Easy Scripts & Safety Settings for Seniors: What to Say, Where to Click, and When to Hang Up

Stay calm, stay safe: a quick guide for seniors

Phone and text scams often use pressure, fake caller IDs, or an urgent story to get you to act before you think. This short guide gives simple, ready-to-use scripts you can say out loud, step-by-step settings to enable on phones, and clear actions for reporting and recovery if something goes wrong. Use the scripts to buy time; use the settings to reduce unwanted contact; and report scams so carriers and authorities can block them.

Why it matters: scam calls and smishing (fraudulent texts) remain one of the most common ways older adults are targeted. Don’t trust caller ID alone — scammers can spoof numbers and impersonate real organizations. When in doubt, hang up and call the organization back using a phone number from your statement or the company's official website.

What to say: short scripts that work

Keep replies brief, non-committal, and consistent. Read or print these and keep them near the phone.

• If you don’t recognize the caller: "I don't recognize this number. Please send information in writing. Goodbye."
• If someone claims to be from a bank, government agency, or utility: "I’ll call you back using the number on my statement or the company's website." (Then hang up and call the official number.)
• If someone pressures you for immediate payment: "I don’t pay people by gift card or wire transfer. Goodbye." — (Gift‑card payment requests are a known red flag.)
• If someone claims a family emergency: "I’m going to call them right now." — then hang up and call the family member on a number you already have. Optionally use a prearranged safe word with family to verify emergencies.
• Polite exit line if you need time: "I need to check this with my family / bank. I’ll call you back." — then hang up and verify independently.

Why these scripts help: they refuse to give data, remove urgency, and force the caller to prove themselves (which scammers usually won’t do). If a caller keeps pushing or tries to guilt you, hang up immediately.

Where to click: easy phone settings to block and filter calls and texts

Modern phones and carriers include built‑in protections. Turning these on reduces nuisance calls and keeps dangerous calls out of earshot.

iPhone (iOS)

1. Open Settings > Apps > Phone. Turn on Silence Unknown Callers or choose Screen Unknown Callers / Ask Reason for Calling so unknown numbers are screened or sent to voicemail. Live call screening features also exist on newer iOS versions.
2. In Settings > Apps > Messages turn on Filter Unknown Senders to move messages from unknown numbers to a separate list and avoid tapping unknown links.

Android / Google Pixel

1. On Pixel phones use the Phone app's Call Screen (Call Assist / Automatic Call Screening) to have Google Assistant ask the caller who they are and why they’re calling; review the transcript before you pick up. Automatic screening options are available on many Pixel models and Android phones with Google's Phone app.
2. If your phone shows a spam label ("Scam Likely," "Potential Spam"), let it go to voicemail. Do not press buttons or say anything to opt out — that can confirm your number is active.

Carrier tools (what to enable with your wireless provider)

• T‑Mobile Scam Shield: free Scam ID and Scam Block to flag or block scam calls and report suspicious numbers. You can enable Scam Block in the T‑Life app or via account tools.
• AT&T ActiveArmor: free ActiveArmor mobile security with auto fraud call blocking, spam text filtering, and routing unknown calls to voicemail once you install the app.
• Verizon Call Filter: Verizon offers network and app‑based spam detection (Call Filter) and an optional paid upgrade for more features; install the Call Filter app or manage spam settings in My Verizon.

Quick tip: add family, your doctor, bank and any trusted numbers to your Contacts so legitimate calls aren’t silenced or filtered. If a wanted call is blocked, you can mark it as "Not Spam" later.

When to hang up, how to report, and what to do if money or data was given

Hang up immediately if a caller:

• Threatens arrest or legal action unless you pay right now.
• Asks for payment by gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or preloaded cash apps.
• Presses for remote access to your computer or for account passwords or 2‑factor codes.

How to report suspicious texts and calls:

1. Forward scammy texts to 7726 (SPAM). This notifies your carrier so they can investigate and block the sender. Don’t reply to the original message.
2. Report fraud to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov (this helps track trends and connects law enforcement). Also consider filing with the FCC or your state Attorney General if the call is harassment or widespread.
3. If money was sent: contact your bank or payment service immediately (Zelle, Venmo, credit card company). Report to local police and to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) if appropriate; save records of the call, message, and any receipts.

Recovery checklist (if you shared account info or paid):

• Contact your bank/credit card issuer and ask to reverse or freeze transactions where possible.
• Change passwords and enable two‑factor authentication on affected accounts (but never share 2FA codes with callers).
• Place fraud alerts on credit reports and review recent statements for unfamiliar charges.
• Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline for guidance, especially if you’re a senior who lost money.

Final note: no reputable agency will demand payment by gift card or ask you to transfer money immediately; no legitimate support technician will ask you to give control of your computer over the phone. Use the scripts above, enable the phone and carrier protections, forward suspicious texts to 7726, and report to the FTC — these simple steps remove urgency, reduce risk, and help authorities stop repeat offenders.