or trips to a Bitcoin ATM that do not fit their normal habits. The CFPB also flags checks made out to "cash" or written out of order.

4. 4

   They seem anxious, rushed or scared about a "problem"

   Scammers say there is a problem: a frozen account, a missed jury summons, a grandchild in jail, a virus on the computer. Then they pressure your parent to act fast. A normally calm parent who is suddenly panicked about an account deserves a closer look.

5. 5

   They mention a prize, lottery or sweepstakes

   If they have to pay fees or taxes to get a prize, it is a scam. The FTC is clear: "Real prizes are free." A lot of sweepstakes or prize mail and email is another sign the CFPB lists.

6. 6

   A new online friend or romance has entered the picture

   Be gentle here. The warning signs are a person they have never met in person, strong feelings very quickly, reasons why they can never meet, and any request for money or gifts. The CFPB also flags a new friend who seems possessive and pulls your parent away from family.

7. 7

   They are excited about a new investment or crypto

   The FBI warns that when a new online contact suggests an investment, it is "likely cryptocurrency investment fraud." These scams often show fake profits on a real-looking website and let people withdraw a little at first.

8. 8

   Someone "fixed" their computer or has remote access

   Check for remote-control apps they do not remember installing, or a story about a pop-up that told them to call a number. The FTC says real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number.

9. 9

   Bills are going unpaid, or strange charges show up

   The CFPB lists unpaid bills, when there should be enough money, as a warning sign. So are card charges for things your parent did not buy, and bills for services they do not need.

10. 10

    They talk about moving money "to keep it safe"

    This is one of the most damaging scams. A fake bank, Amazon or government agent says your parent's money is at risk and must be moved. The FTC says your money "is fine where it is." Treat this sign as urgent.

What to do if you see these signs

1. Stay calm and curious

   Ask open-ended questions like "Who have you been talking to lately?" AARP warns that blame can make a parent "clam up" instead of telling you the story.

2. If money is moving, call the bank now

   Use the number on the back of the card. Ask the bank to stop or reverse any payment that has not gone through. Speed matters.

3. Check the message together

   If there is a suspicious email, text or letter, look at it side by side. Use our scam checker or compare it with our scam library.

4. Write things down

   Dates, names, phone numbers, amounts and how they paid. The CFPB recommends keeping a record of every call, letter and email.

5. Get help

   Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311, Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm Eastern. If your parent is in danger right now, call 911.

When it might be more than a scam

Sometimes these signs overlap with memory changes. The Alzheimer's Association lists trouble keeping track of monthly bills and poor judgment with money among the early signs of dementia. If you are seeing both, read dementia and scams and talk with your parent's doctor.

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