Protecting Parents and Grandparents Online: Help That Actually Works

Why older people are often targeted

Many scams rely on trust, willingness to help, and time pressure – not technical know-how. Fake calls from a “bank employee,” messages from an alleged grandchild with a new phone number, or warnings about a “virus” on the computer unfortunately work at any age. However, older people are contacted particularly often. The good news: A few simple precautions make a big difference.

Setup together instead of explaining things

Sit down together and set up the devices jointly. This works better than any list:

• Turn on automatic updates for mobile phones, computers, and apps.
• Assign unique, long passwords for important accounts like email and online banking, and write them down in a safe place – for example, in a password manager or on paper at home, not in the phone notes app.
• Enable two-factor authentication and explain when a code will be sent and when it won’t.
• Install apps only from official app stores.

Three simple rules for daily life

1. No legitimate organization asks for passwords, TANs, or codes on the phone – not even the bank or the police. 2. If someone demands money, always hang up and call them back – using the number you already know. 3. If someone is applying pressure, they are usually lying. Take a deep breath first, then ask someone else. Feel free to write these rules on a note and stick it next to the phone.

Overview of common scams

• “Hello Mom, this is my new number”: A supposed child urgently asks for money via a messenger. Always call back using the old number.
• Fake bank calls: The caller wants to conduct a “security check” and asks you to confirm a transaction in the banking app. Never confirm what you did not request yourself.
• Warnings on the screen: A page claims the computer is infected and provides a phone number. Close the window, do not call, and do not allow remote access.
• Sweepstakes and package messages: If you haven’t won anything and haven’t ordered anything, don’t click.

Our Phishing Quiz is a great way to practice together.

A fixed point of contact

Agree on who to call in case of doubt – at any time of day, without blame. People who know that asking questions is explicitly welcome are much less likely to fall for a scam.

At home and on the go

Your home Wi-Fi should have its own long password, and the router should receive current updates; our Home Network Check helps with this. On the go, for example on Wi-Fi in a waiting room or a hotel, a VPN protects the connection to our server from eavesdroppers on the same network.

If something happens

• Call the bank immediately to have the card or access blocked – in Germany via the emergency lockout number 116 116.
• In case of remote access: Disconnect the device from the internet and change passwords from another device.
• File a report with the police.
• And most importantly: No blame. Shame prevents many people from seeking help quickly – and that speed is crucial.

Our First Aid page guides you step by step through the first minutes.