How to Prepare Your Family for Scams, Emergencies, and the Unexpected
As much as I’d love to keep my head firmly in the sand, the older I get, the more I realize that being prepared isn’t optional. Scams are getting sharper, emergencies happen without warning, and loved ones I care about have been victims of fraud. That changes how you look at things. I get scam texts and emails all the time, and while they’re sometimes obvious, others are clever enough to make you pause. It’s not pleasant to think about, but it feels even worse not to.
I’m not approaching this from a place of fear. I simply want my family to have a plan so they’re not scrambling if something happens. It’s the same reason I carry insurance or make sure the car has gas before a long drive. These little safeguards give me peace of mind, and they may one day protect the people I love.
Here are a few of the measures I’ve put in place, and some I am still working on. You may already do many of these, but if not, consider this a gentle nudge.
Online Safety Habits
Scammers thrive on panic. If an email or text feels urgent or threatening, I remind myself to pause. No legitimate company will punish you for hanging up and calling back.
Text Scam
Here’s an example of a scam text I receive regularly. You can see that it went out to a large group of people’s phone numbers. If you click this link, you are opening your phone to the scammers who can steal your information. Don’t even be tempted to text back…just delete and label junk. And no, Amazon will never text you about a recall, but I’ve gotten several texts that claim just that.
Email Scam
Here’s a common type of email scam I get regularly. No, I did not order anything from this company, so I was immediately suspicious. When you check the sending email, you see a nonsensical email that is not associated with Intuit.
Here is another McAfee scam email…notice the email sender. The email said the email came from me to me. When I clicked on the sender’s email, I saw this [email protected]. A clear scam.
An Apple Email Scam
Another email scam claims that my iCloud storage is full and that I will lose my photos and videos. When you click the “Payment Declined” sender at the top of the email, it shows the sender’s email, which is not iCloud. Delete and label spam.
Some simple rules I live by:
- Never click on links in suspicious emails or texts.
- Use two-factor authentication when I can.
- Don’t recycle the same password for everything.
- These sound obvious, but in the moment, it’s easy to forget.
A Family Code Word
This is one of the simplest but smartest things you can do. Pick a word or phrase only your family knows and use it if something feels off.
Imagine you get a phone call from someone claiming to be your grandchild, panicked and needing money right away. AI can now copy people’s voices perfectly, so you can’t tell it’s not your loved one. Scammers prey on that instant emotional reaction. Instead of rushing, you can ask for the code word. If they can’t give it, you hang up.
I also like the idea of using it in everyday situations. If I’m out somewhere and something feels uncomfortable, I could text the word to my husband or my daughter. They would know it means I need help without me having to explain anything.
It takes all of five minutes to set up, but it could save a lot of heartache.
Keep Important Papers Accessible
I’ve learned through the years how impossible it is to make quick decisions without access to documents. Insurance information, medical cards, and powers of attorney. It all matters when time is short.
Now I keep a folder in a safe place with copies of things my family might need: IDs, prescriptions, medical information, and even bank contacts. A fireproof safe or fireproof folders are ideal, but I also tell my husband exactly where it is. There is no sense in organizing if no one else knows how to find it.
Share Health Information
I have a list of my medications and allergies with me in my purse, and my daughter has a copy as well. Phones now let you set up an emergency medical ID that first responders can access even if your phone is locked. It takes a few minutes to fill out, and it could make a difference if you are unable to speak for yourself.
Click here for directions on how to set up the emergency medical ID on an Iphone if you have one.
If you take several prescriptions or see multiple doctors, give someone you trust a list. When stress is high, small details are easily forgotten.
Talk About Financial Safety
Financial scams target older adults, like us, constantly. Teaching your loved ones to slow down and double-check before sending money is critical.
My husband and I agreed that we will never move money, send gift cards, or share account details based on a call, text, or email. If we are ever unsure, we call the company back on a number we know is real.
Passwords and Technology
Everything requires a password, and I don’t want my loved ones locked out if something happens to me. At a minimum, your spouse or adult child should know how to get into your phone, email, and bank accounts if necessary.
I keep a written list in a safe place along with instructions for my phone and email. Password managers are great if you are comfortable with them, but even an old-fashioned list is better than leaving people in the dark.
If you’re looking for a book to keep all of your passwords in one place, you may want to try this one for under $20!
An Emergency Call List
When something happens, time is everything. Create a simple contact tree that lists who should be called first, second, and third. For example, if you are unwell and cannot call for help yourself, your spouse may call one child, who then calls siblings and extended family.
This keeps communication clear and avoids confusion. You don’t want important information to get lost or for family members to hear different versions of the same story.
Have a Plan for Natural Disasters
Depending on where you live, this could mean hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, or earthquakes. Talk with your family about what to do if you need to evacuate or shelter in place.
Keep an emergency bag with basics like water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, and a phone charger. Know where you will go if you cannot stay in your home. Even if you never need it, having a plan will help everyone feel more secure.
A Few Final Thoughts
Preparing for scams, emergencies, and the unexpected isn’t exactly cocktail-party conversation, but ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. I’d much rather spend my time thinking about shoes or lipstick shades, but the truth is, having a plan keeps me calmer.
These little safeguards don’t take long, and they could spare my family from a whole lot of chaos one day. I’d rather roll my eyes at yet another scam text than scramble in a crisis. What about you…are you already set up, or is this one of those “I’ll get around to it” things on your list?
This information is so important. Everyone needs to be informed about how to keep their information safe. My employer has provided training for all employees regarding email scams in particular, and over all Internet safety. Thanks for sharing this essential information.
I just received the Amazon scam email today. I went to Amazon and googled items I purchased with safety recalls and, of course, nothing popped up. Thank you for your diligence in educating us!
That was a very important and useful column. Lots of great ideas and reminders if we haven’t done of those things yet. I particularly liked the idea of a family code name in case of emergency or suspicious activity. Thank you.
I had my Amazon account hacked and they ordered an Apple computer. Very quickly my account was shut down and deleted. I had to change my email, and put it in my husbands name. I lost all my past history but they caught it. Another I always get is a bank fraud FaceTime phone call telling me someone is using my account. Banks don’t do that. They promise to get you your money back through Venmo. Be careful. As far as your alerts I get the same ones. 🥰
That’s awful Connie! I have double authentication to log into my Amazon account. I hope that helps.
Excellent info….thx for reminders. And examples were helpful.
Your new glasses are sooo flattering. Love that sweater. And please share your new hair routine, products. It sure looks good.
That picture of you is absolutely stunning. Not on topic, but I just had to say so.
Thank you!
Apple has a form you can complete to give one person access to all your Apple devices in the event of your death or incapacity. I’ve given that access to my son so that he can use any of my contacts and other information he may need without needing my passwords.
I didn’t know that. Thanks Ruth.
I forward scam e-mails to the phishing department of the organizations – or print copy off and send to a company’s fraud department – also send printed copy to our govt fraud department that does investigations of scams. Company’s want to get on top of scam e-mails.
Hello!
This comment doesn’t have anything to do with scams; however I have to tell you….after your Gap fitting room try on I ordered the brown “cashmere like” wide leg pants. I have to say when I took them out of the pkg yesterday I thought, oh I didn’t know they’d be like sweatpants! But tried them on and I love them! The petite is the perfect length and they look so polished. I can hardly wait for the weather to get cool enough to start wearing them. So, thank you. I don’t think I would have picked these up in a store to try on (don’t know how many years it’s been since visiting a Gap store) but now I will once in a while. Just one more reason why I so enjoy your fitting room try ons.
I’m so happy top hear that! I was delighted at what I found in the Gap.
Thank you for all the useful information! I get spam email daily and texts often. ☹️
You look great in the red and those eye glasses!!
What an important post! Thank you! I’m in my late 70s and so far have been okay. But you reminded me that I need to share our ‘family word’ with my grandkids now that they’re young adults. And maybe my sister too since I’m a widow. You just can’t be too careful these days!
A classic scam to me is an urgent message I get about an account or service -Netflix, Amazon, Paypal…- coming to me via Text message or an email address that is not the email address I use for that account.
Just the other day I got a text from “Social Security” with a scary message about my account. I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t text message when I deal with Social Security. That’s an automatic “delete now” for me.
Exactly, Rose
These are excellent solutions to the scam problem. Thank you for posting. I love your clear glasses frames. Where are they from? I’m looking for a new style.
These are Peepers from here.
Hi Jennifer – This is a great reminder for all of us – the scammers are relentless. Too bad they don’t put their energy toward getting an honest job. The other thing I do is report the scam email or text – either to the company they are misrepresenting, or the FTC. I don’t know if it does anything but it certainly makes me feel a little better.
lol, yes they could get a job. Imagine that!
Jennifer, these are great tips! And speaking of password logbooks, peterpauper.com offers them in some nice designs and colors for $8.99!
Such great reminders. I attended a seminar recently and their advice to slow down and even walk away from your computer for a break if you feel unsure. Think if it like when you 1st learned to drive. Go slow and be extra cautious. But if you happen to fall victim, just lock down everything as you’ve suggested. All our info is on the dark web for a cheap price anyway.
You look fabulous in your photo today!!
The dark web is a scary place for sure. Is anything private anymore?
A family code word is a great idea and worked for us. My mother was called by someone pretending to be my daughter, saying she was in jail and needed bail money. My mother said it did sound like my daughter. She asked the person for our code word and the person promptly hung up!
Thank You for a very comprehensive article. I get all those scam texts and emails that you highlighted. Straight to delete and junk. Sometimes I’ll forward to Amazon fraud, but I always hover over sender and find the strangest email addresses…..
Yes I’d rather talk fashion & make-up. Your hair looks great with the side part…
Jennifer: Excellent post. I would add the need to keep your information/lists/documents current — especially Medical Directives. Selective individuals may no longer be cognitively able to make the decisions on your behalf, especially as we all age.
Thank you. Very helpful tips. Off topic, the red sweater & red lip in your photo are very flattering. As is your hair style and clear frames. Stunning!
Thanks!