If you’re caring for someone with dementia, you’ve probably worried about scams, those phone calls, Facebook messages, or letters that look official but aren’t. Unfortunately, this concern isn’t just hypothetical. Scammers target older adults every day, and when dementia is in the picture, the risk skyrockets.
Today, we’ll talk about practical, creative ways to keep your loved one safe from scams, without stripping away their independence or dignity. These steps are simple to set up, powerful to maintain, and can bring real peace of mind to both you and your loved one.
Why People with Dementia Are at Higher Risk
Scammers have become increasingly clever. They pose as banks, charities, or even long-lost relatives. Some even impersonate family members. I know because my own father was scammed by someone pretending to be me on Facebook. The scammer copied my photos and posts, created a fake profile, and tricked him into believing he was talking to his daughter.
That experience hit home. It showed me how convincing scams can be, not just for people with dementia, but for any of us who are busy, exhausted, and juggling multiple responsibilities.
When dementia is involved, the risks multiply. People with dementia may lose their ability to judge what’s suspicious, forget safety reminders, or fail to recognize red flags that once would have been obvious. So instead of simply saying “Don’t answer unknown numbers” or “Never click suspicious links,” we need safeguards that work automatically, systems that protect them while preserving their autonomy.
Tip 1: Program the Phone to Block Unknown Numbers
This is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take. Most modern phones allow you to limit incoming calls to a list of trusted contacts. That means if a scammer dials your loved one’s number, the call never even rings.
If you’re not sure how to do this, do a quick Google search for your phone type, for example, “how to allow calls from contacts only on iPhone” or “on Android.” Once it’s set up, you can relax knowing your loved one won’t be answering calls from strangers posing as “bank representatives” or “Medicare agents.”
It’s a simple “set it and forget it” safeguard that doesn’t require your loved one to remember a single thing.
Tip 2: Reduce Junk Mail and Fake Charity Letters
Mail scams are another major problem. Pre-approved credit cards, fake charity requests, and sweepstake entries can all land in your loved one’s mailbox and someone with dementia might respond before you even know it.
Here are three ways to manage it:
Option 1: Use a P.O. box.
Have all mail sent to a P.O. box that you check yourself. You can sort through it and only give your loved one the pieces that matter. If checking the mail is a comforting daily ritual, you can even leave a few “safe” letters in their home mailbox so they still get that satisfaction.
Option 2: Use a mail management service.
These services can scan incoming envelopes and forward only what you approve. One Careblazer in our weekly support group tried this approach after doing careful research. She said she was hesitant at first but now loves it. It’s saved her hours of worry and protected her loved one from seeing upsetting junk mail.
Option 3: Register for opt-out lists.
You can reduce unsolicited offers by registering with the National Do Not Mail List or Direct Marketing Association’s opt-out services. It won’t catch everything, but it will help stem the flow.
The goal isn’t to cut your loved one off from mail entirely. It’s to filter what reaches them so you can protect their finances and their peace of mind.
Tip 3: Make the Internet a Safer Place
If your loved one spends time online, especially on Facebook, it’s crucial to set up digital safeguards. Scammers use social media to create fake accounts that mimic friends or relatives and these can look alarmingly real.
I’ve seen this firsthand. There’s currently a fake Facebook account pretending to be “Dementia Careblazers.” It uses my videos and posts, all stolen from my real page. While most of us can spot the difference by checking the URL, a person with dementia may not remember to do that.
Here are a few ways to make their online experience safer:
Control friend requests. Set Facebook so only “friends of friends” can send requests or disable friend requests entirely. You can manually add trusted contacts yourself.
Create a favorites-only feed. Limit their Facebook feed to posts from a few trusted family members and friends. That means fewer scam ads, fake giveaways, and suspicious links.
Use keyword filters. Facebook allows you to block posts or comments containing words like “prize,” “lottery,” “click here,” or “cure.” It’s an easy way to reduce exposure to misleading posts.
Install pop-up blockers. Pop-ups can lead to phishing sites or fake “virus alert” messages. Setting up a blocker protects them automatically.
Think of these as “dementia-proofing” the internet, not restricting your loved one, but protecting them.
Tip 4: Add Banking and Spending Safeguards
Money scams are some of the most devastating. They can happen in a single phone call or slowly over time. Fortunately, many banks now offer alerts that can help you catch suspicious charges early.
You can:
Set up text or email alerts for any purchase over a certain dollar amount.
Have alerts sent to you whenever a credit or debit card is used.
Use prepaid debit cards for small online purchases, limiting exposure to larger accounts.
Regularly review bank and credit statements for unfamiliar transactions.
If possible, become a joint account holder or obtain financial power of attorney. This gives you the legal ability to monitor and intervene if something doesn’t look right.
Remember, the goal isn’t to take control, it’s to make sure no one else does.
Tip 5: Accept That No System Is Perfect and Give Yourself Grace
Even with every precaution in place, no system is foolproof. Scammers are constantly finding new tactics. But each step you take makes it harder for them to succeed and easier for you to respond quickly if something does go wrong.
If your loved one does fall for a scam, remember: it’s not their fault, and it’s not yours either. Shame and blame only make recovery harder. Focus on damage control, emotional reassurance, and prevention going forward.
Helping Without Taking Over
Many caregivers worry that protecting their loved one means taking away independence. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The key is to quietly set up systems that work in the background, things like phone filters, email rules, and spending alerts. These invisible protections preserve your loved one’s dignity while keeping them safe.
When your loved one feels respected, they’re more likely to accept your help and less likely to resist safety measures.
You’re Not Alone in This
Caring for someone with dementia is already demanding, and adding scam prevention to your list can feel overwhelming. But these small steps make a big difference.
You’re doing the work of protecting your loved one, their safety, and their sense of self and that’s something to be proud of.
If you’d like more strategies like these, join The Dementia Dose, my free weekly newsletter. Every week, I share tips, tools, and encouragement to help you feel more confident and supported on your caregiving journey.
You can sign up by clicking here.
Watch On YouTube
Want to watch the in-depth video that inspired this post?
Click the video below to watch. ↓
