Learn to recognize suspicious calls, fake bank messages, phishing emails and online scams. AgeHelper offers calm, one-on-one technology lessons and practical security-setting help for older adults in their Austin homes.
Schedule a Digital Safety Visit ($50/Hour)Education and consumer technology support, not 24-hour monitoring or guaranteed fraud prevention.
Fraud attempts can look and sound convincing, even to experienced internet users. We focus on specific warning signs, independent verification and easier-to-use device settings, without fear-based promises.
Scammers can spoof bank phone numbers, imitate official logos and create urgent stories about accounts, Medicare, deliveries or a relative in trouble. Even a familiar-sounding voice may be imitated. A good habit is to end the contact and verify independently.
We use examples and practice scenarios in plain English so the resident can feel comfortable saying, “I will contact the company myself.”
If someone is pressuring you to transfer money, share a one-time code or allow remote computer access, stop the conversation before taking the requested action.
AgeHelper does not operate an emergency fraud hotline. If an incident is in progress, take appropriate immediate steps with your bank, service provider or emergency authorities rather than waiting for a home visit.
We adapt each visit to the resident’s phone, computer, accounts and daily routines. The goal is to make suspicious situations easier to recognize and safer to handle.
Learn to recognize fake invoices, package tracking links, bank account alerts and requests to confirm passwords. We demonstrate how to open the legitimate company app without trusting a link in an unexpected message.
We explain fake bank calls, government impersonation, Social Security threats and why a local Austin number may be spoofed. On supported phones, we review call filtering and scam text settings without promising that every unwanted call can be blocked.
We help organize account security options, explain unique passwords and password managers, and discuss recovery codes and authentication apps. The resident enters credentials privately. We do not require passwords to be shared or stored in an unsecured notebook.
Practice responding to a page that says “Your computer is infected—call this number.” We explain why a website warning is not automatically a real antivirus alert, and show how to avoid granting remote access to an unexpected caller.
We review suspicious friend requests, fake charity appeals, relationship requests for money and impersonated family accounts. With permission, we explain available privacy and message settings on supported platforms.
We help build a small checklist for uncertain messages: stop, verify through a known source, then decide. You can contact AgeHelper about arranging further technical help, but we do not promise instant or around-the-clock scam verification.
A caller may pretend to be a grandchild who needs bail money or urgent help. We can practice calling the relative through a known number and checking with another family member before sending any money. A familiar voice alone is not enough.
We explain why requests to pay “fines,” unlock accounts or protect money through gift cards, cryptocurrency or unexpected wire transfers are major warning signs. We cover where to seek official help if a transfer has already happened.
A calm, practical visit focused on your concerns, with changes explained before we make them. The resident stays in control of accounts, passwords and family access.
We ask whether the problem involves suspicious calls, unexpected charges, pop-up warnings, confusing email or social media contacts. We do not ask for sensitive account details in the initial contact form.
With the resident’s permission, we examine appropriate phone, email, browser or account settings. We can review security updates, notifications, filtering and supported multifactor authentication options.
We walk through realistic examples of fake payment requests, suspicious links and impersonated calls. We repeat the steps as needed and discuss how to verify through a known, independent source.
We can leave large-print reminders describing safe next steps, useful official websites and trusted family contacts. We avoid writing down personal credentials or sharing information without authorization.
Adult children may live in another city or state and want their parent to feel more confident online. We support the resident’s independence and privacy while helping families communicate about common scams.
We can help simplify everyday decisions: which number to call, which message to ignore, how to confirm a payment request and how to report something suspicious. Settings and instructions are explained at a comfortable pace.
We do not guarantee that future scams can be prevented, and we do not monitor the resident’s messages or bank accounts.
With the resident’s informed consent, we can suggest an independent family verification routine, such as calling an existing saved number before acting on an urgent request. We explain account-sharing risks and encourage clear, owner-approved boundaries.
Any family communication or access is based on the resident’s permission. Our service does not replace legal, financial or professional care planning.
$50/Hour
Patient, non-medical technology lessons and basic security-setting help in Greater Austin. Visit duration depends on the devices and topics covered. Software, outside professional services or other costs are separate. Contact us to discuss scheduling and any potential additional charges.
Ask About a Home Safety LessonExplore related AgeHelper services for common scam-related device concerns and everyday computer or phone security.
Answers about scam calls, suspicious messages, password security, support for older parents and AgeHelper visits in Austin.
Hang up without sharing account details, passwords or verification codes. Use the number on the back of your bank card, an existing statement or the official banking app to contact the institution yourself. A familiar caller ID is not proof that the caller is genuine.
Yes. Caller ID can be spoofed to display a familiar name or number. Do not confirm sensitive information during an unexpected call. Contact the real organization using contact information you obtained independently.
Watch for pressure to act immediately, unexpected payment requests, unfamiliar links, attachments and requests for login or verification codes. A professional-looking logo is not proof of authenticity. Open the known official app or website yourself instead of using the message link.
Stop and independently contact your relative through a known phone number or another trusted family member. Scammers can impersonate family members and may imitate voices with AI. Do not send money merely because the caller sounds familiar or demands secrecy.
No. Phone spam filters, browser protections and email settings can reduce some unwanted contact but cannot block every scam. We help configure supported settings, review limitations and practice how to verify unexpected messages.
We do not require you to disclose passwords to us or enter them into our contact form. We can explain password managers, unique passwords, multifactor authentication and secure recovery methods. If you prefer a written record, we discuss how to store it privately and safely rather than leaving credentials exposed.
We offer scheduled, non-medical in-home digital safety lessons with the resident’s consent. We can demonstrate scam warning signs, review device settings and help create an independent verification plan with approved family contacts. We do not monitor accounts, provide 24-hour fraud response or guarantee protection.
No. You can contact us to discuss booking technology help or asking a general question, but immediate availability and real-time verification are not guaranteed. If money, accounts or personal information have already been exposed, contact the bank, service provider or appropriate authorities promptly.
Contact the company or financial institution that processed the payment immediately, explain that it was a scam and ask whether a reversal or refund is possible. Keep receipts and transaction details. Report the incident to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov; recovery is not guaranteed.
Stop communicating with the person and disconnect the affected computer from the internet. From a trusted device, change exposed passwords and contact your bank if relevant. Arrange a device security review because uninstalling a remote access app alone may not remove every risk.
No. AgeHelper provides consumer technology education, basic account-setting guidance and non-medical in-home assistance. We do not investigate crimes, guarantee recovery of stolen funds, manage investments, give legal advice or replace a professional incident response team.
AgeHelper’s advertised rate is $50 per hour in Greater Austin. Visit length depends on the number of devices, accounts and topics you want to cover. Software or other services are separate. Contact us to confirm scheduling and possible additional costs before booking.
Discuss practical scam-prevention lessons, phone or email settings and everyday account safety with a local technology helper.