Guest post by Cecil Taylor

My mother-in-law, Ruth, answered the phone to hear a quivering voice on the other end of the line. “Grandma?” he said.

“Anthony?” she asked. “Is that you?”

“Yes, Grandma, it’s Anthony. I’m in trouble, and I need your help. And please, don’t tell my parents!”

The caller described how a Mexican vacation had gone wrong, he had been arrested, and he needed bail money. That’s how the first $5,000 was stolen.

More calls followed, describing complications on exiting Mexico with requests for more money to be wired. Ruth and her husband, Russell, had already delivered $17,000 and were visiting the bank to send more when the teller asked why they were making so many withdrawals. She flagged it as possible fraud. With a call to us, Anthony’s parents, Ruth was able to sadly confirm that she had, indeed, been scammed.

Scams abound these days. Seniors are among the most susceptible. Isolated and eager to help, they can often be easily convinced. In the scenario above, Ruth had been immediately drawn in and had given too much information by saying her grandson’s name.

As caregivers, we would like to be present with our senior loved ones when they encounter fraud, but it’s not always possible. However, we can find different resources to educate them. And now there is new software, written by a teen to help her grandfather, that can truly supplement our caregiving.

The Shield Senior app has four components:

1. Education – Seniors can learn how to recognize scams and develop strong passwords.
2. Chatbot – Designed for older adults, it answers their questions clearly and concisely.
3. Evaluation – An AI tool allows users to upload text or email messages for fraud analysis. It also advises on how to spot such scams in the future.
4. Reporting – Only 20% of seniors report fraud attempts. The tool allows easy reporting so others can benefit from their experiences.

Shield Senior is finishing the app but is allowing early adopters to try the working model. Learn more at ShieldSeniors.com.

By the way, Ruth was savvier when another grandson called and said, “Hi, Grandma.” She responded with a sharp, “Who is this?” He exclaimed, “Good job, Grandma!”

But test everything; hold fast what is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (ESV)

Editor’s Note: Neither Cecil Taylor nor Tracy Crump are affiliates of Shield Seniors.

Through his ministry, Cecil Taylor teaches Christians how to live a seven-day practical faith. To that end, he writes and delivers original books, videos, podcasts, blogs, and more. He also writes for Chicken Soup for the Soul and Guideposts. To learn more, visit Cecil Taylor Ministries and Unison Parenting.

Tracy Crump dispenses hope in her award-winning book, Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness (CrossLink Publishing: 2021). A former intensive care nurse, she cared for her parents and her mother-in-law and understands both the burdens and joys of caregiving. Her devotions have been featured in Guideposts books, The Upper Room, and many other publications, and she has contributed 28 stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul® books. She also conducts writing workshops, produces a newsletter for writers, and does freelance editing. But her most important job is Grandma to five completely unspoiled grandchildren.