Protecting elderly relatives from scams

Why elderly people are targeted more

Scammers specifically target older adults for a combination of reasons — they may be more trusting of authority figures, less familiar with digital scam tactics, more likely to have accumulated savings, and may live alone and appreciate extended conversation.

Practical protection steps

• Agree a family password — unknown callers claiming to be family must know it
• Register their number with the National Directory Database opt-out
• Explain clearly: banks and Garda will never ask to move money
• Install call-blocking apps on their mobile phone
• Set up a "pause and call me" rule before any financial decision
• Check in regularly and make it safe to admit they were targeted

Community resources

• Age Action Ireland: 01 475 6989
• An Garda Síochána fraud line: 1800 837 837