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    Supporting an Older Adult Facing Financial Exploitation

    Listen without blame when an older adult raises a suspicious payment or request. Immediate safety, consent and practical help matter more than a lecture.

    By ZoraSafe · Content reviewed

    Leave room for the person’s account

    Ask what happened and what help they want. A general scam checklist cannot determine whether coercion, abuse or fraud occurred. If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

    Sources: FTC: Protecting older consumers: 2024–2025 report; NNEDV Safety Net Project: Technology safety planning

    Help with the next concrete step

    An unexpected demand for money, secrecy or account access deserves independent verification. Help find the real provider’s contact details rather than taking over the conversation.

    1. Ask whether money, credentials or identity information were shared.
    2. Offer to sit with the person while they contact the bank or affected service.
    3. Keep a timeline and relevant messages if it is safe to do so.

    Sources: FTC: Government impersonation scams; FTC: What to do if you were scammed

    Account for ongoing control or monitoring

    If another person may be monitoring devices or controlling access, abrupt account changes may create risk. Seek specialist safety-planning help from a safer device. A general article cannot assess that person’s circumstances.

    Sources: NNEDV Safety Net Project: Technology safety planning

    Sources and product references

    Reviewed 2026-10-08. Source dates and scope matter; a linked source supports the associated guidance, not every claim about every product.

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