It’s 10pm. Do You Know Where Your Parents Are?
As our parents age, they become prime targets for increasingly sophisticated scams on a scale never possible before.
Guest post from Jeff Honea
An old TV ad campaign from the pre-mobile phone days stressed the importance of parents keeping track of where their kids were, for their own safety. Today, mobile phones and new technology have flipped the switch. Now it’s just as important for adult children to keep up with their parents.
As our parents age, they become prime targets for increasingly sophisticated scams on a scale never possible before. One of the fastest-growing threats is so-called “pig butchering,” where criminals build fake online relationships, often through social media or text, to gain trust before convincing victims to invest in fraudulent schemes. But that’s not the only threat; sometimes it’s phone calls from fake IRS agents, phishing emails, and lottery schemes are also common. There’s even the potential for predatory behavior from “friends” or distant relatives.
That’s why regular check-ins from adult children are more important than ever. A quick conversation can do more than strengthen family ties — it can protect your parents’ financial security and emotional well-being. Scammers thrive in secrecy; when families talk openly about money, online activity, and new relationships, it becomes much harder for predators to establish a foothold.
These conversations don’t have to feel like interrogations. Instead, approach them with curiosity and care:
“What new apps are you using?”
“Have you had any unusual phone calls?”
“Are you following any investment opportunities lately?”
Often, simply asking questions signals to scammers that your parent has a watchful support system.
To-Do List for Adult Children
Check in weekly. Even brief calls can uncover red flags.
Ask gentle questions. Be curious about new friends, investments, or money requests.
Review technology together. Help manage privacy settings, update software, and block spam calls.
Share scam alerts. Send articles or news clips about common frauds to keep awareness high.
Encourage second opinions. Remind your parent it’s okay to pause before acting on financial offers and to run things by you.
Build a safe space. Avoid judgment; if they feel embarrassed, they’re less likely to share concerns.
You could also ask for view-only access to their financial accounts so you can monitor their accounts as they age. And review their power of attorney and beneficiaries from time to time.
Connect to Protect Your Family
Our parents are up against sophisticated social engineering attacks based on deep human psychology — sometimes even with the help of trained psychologists. Combined with the malicious potential of AI and the tacit support of unethical nation-states, this makes it all the more important to stop it before it begins.
Once the cycle starts, it can sometimes be almost impossible to halt — to break the spell they’re under. That’s why staying connected is so important. It isn’t just about family bonds—it’s also about building a safety net. With regular attention and loving curiosity, you can help your parents keep their money . . . and their dignity.
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