# OwlGuardian

> OwlGuardian is an iPhone app that protects older adults from email scams. AI checks every incoming Gmail message, quarantines suspicious ones before the person sees them, and alerts a Trusted Contact (usually an adult child) who decides whether to release each email. The site also offers free, sourced scam-recovery help for anyone.

Key facts:
- Platform: iOS (App Store: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6759304502). Email support: Gmail today; Outlook and Hotmail in beta; Yahoo and AOL on the way.
- Price: $4.99 per month per protected person, after a 30-day free trial. No ads; no data sales.
- Call My Owl: say "Hey Siri, call my Owl" to screenshot a suspicious text, pop-up or web page (or photograph a letter) and get a scam verdict in about five seconds.
- Security: passed Google's Cloud Application Security Assessment (CASA); data double-encrypted on AWS; the Trusted Contact sees only flagged emails.
- OwlGuardian does not block phone calls or text messages and cannot recover lost money.
- Company: E.D. Doubleboo, Inc. Founder: Eric Wasserman. Contact: support@owlguardian.net.
- Recovery framework used on this site: Stay C.A.L.M. (Cut contact, Alert your bank, Lock down accounts, Make reports).
- Headline stat: Americans 60+ filed 201,266 complaints with $7.7 billion in losses in 2025 (FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, 2025 Annual Report).
- Bylines: guides are written by "Nora Hale", the disclosed pen name of the OwlGuardian Safety Desk (see /team/nora-hale and /editorial-policy).
- Citing: pages show an updated date and list their official sources (FTC, FBI/IC3, FCC, SSA, IRS, USPIS, CFPB). Example scam messages are illustrative.

## Scam help (if a scam already happened)
- [Just been scammed or hacked? What to do right now](https://owlguardian.net/scammed): Triage and first steps after a scam.
- [Fraud phone numbers](https://owlguardian.net/fraud-phone-numbers): Verified numbers for payment apps, wire services, gift card issuers, credit bureaus and reporting agencies.
- [My parent just got scammed. What do I do now?](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/parent): Your mom or dad just got scammed. Here is what to do first, how to talk about it without shame, when to call Adult Protective Services, and a script to use.
- [The first 24 hours after a scam: a checklist](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/first-24-hours): Just got scammed? Follow this checklist in order: cut contact, call the bank, lock accounts, freeze credit, and file reports, from the first hour to day one.
- [I gave a scammer my personal information. What now?](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/gave-scammer-information): Gave a scammer your Social Security number, bank info, card number, Medicare number, or password? Here is exactly what to do for each, starting right now.
- [A scammer had remote access to the computer. What to do](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/remote-access): Let a scammer remote into your computer? Disconnect, don't pay, call your bank, change passwords from another device, and remove their software. Step by step.
- [Can you get money back after a scam? It depends how you paid](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/get-money-back): Getting money back from a scammer depends on how you paid: credit card, debit, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, wire, gift card, crypto, or cash. Honest odds for each.
- [Crypto "recovery" services are scams. Here's how to tell](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/crypto-recovery-scams): Lost money to a crypto scam? Firms offering to recover it for a fee are almost always a second scam. Here's what the FBI and FTC say, and who really helps.
- [Where to report a scam, and in what order](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/where-to-report): Report a scam in this order: your bank, the FTC, the FBI's IC3, local police, your state attorney general, and Adult Protective Services. Links and numbers.
- [I gave a scammer my Social Security number. What now?](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/gave-scammer-social-security-number): Gave a scammer your Social Security number? Freeze your credit, get an IRS IP PIN, claim your my Social Security account, and use IdentityTheft.gov. 10 steps.
- [I gave a scammer my bank account information. What now?](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/gave-scammer-bank-account-information): Gave a scammer your bank account and routing number, or your banking login? What they can do with it, what to tell your bank, and how to stop withdrawals.
- [I gave a scammer my debit or credit card number. What now?](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/gave-scammer-debit-card-number): Gave a scammer your debit or credit card number? Call the card company, cancel the card, and dispute charges. How much you could owe, and why debit is riskier.
- [I gave a scammer my Medicare number. What now?](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/gave-scammer-medicare-number): Gave a scammer your Medicare number? Call 1-800-MEDICARE, ask for a new number, and check your claims for care you never got. What scammers do with it.
- [A scammer has my name, address and phone number. Should I worry?](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/scammer-has-my-name-address-phone-number): A scammer has your name, address and phone number. What they can realistically do with it, what they can't, and six simple steps that shut most of it down.
- [I clicked on a phishing link. What do I do?](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/clicked-on-a-phishing-link): Clicked on a phishing link in an email or text? What to do depends on what happened next: you just looked, typed a password, entered a card, or downloaded.
- [I replied to a scam email. Now what?](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/replied-to-a-scam-email): Replied to a scam email? If you sent no personal info, the risk is low. What your reply told the scammer, what to expect next, and when you need to do more.
- [I gave a scammer remote access to my phone or iPhone](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/scammer-remote-access-phone): Let a scammer share or control your iPhone or Android screen? End the call, remove their app or profile, call your bank, and change passwords. Steps for each.
- [My parent's email was hacked. What to do](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/parents-email-hacked): Your mom or dad's email was hacked? How to get back in, the Gmail settings hackers change, how to warn their contacts, and what to check in the inbox.
- [Scammed out of money? What to do in the first hour](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/what-to-do-if-scammed-out-of-money): Just sent money to a scammer? The first hour matters most. Who to call for your payment type, exactly what to say, and what not to do while you wait.
- [Sent money to a scammer on Zelle? How to try to get it back](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/zelle-scam-get-money-back): Sent money to a scammer on Zelle? Call your bank, not Zelle. What to say, which Zelle scams may be reimbursed, what to do if the bank says no, and honest odds.
- [Scammed on Cash App? How to try to get your money back](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/cash-app-scam-get-money-back): Scammed on Cash App? Report it in the app, cancel if it's pending, and know the difference between a Cash Card charge and a payment you sent. Honest odds.
- [Scammed on PayPal? How to get a refund, and when you can't](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/paypal-scam-refund): PayPal scam refund guide: what Purchase Protection covers, why Friends and Family payments aren't covered, the 180-day and 20-day deadlines, and how to file.
- [Gift card scam: what to do if you already gave the numbers](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/gift-card-scam-what-to-do): Paid a scammer with gift cards? Call the card company now, even if it's been days. Verified numbers for Amazon, Apple, Target, Walmart and more, plus a script.
- [Wire transfer scam: how to try to recover your money](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/wire-transfer-scam-recover-money): Wired money to a scammer? Call Western Union, MoneyGram, Ria or your bank within minutes to stop or recall it. Verified numbers, what to say, and real odds.
- [Bitcoin ATM scam: what to do if you already put cash in](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/bitcoin-atm-scam-what-to-do): Put cash into a Bitcoin ATM for a scammer? Contact the ATM operator now, report to IC3, check your state's crypto kiosk rules, and avoid recovery scams.
- [Fell for the grandparent scam and sent money: what now](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/grandparent-scam-sent-money): Sent money in a grandparent scam? Steps by payment type (cash courier, mail, gift card, wire, app), what to do if they call back, and how to talk to family.
- [My mom (or dad) is in a romance scam. How do I help?](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/my-parent-is-in-a-romance-scam): Your mom or dad is in a romance scam and won't believe you? Expert-backed steps: what to say, what not to say, how to protect their money, and when to escalate.
- [How to stop an elderly parent from sending money to a scammer](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/stop-elderly-parent-sending-money-to-scammer): How to stop an elderly parent sending money to a scammer: a step-by-step plan from talking, to bank trusted contacts and holds, to power of attorney and APS.
- [How to report elder financial abuse](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/report-elder-financial-abuse): How to report elder financial abuse: who to call for scams, family or caregiver theft, and care homes. APS, the Elder Fraud Hotline, police, and what to gather.
- [How to help your parent recover emotionally after a scam](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/help-parent-recover-after-scam): Helping a parent recover emotionally after a scam: what shame and stress look like, warning signs of depression, what to say, and free support for them and you.
- [Where scam victims can get support (free and legitimate)](https://owlguardian.net/scammed/scam-victim-support): Free, legitimate support for scam victims: AARP's helpline and online support groups, the National Elder Fraud Hotline, Eldercare Locator, APS, and more.

## Scam library
- [Scam library](https://owlguardian.net/scams): Common scams targeting older adults, with red flags and what to do.
- [Unpaid toll text scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/toll-text-scam): Got a text saying you owe an unpaid toll? It is almost always a scam. See a real-looking example, the red flags, and what to do if you clicked or paid.
- [USPS package delivery text scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/usps-package-text-scam): A text says USPS can't deliver your package and asks for a small fee? It's a scam. Learn how USPS really sends texts, the red flags, and what to do if you paid.
- [Grandparent scam (family emergency and AI voice cloning)](https://owlguardian.net/scams/grandparent-scam): A call from a grandchild in trouble who needs money fast? It may be a scam, and AI can now copy their voice. Learn the signs and the one step that stops it.
- [Tech support scam (pop-ups and calls)](https://owlguardian.net/scams/tech-support-scam): A pop-up says your computer is infected and to call a number? It's a scam. Learn the red flags and what to do if you called or gave someone remote access.
- [Geek Squad invoice email scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/geek-squad-email-scam): Got a Geek Squad invoice for a renewal you never ordered? It's a common scam. See an example, the red flags, and why you should never call the number in it.
- [PayPal invoice and payment email scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/paypal-invoice-scam): Got a PayPal invoice or payment notice you don't recognize, with a number to call? Learn how to tell if it's fake, what PayPal says to do, and how to report it.
- [Norton or McAfee renewal email scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/norton-renewal-email-scam): An email says your Norton or McAfee subscription auto-renewed for hundreds of dollars? Often it's a scam. Here's how to check your real account and what to do.
- [Medicare scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/medicare-scam): Medicare won't call to sell you a plan or a new card. Know the scam calls to expect in Open Enrollment, Oct 15 to Dec 7, and what to do if you gave your number.
- [Bank impersonation and Zelle scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/bank-impersonation-zelle-scam): A call or text from your bank's fraud team asking you to move money or share a code? It's a scam. Learn the red flags and what to do if you sent money by Zelle.
- [Social Security impersonation scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/social-security-scam): Scammers pose as Social Security staff, use real employee names and fake badges, and threaten your benefits. Learn the signs and exactly what to do next.
- [IRS impersonation scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/irs-scam): Got a call, text or email from the IRS demanding payment now? Learn how the real IRS contacts you, the warning signs of a fake, and what to do if you paid.
- [Romance scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/romance-scam): Romance scammers build trust online, then ask for money. Learn the warning signs, how to help a parent who's involved, and what to do if money was already sent.
- [Amazon impersonation scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/amazon-impersonation-scam): A call or text about a suspicious Amazon purchase is a common scam that ends with a request to move your money. Learn the signs and what to do if you acted.
- [Gift card payment scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/gift-card-scam): If someone tells you to pay with gift cards, it's a scam. See who asks, the warning signs, and the gift card company numbers to call fast if you already paid.
- [Crypto investment scam (pig butchering)](https://owlguardian.net/scams/crypto-investment-scam): A friendly stranger online suggests crypto investing, and a slick site shows big profits. Learn how pig butchering works and why recovery services are scams.
- [Sweepstakes, lottery and fake PCH prize scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/sweepstakes-lottery-scam): Told you won a sweepstakes or a Publishers Clearing House prize but must pay fees first? Real prizes are free. See the signs and what to do if you already paid.
- [Jury duty and arrest warrant scam](https://owlguardian.net/scams/jury-duty-scam): A caller says you missed jury duty and will be arrested unless you pay a fine? It's a scam. Learn the warning signs and what to do if you've already paid them.

## Guides for families
- [Guides for families](https://owlguardian.net/guides): Guides for adult children protecting a parent from scams.
- [How to protect elderly parents from scams: 12 practical steps](https://owlguardian.net/guides/protect-elderly-parents-from-scams): 12 practical steps to protect elderly parents from phone, email and financial scams: a family code word, call filters, bank alerts, credit freezes and more.
- [10 signs your parent is being scammed](https://owlguardian.net/guides/signs-parent-is-being-scammed): How to tell if an elderly parent is being scammed: 10 behavior and money warning signs, from secrecy and gift cards to new online friends, and what to do next.
- [Why your parent keeps falling for scams (and what actually helps)](https://owlguardian.net/guides/parent-keeps-falling-for-scams): Elderly parent keeps getting scammed? Why past victims get targeted again, how recovery scams work, why shame backfires, and the guardrails that actually help.
- [How to talk to your parent about scams without a fight](https://owlguardian.net/guides/talk-to-parent-about-scams): How to talk to an aging parent about scams without sounding condescending: when to bring it up, what to say, a word-for-word script, and what to avoid saying.
- [How to stop scam emails in a parent's Gmail](https://owlguardian.net/guides/stop-scam-emails-gmail): Step-by-step: report phishing, block senders, check filters and forwarding, turn on 2-Step Verification, and run Security Checkup in a parent's Gmail account.
- [How to set up Gmail safely for an elderly parent](https://owlguardian.net/guides/set-up-gmail-for-elderly-parent): Set up a parent's Gmail the safe way: recovery phone and email, 2-Step Verification or a passkey, Security Checkup, Inactive Account Manager, a simpler inbox.
- [Dementia and scams: how to protect a parent with memory loss](https://owlguardian.net/guides/dementia-and-scams): Why dementia raises scam risk, early money warning signs, practical controls that keep a parent safe, legal tools to plan for, and free helplines for families.
- [Best scam protection for seniors in 2026: an honest guide](https://owlguardian.net/guides/best-scam-protection-for-seniors): An honest guide to scam protection for seniors, sorted by type: free phone and Gmail tools, bank alerts, identity and money monitoring, scam-check apps.
- [How to protect elderly parents from phone scams: 11 settings and habits](https://owlguardian.net/guides/protect-elderly-parents-from-phone-scams): Free carrier tools, iPhone and Android settings, a family code word and a phone-side cheat sheet. 11 ways to protect elderly parents from phone scams and texts.
- [How can I protect my elderly parent's money? 10 safeguards](https://owlguardian.net/guides/protect-elderly-parents-money): How to protect an elderly parent's money from scams: bank alerts, a trusted contact at the bank and brokerage, view-only access, a credit freeze and a POA.
- [Power of attorney and scams: what families should know](https://owlguardian.net/guides/power-of-attorney-and-scams): What a power of attorney can and can't do against scams, the four duties of an agent, signs of POA abuse, and what to ask an elder law attorney.
- [My dad keeps getting scammed. What can I do? A 30-day plan](https://owlguardian.net/guides/my-dad-keeps-getting-scammed): A practical 30-day plan when your dad keeps getting scammed: stop the losses, lock down accounts, filter calls and email, set money guardrails and plan ahead.
- [How to spot a phishing email: 10 checks, with an example](https://owlguardian.net/guides/how-to-spot-a-phishing-email): How to spot a phishing email, in plain English: an annotated example, 10 simple checks for older adults, and how to report phishing in Gmail.
- [How to tell if a text is a scam: 10 quick checks](https://owlguardian.net/guides/how-to-tell-if-a-text-is-a-scam): How to tell if a text is a scam: 10 quick checks, examples of toll, delivery and bank scam texts, and how to report scam texts to 7726 on iPhone and Android.
- [How to tell if an email is a scam: invoices, receipts and renewals](https://owlguardian.net/guides/how-to-tell-if-an-email-is-a-scam): How to tell if an email is a scam: spot fake invoices, receipts and renewal charges, then check the real sender in Gmail using mailed-by and Show original.
- [Scam text examples: 12 common scam texts and how to spot them](https://owlguardian.net/guides/scam-text-examples): 12 scam text examples, from unpaid tolls and USPS redelivery to fake bank alerts and "wrong number" texts, with the red flags in each and what to do next.
- [Scam email examples: 10 common scam emails and their red flags](https://owlguardian.net/guides/scam-email-examples): 10 scam email examples, from Geek Squad and Norton renewals to fake PayPal invoices, account locks and e-invitations, with the red flags in each one.
- [How to protect parents from AI voice cloning scams](https://owlguardian.net/guides/ai-voice-cloning-scams): Scammers can clone a grandchild's voice from a short clip. How to set up a family code word, what your parent should say, and what the FTC, FCC and FBI advise.
- [Got a text about an Apple Pay charge? It's a scam](https://owlguardian.net/guides/apple-pay-charge-text-scam): Got a text about an Apple Pay charge with a number to call? It's a scam. How to check real Apple Pay activity in Wallet, what to do, and how to report it.
- [What happens if you click on a scam link (toll, USPS, bank texts)?](https://owlguardian.net/guides/what-happens-if-you-click-a-scam-link): Clicked a link in a toll, USPS or bank scam text? What can happen, and exactly what to do based on what you typed or downloaded. Calm steps, in order.

## Tools
- [Is this a scam? Checker](https://owlguardian.net/scam-checker): Free 10-question warning-sign checker.

## Comparisons
- [Compare scam protection for seniors](https://owlguardian.net/compare): Comparisons with Carefull, EverSafe, Aura, SeniorShield and Norton Genie.
- [Carefull vs OwlGuardian: an honest comparison](https://owlguardian.net/compare/carefull): Carefull vs OwlGuardian, based on each company's published information: what Carefull monitors, its price and trial, and when an email-first app fits better.
- [EverSafe vs OwlGuardian: an honest comparison](https://owlguardian.net/compare/eversafe): EverSafe vs OwlGuardian, from each company's published information: EverSafe's plans, email add-on, trusted advocates and pricing, and who each one suits best.
- [Carefull vs EverSafe: which fits your family?](https://owlguardian.net/compare/carefull-vs-eversafe): Carefull vs EverSafe side by side, from each company's published pages: accounts watched, family access, email, insurance, price, and OwlGuardian.
- [Aura Trusted Family Access vs OwlGuardian: an Aura alternative for seniors?](https://owlguardian.net/compare/aura): Aura Trusted Family Access and elder fraud protection vs OwlGuardian, from published information: plans, caregiver access, email add-on and best fit.
- [SeniorShield app vs OwlGuardian: an honest comparison](https://owlguardian.net/compare/seniorshield): SeniorShield app vs OwlGuardian, from published information: SeniorShield's message checks, text alerts, Chrome extension and pricing, and when each one fits.
- [Norton Genie scam detector vs OwlGuardian and Call My Owl](https://owlguardian.net/compare/norton-genie): Norton Genie vs OwlGuardian and Call My Owl: where Genie lives now (Norton 360, ChatGPT and Claude), what it checks, and when automatic Gmail screening fits.

## Product
- [OwlGuardian: Scam protection for your parents](https://owlguardian.net): AI email scam protection with a Trusted Contact, plus free scam help.
- [How OwlGuardian works](https://owlguardian.net/how-it-works): Email monitoring, quarantine, Trusted Contact alerts and Call My Owl.
- [OwlGuardian for care homes and senior living](https://owlguardian.net/care-homes): Managed scam protection for residents, enrolled at move-in and run from the front desk; staff never see residents' email. From $2.99 per resident per month.
- [Pricing](https://owlguardian.net/pricing): $4.99/month per protected person after a 30-day free trial.
- [Supported email providers](https://owlguardian.net/email-providers): Gmail today; Outlook and Hotmail in beta; Yahoo and AOL waitlist.
- [FAQ](https://owlguardian.net/faq): Questions about OwlGuardian, privacy, Trusted Contacts and pricing.
- [Scam protection solutions](https://owlguardian.net/solutions): All OwlGuardian solution pages by need.
- [Get started with OwlGuardian](https://owlguardian.net/signup): Set up in about two minutes: install, invite, connect Gmail.
- [Call My Owl Siri Shortcut](https://owlguardian.net/shortcuts): Install the Hey Siri, call my Owl shortcut.
- [A scam protection app for elderly parents that keeps you in the loop](https://owlguardian.net/scam-protection-app-for-elderly-parents): OwlGuardian is a scam protection app for elderly parents. It holds scam emails back from your parent's Gmail and sends them to you to review. Free for 30 days.
- [A scam blocker for elderly parents, starting with the inbox](https://owlguardian.net/scam-blocker-for-elderly): A scam blocker for elderly Gmail users. OwlGuardian quarantines scam emails before they're opened. It does not block calls or texts; here's what to use for those.
- [An email scam filter for seniors that works with Gmail, not against it](https://owlguardian.net/email-scam-filter-for-seniors): Gmail's spam filter catches a lot, but it works alone. OwlGuardian is an email scam filter for seniors that quarantines scams and alerts a family member.
- [Monitor your elderly parent's email for scams without reading their mail](https://owlguardian.net/monitor-elderly-parent-email-for-scams): Monitor your elderly parent's email for scams without reading their mail. OwlGuardian shows you only flagged emails, never everyday messages. Gmail, iPhone.
- [Scam protection for seniors: prevent, catch, and recover](https://owlguardian.net/scam-protection-for-seniors): Scam protection for seniors in three layers: free prevention steps, who to call if a scam happens, and OwlGuardian to stop scam emails before they're opened.
- [An AI scam detector app that checks a screenshot in about five seconds](https://owlguardian.net/ai-scam-detector-app): OwlGuardian is an AI scam detector app. Say "Hey Siri, call my Owl" to check a screenshot of a text, pop-up or letter, and its AI screens Gmail automatically.
- [Scam protection for iPhone: free settings first, then the gaps](https://owlguardian.net/scam-protection-for-iphone-seniors): Scam protection for iPhone, for older users: turn on the free call screening and unknown-sender filters first, then add OwlGuardian for Gmail and Call My Owl.

## Optional
- [Our story](https://owlguardian.net/story): Why founder Eric Wasserman built OwlGuardian.
- [The Night Watch newsletter](https://owlguardian.net/newsletter): Weekly scam alert email for families.
- [Contact](https://owlguardian.net/contact): Support and privacy contacts.
- [For AI agents](https://owlguardian.net/agents): How AI assistants can use and cite this site.
- [Links](https://owlguardian.net/links): Quick links.
- [Team](https://owlguardian.net/team): Who builds OwlGuardian and writes our guides.
- [Editorial policy](https://owlguardian.net/editorial-policy): How we research, source and correct our guides.
- [Nora Hale, OwlGuardian Safety Desk](https://owlguardian.net/team/nora-hale): Nora Hale is the byline of OwlGuardian's Safety Desk, the team that researches and writes our scam guides.
- [Eric Wasserman, Founder and creator of OwlGuardian](https://owlguardian.net/team/eric-wasserman): Eric Wasserman built OwlGuardian after scammers repeatedly targeted his father.
- [SMS consent and opt-in flow](https://owlguardian.net/sms-consent): How OwlGuardian SMS opt-in, frequency, STOP and HELP work.
- [Privacy policy](https://owlguardian.net/privacy): Privacy policy.
- [Terms and conditions](https://owlguardian.net/terms): Terms.
- [Full text for LLMs](https://owlguardian.net/llms-full.txt): All guide and scam-library content in one plain-text file