AARP’s July 2026 guidance says family members can reduce scam exposure by monitoring accounts, securing documents, and setting alerts. That same supportive posture matters after a scam too.

If a loved one has been scammed:

• start with calm, not blame
• secure the accounts and documents
• help them contact the bank or payment company
• watch for follow-up “recovery” scams
• set alerts and review accounts together if they want help

This caregiver material also connects to later family-safety courses. Do not repeat the basics endlessly. Build on them.

A quick example: an older parent admits they sent money to a fake investment site. If the first response they hear is “How could you do that?” they may hide later problems. If the first response is “We will deal with this step by step,” you are more likely to stop further damage.

Cross-level note: you learned in Level 1 to talk to someone you trust before sending money. Here, you may be that trusted person for someone else.

What to do:

• Lead with support and action, not embarrassment.
• Expect follow-up scams pretending to help recover stolen money.
• Build practical safeguards together after the first crisis passes.

This lesson is part of Spot the Scam from Lumoset Foundation, Fort Wayne, Indiana – free, always, with no account and no catch.