My mom has dementia and I’m really worried she’s being scammed. What should I do?

December 2025

You’re right to pay attention. Dementia can make it harder to spot red flags, and people with memory or thinking changes are often targeted. The goal is to protect your mom and her dignity at the same time.

Start by getting a clearer picture of what is happening, without blaming her. Offer to “get organized together” and quietly review bank and credit card statements. Look for things like new subscriptions, unfamiliar charities, frequent gift card purchases, or cash withdrawals in round numbers.

Next, set a few simple rules together. For example: she does not give out personal or banking details over the phone, does not buy gift cards for callers, and tells unexpected callers, “My daughter/son handles these things now.” You can even write a short script and keep it by the phone.

In the background, strengthen protections. Ask the bank about alerts for unusual transactions, lowering credit limits, or adding you as a trusted contact. If you see clear fraud, call the bank or card company right away to report it and ask about reversing charges. An elder care attorney can help you think about tools like a durable power of attorney so you can step in more fully as needed.

Most importantly, try to keep her involved in the conversation so she feels supported, not controlled. You will not be able to prevent every mistake, and that is okay. Start with a few concrete steps to lower the risk and build from there. Even small changes can make a big difference in keeping both your mom and her finances safer.

Each month, Dr. Marc Rothman, our CEO and a seasoned geriatric expert, addresses your concerns, providing practical advice and compassionate solutions to the challenges faced by those caring for loved ones with dementia. Whether you’re looking for strategies to manage daily care routines or need clarity on medical aspects of dementia, Dr. Marc is here to help. Join us to explore his responses to community questions and submit your own queries to deepen your understanding and enhance your caregiving journey.

If there’s a question you’d like to ask Dr. Marc send it to us.