How do you protect from phishing emails, hoaxes and other scams?

My husband was recently diagnosed with MCI, but I've known things were "off" for quite a while. To limit our vulnerability to email scams, I asked my husband to check with me before clicking on ANYTHING in an email. It took a while, but he is finally doing that. I haven't berated him for mistakes but rather warned repeatedly of the safety issue. He's always been very safety conscious, so that works for us. Now he asks me if I think something might be fishy before doing anything else. Good luck to you!

Good point about the credit card info. He’s always been brilliant with security issues so I’ve never thought about it. I don’t THINK so, but this bears more investigation. Thank you!

As I, like you, became concerned about email scams and solicitation for money I put his email account on my iPhone and laptop also. I had access with his password. Each morning before he is up I review his inbox erasing scams and solicitations. Whenever possible I unsubscribe from these or delete to junk. I may check again during the day, it only takes a second. After a few months of this a lot less of concern showed up in his email. He has not noticed any difference and we are more secure. So many adjustments to make as a caregiver, may all go well for you and

Thank you for your answer. I shall do the same. I want to not sound “preachy” so will think for a bit to find the right words. I’m glad this worked so well for you and I hope it will for us as well!

This is brilliant! I do the same with the “snail mail”…stop at the recycle bin on my way back in the house so we don’t try different companies than the reliable ones we’re loyal to…thos offers always sound too good to be true for a reason! :). Thanks for this suggestion.

Yes, excellent to review the mail too. Many years ago I also cared for mother with Alzheimers and before we realized what was happening to her, she fell for mail scams sending off small checks and leading to phone calls with further solicitations. Happily we became aware before any real. damage was done to her assets. As well a reviewing mail, we had to. change her phone number two times to stop the calls. This all happened while she was still living on her own.

Changing his phone number is something we’ve discussed, and may end up doing. Thank you for sharing your experience! It helps so much hearing from you and others in similar situations.

Another help- I set up the online apps on my phone for my husband's two credit cards, setting up text notifications to be sent to my phone of any expenditures over $1.00. Was a HUGE help to catch and quietly stop questionable purchases from telemarketers and online shopping. We had frozen our credit years ago when that info was hacked from the Big Three agencies- that's given me peace of mind too- he can't be talked into opening more credit cards or agreeing to a loan.

I've set up notifications for credit card expenditures as well, as you say gives peace of mind and easy to do.

I get so many phishing emails; I have a conditioned reaction. Most of the time I delete them without opening them. If it’s one I’ve never seen, out of curiosity I look at the sender’s email address, usually so ridiculous, DELETE. Never open their files, never call their phone number. If you are concerned it may be legitimate, a bank or business looks up the number from a legitimate source. If you bank online check your accounts regularly. I like the auto pay ones that say we’re having a problem with your credit card, if it’s not corrected immediately, we will have to close your account. Right, I’ll just call you, give you my credit card number and security number, problem solved. Common sense and that gut feeling is all it takes; the paranoia will soon disappear.