Start with a calm chat
Scammers rely on embarrassment and secrecy. Make it clear that anyone can be fooled, and agree on a simple rule: 'If anyone asks for money, codes or access to your computer, call me first.'
Set up these protections
- Turn on 'Silence Unknown Callers' (iPhone) or call screening (Android)
- Switch on scam-text filtering
- Use a password manager or a written password book kept at home
- Set up bank transaction alerts by SMS
- Add official bank and myGov numbers to their contacts
Make a fridge sheet
Write down: who to call, the bank's real number, and the three golden rules: never share codes, never give remote access, never pay with gift cards or crypto.
An onsite scam check does all of this in one visit, and you get a report showing what was done.