This season, staying vigilant with holiday scam protection tips can make all the difference for your aging loved ones.
Essential Holiday Scam Protection Tips for Your Loved Ones
The holidays are here. That means turkey, way too much stuffing, and your uncle’s super original take on why “things were better back in the day.” But hey, it’s not just about the food or the cringe-worthy small talk. It’s also a chance to check in on the people you care about—like Grandma, Grandpa, or any aging loved one who might be... well, slipping a little.
And let’s be honest: scammers love the holidays. People are distracted, in a giving mood, and not really paying attention. It’s like their Super Bowl. That’s why a quick, casual conversation with the people you love—just to make sure they’re still sharp and scam-proof—might be the most important thing you do this season.
Why Scammers Love the Holidays
Okay, picture this: Grandma gets a phone call from someone claiming to be her grandkid in trouble, needing money wired right now. It’s called the “grandparent scam,” and it works way more often than you’d think. (In fact, seniors lost $3 billion to scams last year alone.)
Or maybe it’s that fake Amazon email saying her account’s been hacked, asking her to “verify” her credit card. These scams target older adults because scammers know they’re often trusting, polite, and maybe not as familiar with tech. The holidays just make it easier for fraudsters to blend in with all the other chaos.
How to Spot the Signs
When you’re catching up at family dinners or FaceTiming over the holidays, pay attention—not just to how much eggnog Uncle Joe is drinking, but how your loved ones are really doing.
Look for these red flags:
Confusion about money. Are they forgetting to pay bills or unsure about recent bank transactions?
Unexplained withdrawals. Frequent, unexplained transfers can be a big clue something’s off.
Mentioning new “friends” or callers. If they keep talking about a stranger who’s “helping them,” it’s time to dig deeper.
Think of it like this: you’re not being nosy—you’re being protective.
Starting the Conversation Without Awkwardness
Let’s be honest: no one wants to hear, “Hey, are you getting scammed?” So how do you approach the topic without offending them?
Here’s a cheat code:
Make it about you. “I almost fell for a phishing email last week—have you seen anything weird like that?”
Keep it light. “You know scammers love this time of year, right? Let’s make sure everything’s locked down.”
Offer to help. “I’d be happy to look over your accounts or help set up fraud alerts—just in case.”
The goal isn’t to make them feel incapable; it’s to remind them you’re a resource.
Easy Ways to Keep Them Safe
If you’re noticing red flags—or even if you aren’t—it’s a good time to set up some basic protections:
Block unknown callers. Seriously, let those spam calls go straight to voicemail.
Set up fraud alerts. Many banks offer text or email alerts for unusual activity.
Create stronger passwords. If “password123” is still in use, it’s time for a refresh.
Check their statements. Even a quick review can catch something suspicious before it gets worse.
Here’s the kicker: scammers thrive on speed. Slowing things down—like encouraging your loved one to double-check everything before acting—is one of the best defenses.
A Gift That Matters
The holidays are about more than gifts—they’re about showing up for the people you love. Taking a few minutes to check in on your aging relatives could save them from financial headaches or worse.
If you’re unsure how to tackle this, or you want to plan for your loved one’s financial future, reach out to us at Halter Ferguson Financial. We’re here to help you protect what matters most.
This holiday season, give the gift of peace of mind. (And maybe some cookies. Because who doesn’t love cookies?)