SouthernWorldwide.com – Scam texts are a pervasive nuisance, but for older adults, especially those with memory issues, they can escalate into significant financial hardship. Rob from Kennesaw, Georgia, is currently navigating this challenging situation. His 81-year-old mother, who relies heavily on her iPhone for daily activities, is frequently targeted by scam texts, leading her to click on malicious links, make unintended purchases, and contribute to political campaigns. Rob’s experience highlights the inadequacy of simple advice to “be careful” and underscores the need for more robust protective measures.
Rob shared his predicament:
“My mother is 81 years old and has mild dementia. She uses her iPhone for everything and is bombarded with scam texts and political campaign solicitations all day. Last year, I discovered she had donated $25 to a campaign, and within about two months, they had charged over $5,000 across two credit cards. Fortunately, I was able to dispute the charges and get the money refunded. The problem is, the texts keep coming. Every couple of weeks, she clicks on something and buys a service she doesn’t need. She claims she doesn’t remember doing it, but I can see the texts and her browser history. I’ve already enabled the new iOS text filtering feature, but she still opens the filtered texts and browses through them. I’m incredibly frustrated. Is there a way to block all texts except from known contacts, or are there any other solutions?”
Rob, your frustration is completely understandable. You are taking all the right steps by monitoring accounts, disputing fraudulent charges, and striving to keep your mother safe. However, with mild dementia, simple reminders have limited effectiveness. It’s possible she genuinely has no recollection of clicking a link or making a purchase.
This situation necessitates implementing stronger safeguards on her phone. The objective is to make risky texts less visible, hazardous links more difficult to tap, and surprise charges harder to complete. This can be achieved by tightening security on the phone itself, the carrier account, payment configurations, and bank alerts.
Let’s explore the settings and protective measures that can help shield her while still allowing her to use her phone for essential communication and services.
SCAMMERS EXPLOITED MOM’S FEARS TO STEAL HER ENTIRE LIFE’S SAVINGS
A scam text might appear obvious to you, but to someone with mild dementia, it could seem urgent, familiar, or harmless. This is crucial because scammers depend on rapid responses. A text might claim a package is delayed, a donation needs verification, or an account requires attention. A single tap can lead to a payment page, and a saved credit card can turn that tap into an unauthorized charge. Therefore, the strategy shifts from teaching your parent to perfectly identify scams to reducing the number of risky choices that appear before them.
If your parent uses an iPhone, begin by utilizing Apple’s built-in Screen Time controls. Specifically, the “Communication Limits” feature can restrict who can contact your parent through Phone, FaceTime, Messages, and other supported Apple communication services.
Before proceeding, ensure that iCloud Contacts are enabled. Navigate to Settings > [your name] > iCloud, and under Saved to iCloud, locate Contacts. Make sure Contacts is toggled on. You might need to tap See All or Show All to find this option.
On her iPhone:
Set up a Screen Time passcode yourself. Choose a code that your parent does not know or is unlikely to guess. This passcode will prevent unauthorized changes to these settings.
An important note: the Contacts Only option permits communication solely with individuals saved in her Contacts list. For enhanced security, carefully review her Contacts and remove any unfamiliar entries.
Downtime can be configured to quiet the iPhone during specific hours. This is beneficial if your loved one tends to engage with the phone during the night or at times when you cannot supervise them.
To activate Downtime:
Additionally, ensure that trusted contacts can still reach her:
This might seem restrictive initially. However, if credit cards are constantly being canceled and reissued, a more secure setup can safeguard both her finances and your peace of mind.
Apple’s message filtering can offer assistance. In recent iOS versions, messages from unknown senders can be segregated into a separate folder. However, these messages remain accessible, which is precisely the issue Rob described. His mother sees the notification badge, opens Messages, and begins reviewing the filtered texts.
To verify unknown sender filtering on an iPhone:
Next, check spam filtering:
Keep this feature enabled, but do not rely on it as the sole security measure. If your parent can still access filtered texts and tap on links, further protection is necessary.
This is a minor adjustment that can significantly improve the situation. If the red Messages badge continuously prompts your parent to open the app, disable badges for Messages.
To turn off Messages badges:
She will still receive text messages. However, the numerical badge will no longer entice her to sift through filtered messages. For many families, this single change can reduce the impulse to check every message.
If your parent uses a Samsung phone with the latest available Android and One UI software, start by checking for software updates.
To check for software updates:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Then, enable spam protection within Google Messages:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
To block and report a scam text in Google Messages:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
While scam texts are the primary concern in Rob’s case, scam calls often originate from the same malicious actors. On a Samsung phone, activate Samsung’s Caller ID and spam protection.
To enable it:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Subsequently, activate more robust spam blocking:
Samsung states that Galaxy phones can utilize Smart Call to identify suspected spam callers and block spam or scam calls. While this won’t prevent every scam call, it adds an extra layer of defense.
Samsung does not offer the same Communication Limits feature as the iPhone. However, you can still mitigate risks using Digital Wellbeing and parental controls.
To set an app timer on a Samsung phone:
This can help curb repeated checking or late-night activity, especially if scam texts repeatedly lead your loved one back to the Messages app.
You can also explore Google Family Link if it aligns with your family’s circumstances. Family Link allows for the management of app usage, screen time, and certain account controls, depending on the Google account and phone configuration.
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
This can assist a caregiver in managing app installations, screen time, and some account settings. The specific options available depend on the Google account and phone setup.
The subsequent step involves contacting her mobile carrier. Some blocking mechanisms operate at the network level before a text message even reaches the phone. Contact the carrier and explain: “My mother is an older adult with memory issues. She is being financially targeted through scam texts. What is the strongest SMS spam and scam blocking you can implement for her line?”
Inquire with the carrier about:
Changing her phone number can be inconvenient. However, in severe situations, it might be a worthwhile consideration. If her number is already circulating on scam lists and political donation databases, a new number could help stem the influx of unwanted messages.
If the texts persist, block the sender and report the message as junk. You can also report unwanted texts to the FCC via its consumer complaint center.
THE ONE THING THAT COULD PROTECT YOUR PARENTS FROM SCAMMERS
This is one of the most critical steps. If your parent can tap a link and pay instantly, the phone remains too vulnerable. Removing saved credit cards introduces a necessary hurdle. This friction can prevent a mistaken click from resulting in an unauthorized charge.
To remove cards from iPhone Wallet:
Then, disable saved credit cards in Safari:
On a Samsung phone, check Samsung Wallet first:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
An important note: deleting a card from Samsung Wallet removes it from the phone, but it does not cancel the physical card. To permanently close the card, contact the card issuer directly.
Next, check Google Wallet:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Furthermore, remove saved cards from online shopping websites, PayPal, political donation platforms, and streaming services. Also, check retail apps, delivery apps, and donation platforms. If a card is stored anywhere, a scam page could be just a few taps away.
If your parent still needs to make occasional purchases, consider using a dedicated low-limit credit card.
This can limit the financial damage if she accidentally clicks on another fraudulent link. You can also inquire with the card issuer about restrictions on online purchases, merchant blocks, and daily spending limits.
Another viable option is a prepaid card with a modest balance. This can afford her some independence while simultaneously protecting her primary financial accounts.
If you are evaluating credit card options for an elderly parent, our guide to the best credit cards for seniors and retirees available at Cyberguy.com details features that might be particularly relevant, including fees, fraud protection, and everyday benefits.
Banks and credit unions may offer tools designed to help families protect older adults from financial fraud.
Inquire with the bank about:
Additionally, ask if the bank can flag repeated political donations or recurring online charges for review. Do not assume that the initial customer service representative will be aware of all available options. If the bank has a fraud department or an elder financial exploitation team, request to speak with them.
A trusted contact can serve as an intermediary for a financial institution if it detects warning signs. This arrangement does not automatically grant the trusted contact full access to the account. However, it can facilitate the bank’s ability to contact a reliable individual if suspicious activity is observed.
For Rob, this feature could be particularly beneficial, given that he already monitors his mother’s accounts. Establishing a trusted contact could streamline the process for the bank to involve him when unusual activity is detected.
This is where the situation becomes more serious. If your mother frequently forgets purchases and continues to be drawn into payment links, it may be time to consult with an elder-law attorney. Inquire about a financial power of attorney or other legal instruments that can empower you to protect her finances.
This does not imply stripping away her autonomy. Instead, it involves creating a proactive plan before scammers and aggressive fundraisers deplete more of her funds. The most suitable arrangement will depend on your state’s laws, her medical condition, her financial standing, and her decision-making capacity. An elder-law attorney can guide you in avoiding potential pitfalls that could lead to family or banking complications later on.
While texts may be the initial point of contact, scammers often redirect individuals to email, websites, and payment pages.
Since Rob already has access to his mother’s email and banking information, he should also review:
To check subscriptions on iPhone:
To check Google Play subscriptions on a Samsung phone:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Subsequently, examine the browser history and saved payment methods.
To clear Safari history on iPhone:
To delete browsing data in Samsung Internet:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
This action can remove outdated scam pages or stored site data that your parent might inadvertently revisit, although it will not prevent new scam texts from being received.
To delete browsing data in Chrome on Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
This step, by itself, will not halt future scams. However, it can eliminate old pages that she might be prone to revisiting.
If your parent uses an iPhone, Screen Time can be used to limit app purchases and installations.
To restrict purchases on iPhone:
If your parent uses a Samsung phone, you can implement purchase controls through Google Play.
To require purchase authentication on a Samsung phone:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
This measure can be helpful if scam texts lead her to download applications or pay for unnecessary services.
Given that your mother has already been targeted financially, considering identity theft protection is advisable. Our top recommendation for identity theft protection can assist in monitoring for signs of identity theft, suspicious activity, and fraud alerts. While identity theft protection cannot prevent every scam text, it can help you detect indications that her personal information is being misused elsewhere. Find my tips and best recommendations for identity theft protection at Cyberguy.com
Scammers frequently obtain personal information from data broker websites, outdated records, public directories, and marketing databases. A data removal service can help reduce the amount of her information available online. Over time, this may contribute to a decrease in scam targeting. This process is not instantaneous and will not completely eliminate all scam messages. However, it can be a valuable component of a comprehensive protection strategy. Explore my top picks for data removal services and receive a free scan to determine if your personal information is already accessible online by visiting Cyberguy.com
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Rob, begin with the immediate changes that offer the most significant risk reduction.
If your mother uses an iPhone, configure Screen Time Communication Limits to “Contacts Only.” Then, disable Messages badges to prevent filtered texts from attracting her attention. Following that, remove any saved cards from Wallet, Safari, and online shopping accounts.
If your parent uses a Samsung phone, update the device, enable Google Messages spam protection, block repeat senders, and activate Samsung’s spam call protection. Subsequently, remove saved cards from Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet, and shopping applications.
Next, contact her mobile carrier and request the most robust scam-text protection available. Then, reach out to her bank and inquire about trusted contacts, transaction alerts, merchant blocks, and lower spending limits.
Finally, if the issue persists, consult with an elder-law attorney. At this stage, you are addressing a financial safety concern, not merely a common spam-text annoyance.
HOW TO HAND OFF DATA PRIVACY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS TO A TRUSTED LOVED ONE
Rob’s situation is deeply concerning because his mother likely has no awareness of how frequently these incidents occur. She may genuinely believe she hasn’t made any purchases. This is precisely what makes dementia-related scam protection so challenging. The objective is not to shame her or diminish her independence entirely. Instead, the goal is to enhance the phone’s security before the next scam text arrives. While a few settings can help, true protection is achieved by layering phone limitations, carrier services, payment restrictions, and bank alerts. Scammers are capitalizing on confusion, curiosity, and the ease of a single click. Families must make that click more difficult to execute and harder to translate into a financial transaction.
What measures have you implemented to protect an aging loved one from scam texts, risky links, or unexpected charges? Please share your experiences by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
