Whether it’s a phone call that seems urgent or an email that looks official, modern scammers are catching even the most careful people off guard, including our grandparents. Why target the older generation? They may be more trusting and generous or less digitally aware, and scammers take advantage of these vulnerabilities.
At Remitly, we know that having a conversation about scams isn’t always easy, especially across generations. This guide is for you: the grandchild, niece, nephew, or caring younger adult who wants to protect an older relative by sharing important information, without making them feel alarmed or patronized.
Why our grandparents are getting scammed more often
It’s heartbreaking, but it’s true: scams targeting older adults are on the rise. Scammers are getting smarter, using everything from fake emails to texts to even phony tech support.
Scammers target trust, kindness, and loneliness
Our grandparents grew up in a world where you answered the phone when it rang and believed people were generally good. That kind of open-hearted trust? It’s lovely. But it’s also exactly what scammers look for.
If someone calls claiming there’s an emergency, a grandchild is in jail, an urgent visa issue, or a bank problem, many older adults don’t pause to question it. They just want to help.
And when you add in feelings of isolation (which got worse for a lot of seniors during and continuing after the pandemic), you’ve got a perfect storm. A friendly-sounding stranger might be the only person they’ve spoken to all week.
Tech red flags aren’t second nature to them
As part of a younger generation, you probably grew up with the internet. You can spot sketchy links, fake email addresses, and suspicious texts without thinking twice. But for our grandparents, things like “phishing” or “spoofing” can sound like a different language.
They might not know how to check if an email is legit. Or they’ll click a fake “reset your password” link because it looks official. And while we’re double-checking URLs and scanning for typos, they’re just trying to get their banking app to open.
This also matters when they’re doing important things online, like filling out forms or checking visa requirements. One wrong link can lead to serious trouble.
Language and culture gaps make scams even trickier
If you come from an immigrant family, you probably know this one too well. Maybe your grandparents prefer speaking in their native language or aren’t totally comfortable with English. That can make them extra vulnerable.
Scammers know how to sound official, especially in the right language. And if Grandma gets a call in Spanish or Mandarin with someone saying there’s a problem with her visa or pension, she might believe it. They’re counting on that confusion.
Common scams targeting grandparents
We all want to keep our grandparents safe. Unfortunately, scammers love targeting older adults. But you don’t need to lecture your grandparents to help. Sometimes, a calm, caring conversation is all it takes. Here are some common scams, along with tips about what you can say to your grandparents to help them feel safe if this happens to them.
The fake emergency scam: “Your grandchild is in trouble!”
A scammer pretends to be a grandchild (or someone calling on their behalf), saying there’s been an accident, arrest, or problem overseas, and they urgently need money. They’ll often sound panicked or emotional.
Tell your grandparents about this kind of scam by giving an example, and then create a plan to keep them from falling into the same trap.
What you can say:
- “I read an article about someone who got scammed out of a lot of money by a con artist who called pretending to be a friend of their grandchild.”
- “If someone calls saying it’s me, it’s okay to hang up and call me directly just to double-check. Scammers use artificial intelligence to mimic voices so it may sound just like me.”
- “Let’s create a family code word. So that if you receive a call pressuring to send money for this type of emergency, you can ask for the code word to verify. Something only we know but won’t forget, like your favorite card game which you’ve been playing for 50 years”.
The tech support scam: “Your computer has a virus!”
A fake text or phone call says your computer has been hacked or infected, and they offer to “fix” it for a fee or by taking remote control. This one is especially dangerous to non-digital natives of the older generation. Talk to them about how to recognize fake texts, emails, or calls.
What you can say:
- “These kinds of messages are really common now, and most of them are fake. If something like that ever pops up, just close the window and give me a call, and we can check it together.”
- “Real tech companies won’t ask for payment over the phone or call without warning. I’d be happy to help if anything like that shows up again.”
Pro tip: Help them install basic ad-blockers and antivirus software.
Government, insurance, or visa-related scams
These scammers pretend to be from the IRS, Medicare, Social Security, or immigration services. They may claim something’s wrong with things like benefits or taxes and demand immediate action.
What you can say:
- “Real government offices will usually send a letter first if there’s a problem, they won’t call asking for personal info or payments.”
- “If anyone ever says something about a visa or tax issue, I’d be happy to help look into it. You don’t have to deal with that kind of thing alone.”
The “you’ve won a prize!” scam
This one usually claims your grandparent won a lottery, contest, or inheritance, but they need to pay a fee to release the funds.
What you can say:
- “I know these things sound exciting, but if you didn’t enter something, it’s probably not real. Let’s check it together before doing anything.”
- “No real prize will ask for money upfront. If anything like this ever comes up, I’d love to help figure out if it’s safe.”
Pro tip: Some scammers use fake names like Publishers Clearing House or send very official-looking emails or letters. A quick Google search can usually confirm if it’s fake.
Fake charity scams
Scammers pretend to be from disaster relief efforts or well-known charities, asking for urgent donations, often after a crisis or around the holidays.
What you can say:
- “It’s wonderful that you want to help, but there are a lot of fake charities out there now. Let’s look up the organization together to make sure it’s legitimate.”
- “Real charities won’t pressure you to donate on the spot. It’s always okay to take a little time to check.”
Pro tip: Create a list of trusted charities your grandparents like so they can donate with confidence and show them the legitimate way to donate.
Romance or friendship scams
It starts innocently: a kind stranger on Facebook or a sweet message on WhatsApp. But after some time, that online “friend” suddenly needs money for an emergency, visa issue, or travel expense. This scam often targets widowed grandparents.
What to say:
- “It’s totally okay to make friends online, but if someone you haven’t met in person starts asking for money, it’s usually a sign something’s wrong.”
- “If anything ever feels off or confusing, please know you can talk to me about it anytime. We’ll figure it out together.”
Pro tip: Help them make their social media profiles private to avoid unsolicited messages.
How to start the conversation
It can feel a little uncomfortable bringing up scams with your grandparents. But trust us, the way you start the conversation can make all the difference.
Lead with love, not warnings
Telling your grandparents, “You need to be more careful,” can come off as critical, even if you mean well. Instead, try connecting it to something real. The goal is to start from a place of care, not fear or blame.
Normalize it: “This happens to a lot of people”
Anyone can get scammed. Older adults aren’t falling for these tricks because they’re “naive.” Scams today are professional, emotional, and fast-moving. They’re designed to make people panic and not take time to think.
Let them know it’s okay to ask for help and that it doesn’t make them foolish, it makes them human. Framing it this way takes away any embarrassment they might feel and replaces it with trust.
Make it something you do together
No one likes being talked at. Instead, make it feel like a team effort, something you can explore or learn together. That way, it feels less like a warning and more like a bonding moment. You could even go through a real scam story together or look up the latest scam alerts online. It helps them feel informed and in control, not overwhelmed.
Be patient with repetition
It may take a few reminders or repeated conversations before the information sticks. That’s okay. Keep the tone warm and supportive: “Remember that email thing we talked about? Let’s look at one again.”
How to help the message stick (with clarity and kindness)
It’s one thing to talk about scams, but helping the message really sink in? That takes a little extra care. A few simple reminders (plus a good laugh or two) can go a long way in helping your grandparents feel confident and prepared.
Start with three simple rules
Giving your grandparents just a few clear rules can make things feel manageable, not stressful.
- Never share personal information or send money in response to an unexpected phone call, text, or email.
- Pause before acting on urgency. If someone pressures you to act fast, that’s a red flag.
- Double-check with a trusted family member first—even if the request sounds serious or time-sensitive.
Print these out or write them down in large, friendly handwriting and tape the list near their computer or phone.
Show, don’t just tell
It’s one thing to talk about scams, but showing what they actually look like? That’s way more effective. Pull up Remitly’s scam quiz which will walk through examples and identify warning signs. Seeing it in action helps them recognize it later and makes the whole thing feel less abstract.
Practice scripts together
Sometimes, people freeze when a scammer calls. Giving your grandparents a few go-to phrases can make them feel more in control and less caught off guard.
Try these:
- “I don’t share personal or financial information over the phone. I’ll talk to my family first.”
- “I’m not making any decisions right now. Goodbye.”
Turn it into a story-sharing moment
Instead of giving warnings, invite them to share. Ask something like: “Have you ever gotten one of those weird scam calls or texts before?” or “Did anything ever seem a bit off and make you think twice?”
You might be surprised by their stories, and it opens the door to talk about scams in a way that feels personal, not preachy. You’ll probably both learn something in the process.
Easy everyday habits to keep your grandparents scam-safe
Scam-proofing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few small habits and a little tech help, you can make a big difference in keeping your grandparents safe.
Add helpful tech tools (and set them up together)
A few small tech upgrades can go a long way. Things like two-factor authentication, spam filters, and strong passwords are your first line of defense, but they can feel confusing or intimidating if someone’s not used to them.
Try this:
“Want to go through a few security settings together? We can do it over tea and snacks—it won’t take long, and you’ll be all set.”
Make a “call me first” plan
Scammers thrive on pressure. They want your grandparents to act fast without thinking. That’s why it helps to create a family rule: if anything feels off, call before doing anything.
Set up weekly “tech check-ins”
A weekly check-in doesn’t have to feel like a chore. You can offer to look through suspicious texts, weird voicemails, or fishy emails together, and maybe scroll through old family photos or help them post on Facebook while you’re at it.
You could show them how to send you screenshots so that they can send you one anytime something looks odd to them. These check-ins make scam safety feel like a team effort and a regular excuse to connect.
FAQs
What if my grandparent gets embarrassed or defensive when talking about scams?
Start gently and remind them you’re on their side. Use real stories to show they’re not alone and nothing is “wrong” with them for being targeted by a scammer.
Should I report a scam they fell for?
Yes. Report it to local authorities and the Federal Trade Commission. If they sent money through Remitly report via our Help Center. It may help prevent it from happening to someone else.