How to Prepare Your Family for Scams, Emergencies, and the Unexpected

Online Safety Habits

Scammers thrive on panic. If an email or text feels urgent or threatening, I remind myself to pause. No legitimate company will punish you for hanging up and calling back.

Text Scam

Here’s an example of a scam text I receive regularly. You can see that it went out to a large group of people’s phone numbers. If you click this link, you are opening your phone to the scammers who can steal your information. Don’t even be tempted to text back…just delete and label junk. And no, Amazon will never text you about a recall, but I’ve gotten several texts that claim just that.

Email Scam

Here’s a common type of email scam I get regularly. No, I did not order anything from this company, so I was immediately suspicious. When you check the sending email, you see a nonsensical email that is not associated with Intuit.

Here is another McAfee scam email…notice the email sender. The email said the email came from me to me. When I clicked on the sender’s email, I saw this [email protected]. A clear scam.

An Apple Email Scam

Another email scam claims that my iCloud storage is full and that I will lose my photos and videos. When you click the “Payment Declined” sender at the top of the email, it shows the sender’s email, which is not iCloud. Delete and label spam.

Some simple rules I live by:

• Never click on links in suspicious emails or texts.
• Use two-factor authentication when I can.
• Don’t recycle the same password for everything.
• These sound obvious, but in the moment, it’s easy to forget.

A Family Code Word

This is one of the simplest but smartest things you can do. Pick a word or phrase only your family knows and use it if something feels off.

Imagine you get a phone call from someone claiming to be your grandchild, panicked and needing money right away. AI can now copy people’s voices perfectly, so you can’t tell it’s not your loved one. Scammers prey on that instant emotional reaction. Instead of rushing, you can ask for the code word. If they can’t give it, you hang up.

I also like the idea of using it in everyday situations. If I’m out somewhere and something feels uncomfortable, I could text the word to my husband or my daughter. They would know it means I need help without me having to explain anything.

It takes all of five minutes to set up, but it could save a lot of heartache.

Keep Important Papers Accessible

I’ve learned through the years how impossible it is to make quick decisions without access to documents. Insurance information, medical cards, and powers of attorney. It all matters when time is short.

Now I keep a folder in a safe place with copies of things my family might need: IDs, prescriptions, medical information, and even bank contacts. A fireproof safe or fireproof folders are ideal, but I also tell my husband exactly where it is. There is no sense in organizing if no one else knows how to find it.

Share Health Information

I have a list of my medications and allergies with me in my purse, and my daughter has a copy as well. Phones now let you set up an emergency medical ID that first responders can access even if your phone is locked. It takes a few minutes to fill out, and it could make a difference if you are unable to speak for yourself.

Click here for directions on how to set up the emergency medical ID on an Iphone if you have one.

If you take several prescriptions or see multiple doctors, give someone you trust a list. When stress is high, small details are easily forgotten.

Talk About Financial Safety

Financial scams target older adults, like us, constantly. Teaching your loved ones to slow down and double-check before sending money is critical.

My husband and I agreed that we will never move money, send gift cards, or share account details based on a call, text, or email. If we are ever unsure, we call the company back on a number we know is real.

Passwords and Technology

Everything requires a password, and I don’t want my loved ones locked out if something happens to me. At a minimum, your spouse or adult child should know how to get into your phone, email, and bank accounts if necessary.

I keep a written list in a safe place along with instructions for my phone and email. Password managers are great if you are comfortable with them, but even an old-fashioned list is better than leaving people in the dark.

If you’re looking for a book to keep all of your passwords in one place, you may want to try this one for under $20!

An Emergency Call List

When something happens, time is everything. Create a simple contact tree that lists who should be called first, second, and third. For example, if you are unwell and cannot call for help yourself, your spouse may call one child, who then calls siblings and extended family.

This keeps communication clear and avoids confusion. You don’t want important information to get lost or for family members to hear different versions of the same story.

Have a Plan for Natural Disasters

Depending on where you live, this could mean hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, or earthquakes. Talk with your family about what to do if you need to evacuate or shelter in place.

Keep an emergency bag with basics like water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, and a phone charger. Know where you will go if you cannot stay in your home. Even if you never need it, having a plan will help everyone feel more secure.

A Few Final Thoughts

Preparing for scams, emergencies, and the unexpected isn’t exactly cocktail-party conversation, but ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. I’d much rather spend my time thinking about shoes or lipstick shades, but the truth is, having a plan keeps me calmer.

These little safeguards don’t take long, and they could spare my family from a whole lot of chaos one day. I’d rather roll my eyes at yet another scam text than scramble in a crisis. What about you…are you already set up, or is this one of those “I’ll get around to it” things on your list?