Check a suspicious call, text or email before a parent responds

Help a parent paste in a strange message and get a quick, plain-English read on scam warning signs, plus what to do next.

The problem

Scammers target older adults with fake grandkid emergencies, Medicare and Social Security calls, tech-support pop-ups, toll texts and "your account is locked" emails. A parent who is unsure often acts fast because the message sounds urgent.

Step by step

1. 1Set a family rule ahead of time: before paying, clicking a link, calling a number back or giving any information because of an unexpected message, stop and check with a family member first.
2. 2Show your parent how to copy the message text (or take a screenshot) and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini with the prompt below. Crop out their name, phone number and any account numbers.
3. 3Read the AI's answer together. It can point out warning signs, but it cannot verify a message, so treat "looks real" as "still check."
4. 4Check directly: call the bank, agency or family member using a number you already have (from the card, a statement or your contacts), never a number or link from the message.
5. 5If it was a scam, delete it and report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If money or information was already sent, call the bank right away and visit IdentityTheft.gov.

Copy-paste prompt

I got this message and I am not sure if it is real: [paste the text of the call notes, text or email; remove my name, phone number and account numbers]. It claims to be from: [company, agency or person]. Please tell me in plain, simple words: (1) the warning signs of a scam you see, such as urgency, threats, gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, links or asking for codes or passwords; (2) how likely this is to be a scam, without claiming you know for sure; (3) the safe way to check if it is real, using a phone number or website I already trust; (4) what not to do; (5) where to report it if it is a scam. Use short sentences and big-picture steps, like you are talking to a 75-year-old.

Tips and watch-outs

• AI can spot warning signs but cannot confirm a message is real; always check using a number you already trust.
• No real agency or bank asks for gift cards, wire transfers, crypto or one-time codes.
• Report scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and call the bank right away if money was sent.

Review AI output before using it. Don’t paste confidential, customer or patient data into tools your company hasn’t approved.