Family and senior scam safety checklist
A few simple, agreed family rules prevent most scams. This checklist is designed to be shared and discussed without blame.
Quick answer
A few simple, agreed family rules prevent most scams. This checklist is designed to be shared and discussed without blame.
- Agree one rule: never share an OTP, password, or PIN with anyone, for any reason.
- Agree a second rule: pause and verify before paying or sharing details after any call or message.
- Pick a trusted family contact to check suspicious messages with.
- Save official bank and family numbers so they are easy to find.
Do this now
If money or a code was shared, contact the bank immediately and use the matching recovery guide.
Understanding what happened
Most scams rely on urgency, authority, and isolation. Simple family rules - never share codes, always pause and verify, check with a trusted person - defuse all three.
Seniors are often targeted with bank, prize, and family-emergency stories, while younger relatives can help by setting up safe routines and being available to check messages.
This checklist is meant to be discussed openly. The goal is a calm habit of verifying, not fear.
First 5 minutes
- Agree one rule: never share an OTP, password, or PIN with anyone, for any reason.
- Agree a second rule: pause and verify before paying or sharing details after any call or message.
- Pick a trusted family contact to check suspicious messages with.
- Save official bank and family numbers so they are easy to find.
First 24 hours
- Set up a family 'secret phrase' to confirm genuine emergency requests.
- Turn on two-factor authentication on important accounts together.
- Show seniors how to use the checker and how to hang up and call back officially.
- Talk about recent scams calmly, so no one feels embarrassed to ask.
What not to do
- Do not share OTPs, passwords, or card PINs with callers, 'support', or 'family' messages.
- Do not pay or buy gift cards because a call or message creates urgency.
- Do not install apps or click links sent by unexpected callers.
Evidence to save
- A written list of trusted contacts and official numbers
- Notes on any suspicious call or message to discuss as a family
- Screenshots of anything that seemed 'off'
How to report
Report through official channels for your area.
Find official reporting links for your country in the reporting directory.
- Do not use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message - look up the official ones yourself.
- Report quickly if money was sent or ID documents were shared; speed improves your options.
- Keep your evidence - see how to save scam evidence.
If someone was scammed, beware of follow-up 'recovery' offers. No one can guarantee getting money back for a fee.
Stop it happening again
Make 'pause and verify' the normal response to any urgent money or code request.
Replace SMS codes with an authenticator app where possible.
Keep a shared list of official contacts so verifying is quick and easy.
This is general educational guidance, not legal or financial advice, and it is not a guarantee. Always verify through official channels.
Frequently asked questions
How do I talk to a parent about scams without offence?
Frame it as something everyone deals with, not a judgement. Share a scam you received, agree simple shared rules, and make checking together normal.
What is a family secret phrase?
A private word or question only your family knows, used to confirm a genuine emergency request before sending money - useful against AI voice-clone calls.