Help protect your parent before the next call.
A convincing caller can create a sense of urgency in seconds. A calm plan, a trusted way to check, and a family that talks openly can help your parent take a breath before acting.
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Help them feel supported, before they feel pressured.
Imagine the call arriving while your parent is making lunch. A reassuring voice says something is wrong with their bank account. The caller seems prepared. The request sounds urgent.
It is a scenario worth discussing before it becomes a real decision. Ask your parent what they would want to do, who they would call, and where they would find a number they trust.
A useful family plan gives them room to pause. It also gives you a role they have helped choose: someone to check with, talk to, and ask for a second opinion.
The story changes.
The pressure is the clue.
These are illustrative scenarios based on common fraud tactics. Open each one to see what deserves a pause.
01“Move your money to keep it safe.”
A caller claims to be from a bank or government agency and gives instructions to transfer funds. End the call and check with the institution using contact details you already trust.
The FTC warns about transfers to “protect” money ↗02“Your computer needs an urgent fix.”
Unexpected tech support asks for remote access or payment. The FTC says legitimate tech companies do not contact you out of the blue to report a problem with your computer. Seek help through a company you know.
Read the FTC's tech-support scam guidance ↗03“Someone in the family needs money. Keep it quiet.”
A supposed emergency combines worry with secrecy. Contact the relative through a number you already have, or ask another family member to check the story before sending anything.
How fake family emergencies work ↗04“You have to pay this way, right now.”
Demands for gift cards, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer deserve an immediate pause. The FTC identifies pressure and unusual payment demands as recurring phone-scam warning signs.
Recognize phone-scam warning signs ↗A familiar name or local caller ID does not verify who is calling. Caller ID can be faked.
Five things to agree on before the phone rings.
Use this as a short family conversation. Check off each item as you discuss it; these answers aren't sent to us.
Put the phone's safeguards to work.
Ask the carrier what filtering or labeling it includes, and review the phone's screening options. As the FTC explains, available tools depend on the type of phone. Filters can also affect wanted calls, so check how your parent will receive appointments and pharmacy updates.
Register home and mobile numbers for free at DoNotCall.gov. The registry tells legitimate telemarketers not to call; it does not block illegal callers. Our robocalls guide walks through the options in more detail.
Create a moment to check.
End the conversation. Avoid using a callback number or link the caller supplied. Contact the organization through a trusted number, or speak with a family member before taking the requested action.
If money or information was already shared, continue below ↓Act quickly. Work through it together.
The FTC's recovery guidance explains the options for different payment types. Recovery may not be possible, but prompt action matters.
- Contact the payment provider.
Call the bank, card issuer, gift-card company, app, or transfer provider. Report the fraud and ask whether it can stop or reverse the payment. Keep receipts and records.
- Secure affected accounts.
Change exposed passwords and turn on two-factor authentication. If personal information was compromised, use IdentityTheft.gov for appropriate recovery steps.
- Report the incident.
Use ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Keep the caller's details and the sequence of events so you can explain what happened.
- Be cautious about recovery offers.
Someone who unexpectedly offers to recover the money for an upfront fee may be another scammer. The FTC warns about these follow-up scams.
A thoughtful first response.
Support your family can share.
Protect & Assist brings AI call screening and everyday care tools together for older adults and the people looking out for them. We built it around a simple idea: independence deserves thoughtful support.
Unsaved callers must name the person they're trying to reach and explain their call.
Shared call history, care reminders, and a family dashboard keep everyday details together.
Founded by Trevor Shuman in Houston, Texas, after seeing unwanted calls reach generations of his own family. Read our story.
Paid service. Screening can make mistakes, miss a harmful call, or flag a legitimate one. A caller's stated name is not verified identity. Reminders are informational; Protect & Assist is not an emergency service or medical provider.
There may be help
you haven't checked yet.
Care costs are another worry families carry. Answer a few questions about an older adult to explore programs that may help with care, prescriptions, food, utilities, and more.
- Results based on their situation
- Worksheets and document checklists
- Official application links and next steps
Results are a starting point. Each agency decides eligibility.
For your church or community: get the flyer & QR code ↗Questions families ask.
How can I bring this up without making my parent feel judged?
Ask to make a plan together. Focus on what an unexpected caller might ask for, agree on a way to verify requests, and make it clear your parent can tell you about a confusing call without being blamed.
Can we trust a familiar name or local number on caller ID?
Caller ID can be faked. If a call asks for money or sensitive information, end it and contact the organization through a number you already trust, such as the one on a bank card or statement.
What should we do if money has already been sent?
Contact the bank or payment provider immediately, report the fraud, and ask whether the payment can be stopped or reversed. Keep the records and report the incident at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Getting money back may not be possible.
Does call screening make every caller safe?
No. Screening adds a step before connection, but a caller can lie and screening can make mistakes. Your parent should still independently verify unexpected requests for money or personal information.
Do we need a paid plan to use the care-help tool?
No. The benefits check, personalized results, worksheets, and application links are free. No sign-up or purchase is required. Results suggest programs to explore; each agency decides eligibility.
Think of one person
who should read this.
A sibling. A church volunteer. A friend looking out for a parent.
Send them a useful starting point.
Sources & editorial notes
This guide is published by Protect & Assist, a paid call-screening and family-care service. The FTC consumer guidance below was reviewed November 4, 2026. Examples illustrate common tactics; they are not accounts of actual calls to our service.
- Phone Scams — FTC Consumer Advice.
- What To Do if You Were Scammed — FTC Consumer Advice.
- Refund and Recovery Scams — FTC Consumer Advice.
- How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams — FTC Consumer Advice.
- Scammers Use Fake Emergencies To Steal Your Money — FTC Consumer Advice.
- How To Block Unwanted Calls — FTC Consumer Advice.
- National Do Not Call Registry FAQs — FTC Consumer Advice.