Helping a relative use their phone with confidence
Patient, practical ways to help an older relative feel more confident with their phone, including common scam warnings and simple security checks.
What to do now
Agree a few basics with the relative you support.
Why it matters
Scams create urgency and embarrassment. A plan agreed in advance, with permission to check anything unusual, works better than advice given after a worrying message.
Initial steps
- With their permission, check their email account has a strong, unique password and two-step verification turned on.
- Agree a simple rule: before following instructions in an unexpected call, text or message, they check with you first.
- Save trusted numbers in their phone — their bank's official number and yours — so a separate check is easy.
- Reassure them that asking for help after a mistake is always welcome. Scammers rely on silence.
Official help
What the full guide will cover
This guide will offer a patient, step-by-step approach to helping an older relative with their phone — covering common scam warnings to talk through together, simple security checks, and how to respect their independence while offering support.
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