A digital safety checklist for parents and grandparents

Scammers target older relatives because they are polite, trusting and often alone at the moment of the call. A shared family routine is the strongest defence.

Agree these together

1. The pause rule. Any call about money, arrest or "blocking" gets a ten-minute pause and a call to a family member.
2. No OTP, PIN or CVV, ever, to anyone, including "the bank".
3. Save key numbers: bank helpline, 1930, and two family contacts, on the home screen.
4. Set transaction limits on UPI and cards to a comfortable daily amount.
5. Turn on alerts for every debit, by SMS and app.
6. Install apps only from the official store and never from a link or APK sent on chat.
7. Use a family code word for emergency money requests from "a relative".
8. Ask for help early. Reporting quickly is never embarrassing.

Explain it as a team routine, not as distrust. The goal is confidence, not fear.

Senior citizens can also call Elderline 14567 for guidance and support.