June Is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month—And a Reminder to Help Older Adults Guard Against Scams

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June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a timely reminder that older adults—especially those affected by Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia—may need extra protection from scams and fraud.

According to recent research, changes in financial decision-making and difficulty recognizing scams can be among the earliest signs of cognitive decline. Older adults with memory loss or cognitive impairment may be particularly vulnerable to fraud schemes, especially when paired with risk factors like social isolation or loneliness.

Caregivers and loved ones can play a critical role in helping older adults avoid becoming victims. The Better Business Bureau encourages families to talk openly about scam prevention and establish a plan for how to respond to suspicious calls or messages.

Tips for Older Adults to Stay Safe:

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, talk to a trusted friend or family member.
Protect your personal information. Don’t share Social Security or Medicaid numbers with unknown callers.
Stick with known businesses and charities. Avoid giving money to unfamiliar groups or individuals.
Be cautious of phone scams. Caller ID can be faked. If someone claims to be from the government or your bank, hang up and verify.
Don’t click links in unfamiliar emails or texts. These may contain malware or phishing attempts.
Avoid pressure tactics. Scammers may demand urgent action—don’t be rushed into making a decision.
Tips for Caregivers:

Recognize red flags. Frequent unknown callers, secrecy about communications, or sudden financial issues can be signs of fraud.
Have regular conversations. Talk openly about scams, reinforce that it’s okay to ask for help, and plan how to respond to strange contacts.
Reduce incoming solicitations. Register phone numbers with the national Do Not Call list and remove names from mailing and credit bureau lists.
Help monitor calls. Equip your loved one with caller ID and encourage them to screen unknown numbers.
Talk about financial safety. Consider offering assistance with account monitoring or bill payments to help detect suspicious activity.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s and dementia, visit the Alzheimer’s Association. For scam prevention resources or to report a fraud attempt, visit BBB Scam Tracker℠.

For more information, contact Don O’Brien at the Quincy BBB at [email protected] or (217) 209-3972.