Plain-English tech help for families
Tech help for the parents and grandparents you love
Which devices fit your parent's situation, how to set them up step by step, and how to keep them safe from AI scams.
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Scam alert of the week
The "grandkid in trouble" call
A caller who sounds just like a grandchild, maybe using an AI voice clone made from a short online clip, says they're in trouble, needs money fast and begs you to keep it secret.
Tell your parent: Hang up and call the family member back on a number you already have, even if the voice sounds exactly right.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice · Read our guide
Fake virus pop-ups and "tech support" calls
A scary pop-up says the computer is infected and shows a phone number to call. The "technician" asks for remote access and then demands payment to fix it.
Tell your parent: Real security warnings never ask you to call a phone number, so close it and call me instead.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice · Read our guide
Fake Social Security, IRS or Medicare calls
Someone says your Social Security number is suspended, you owe taxes, or you need a "new" Medicare card, and threatens trouble unless you pay or share your numbers now. Caller ID can be faked to show the real agency.
Tell your parent: Government agencies don't call, text or email to demand money or personal information, so hang up.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice
Fake calls from your bank's "fraud department"
A caller or text claims there's fraud on your account and offers to help "protect" your money by moving it, or asks you to read back a verification code.
Tell your parent: Never move money to protect it or share a code; call the number on the back of your card.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice
Anyone who wants payment in gift cards
A caller tells you to buy Google Play, Apple, Amazon or other gift cards, sometimes at several stores, and read them the numbers off the back.
Tell your parent: Gift cards are for gifts. Anyone who asks to be paid with one is a scammer.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice
Being sent to a Bitcoin ATM
After a scary call about your accounts, someone tells you to take out cash and feed it into a Bitcoin ATM at a gas station or store, often using a QR code they send you.
Tell your parent: No real bank or agency will ever send you to a Bitcoin ATM. Stop and call me.
Source: FTC Data Spotlight, Sept 2024
"Unpaid toll" text messages
A text out of the blue says you owe a small toll balance and must pay right away through a link, which leads to a fake page that steals card details.
Tell your parent: Don't tap the link; check with the toll agency's real website or phone number instead.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice
Fake package delivery texts
A text that says it's from USPS, FedEx or DHL claims a missed delivery or unpaid postage and links to a look-alike site asking for a small "redelivery fee."
Tell your parent: Check tracking on the store's website where you ordered, never through a text link.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice
Fake Geek Squad, Norton or McAfee renewal emails
An email says you were just charged hundreds of dollars to renew a tech support subscription and must call within 24 hours to cancel. Calling leads to remote access and a fake "refund."
Tell your parent: Don't call the number in the email; check your bank statement for the charge first.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice
An online sweetheart who needs money
Someone met online says it's true love but can't meet in person, maybe working overseas or in the military, then asks for help paying for a ticket, surgery or fees.
Tell your parent: Never send money or gifts to someone you haven't met in person.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice
"You won!" prize and lottery calls
A call, letter or email says you won a sweepstakes, lottery or a new car, but you have to pay taxes, shipping or a fee, or give account details, to collect.
Tell your parent: Real prizes are free; if you have to pay to get it, it's a scam.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice
Swapped QR codes and QR codes in surprise packages
Scammers stick their own QR code over a real one on a parking meter, or tuck one into a package you didn't order. Scanning opens a fake site that steals money or passwords.
Tell your parent: Check the web address your camera shows before opening a QR code, and skip ones that arrive unexpectedly.
Source: FTC Consumer Advice
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