Cybersecurity for People With Dementia

Becoming a victim of financial fraud later in life can be devastating for a senior’s retirement and care plans. Unfortunately, the damage is not limited to only the victim of fraud. When carefully built nest eggs disappear overnight, the financial burden of daily life is pushed to other family members or caregivers.

One way to protect a loved one is by adjusting their technology to help prevent fraud before it happens. You don’t have to completely disconnect your loved one from technology to keep them safe. Small changes can make a big difference. Here’s how you can help safeguard your loved one’s devices and online activities.

Disable pop-ups on web browsers. Pop-up ads can be confusing and may trick users into thinking their device is infected with a virus or that they’ve won a prize. Adjust browser settings to block pop-ups completely. On most web browsers such as Chrome, Safari, or Edge, you’ll find this option under “Privacy” or “Security” settings.

Install ad blockers. Ad blocker extensions for web browsers can further reduce distracting ads that could lead to scams. Choose a well-known, reputable ad blocker and set it to update automatically.

Adjust smartphone settings. Smartphones can open the door to fraud through calls, texts, and apps. A few simple settings can help:

• Silence unknown callers. Most smartphones allow you to send calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail, reducing scam call risks.
• Enable app download restrictions. Set the phone to require a password (that you control) before new apps can be installed.
• Review and limit notifications. Turn off nonessential alerts that could confuse or overwhelm your loved one.

Simplify payment methods. Online shopping can be risky for people with dementia. Consider:

• Disabling stored payment information in browsers to prevent accidental purchases.
• Setting up prepaid debit cards with limited funds for online use instead of linking accounts directly to a bank.
• Using password managers that autofill only trusted websites (and disabling autofill for all others).

Limit access to sensitive information. Help your loved one create strong, unique passwords and use two-factor authentication wherever possible. Store important passwords securely and avoid having sensitive information saved openly on their devices.

Monitor accounts and devices. Regularly check bank statements, email accounts, and device usage for anything unusual. Some families choose to use monitoring services that alert them to suspicious activity.

Talk about scams in a supportive way. Regular conversations about scams can help keep your loved one alert without frightening them. Remind them never to share personal information over the phone, email, or text—and that it’s always okay to hang up or delete a message if they’re unsure.

Protecting a loved one with dementia from fraud is a team effort. By setting up their technology thoughtfully and staying involved, you can create a safer environment that allows them to stay connected while reducing their risk of being taken advantage of.