A call from the bank. A message from someone claiming to be a son or daughter with a new number. A technician asking for personal details. For an older person, a convincing request from someone who appears trustworthy can be difficult to judge.

Protection should not mean asking older relatives to become cybersecurity experts. Families can make technology simpler, reduce unnecessary exposure and agree a few rules that are easy to remember.

Common digital scams targeting older people

1. “Mum, this is my new number”

A message appears to come from a child or grandchild and quickly turns into an emergency involving money. A good family rule is to call the person back using the number you already had saved, not the new one.

2. The fake bank call

Caller ID is not proof that a call is genuine. If someone claiming to be the bank asks for passwords, codes or urgent action, hang up and contact the bank independently using its official number.

3. Fake texts and emails

Messages about blocked accounts, parcels or urgent verification often try to push people towards a link. Do not use an unexpected link to sign in or provide banking details.

4. Fake telecare services

This is particularly unpleasant because it exploits a service associated with safety. Spain's National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) has documented a case in which a senior was called by someone asking about her telecare “red button” service and then requesting personal and banking information for a supposed new charge.

AI makes impersonation harder to spot

Voice cloning and deepfakes mean that recognising a familiar voice may no longer be enough. A simple family password or private question can provide an additional check when a call involves an urgent request for money or information.

7 simple family rules

1. If someone rushes you, stop.
2. Never share passwords or security codes by phone.
3. Do not tap unexpected links in texts.
4. If a relative writes from a new number, call the old number.
5. If the bank calls, hang up and call the bank yourself.
6. Do not let an unexpected “technician” into the home.
7. If in doubt, call someone you trust.

What if we simplify the technology too?

This is one of the questions behind Mamá Lola. For a very old person, repeatedly deciding whether an unfamiliar caller, message or screen is legitimate can become an unnecessary burden.

Mamá Lola is designed around family, simplicity and known, authorised people. No technology can eliminate fraud completely, but we can reduce exposure and remove difficult decisions.

Simple technology. Family close by.

Mamá Lola is designed to make family communication easier and more protected for older people.

Discover Mamá Lola

Official sources

This guide draws on scam warnings and real cases published by INCIBE and the Bank of Spain, including impersonation by phone and SMS, phishing and the documented fake telecare-service case.