Bảo vệ người cao tuổi khỏi lừa đảo: Vai trò của gia đình và cộng đồng - Chongluadao.vn

International studies and crime prevention practices all indicate that: Filtering technology only addresses the symptoms; the care of family and the support of the community are the most effective "immune barriers" to help the elderly resist sophisticated scams.

In the context where scammers are taking advantage of the situation. Many scams target the elderly., Let's explore with Anti-Fraud the importance of the "double shield" created by family and community to protect older adults from increasingly sophisticated scams.

Article table of contents hide

1. The role of the family: The first line of defense.

1.1. Establishing "technical barriers"“

1.2. "Mental vaccine" therapy“

2. The role of the community: A safety net and visual education.

2.1. Interactive media organization

2.2. Building information "access points"

2.3. A network of "neighborly watch"“

The role of the family: The first line of defense.

Children and grandchildren should not only provide financial support but also become "technical advisors" and "psychological experts" for their grandparents and parents.

Establishing "technical barriers"“

Elderly people often have difficulty with settings, so their children and grandchildren need to proactively implement passive protection measures on their devices.

Clean the equipmentInstall antivirus software and reputable spam call/message blocking applications (e.g., TrueCaller, Whoscall...).
Account security:
Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for Zalo, Facebook, and Email.
Change your password regularly and use a strong password (avoid using birthdates or easily guessable phone numbers).
ImportantSet low transfer limits on your banking app (e.g., maximum 5-10 million VND/day) to minimize losses if you are hacked.
Passive monitoringRegister for balance change notifications via your children's phone number (with their consent) to promptly detect any unusual transactions.

"Mental vaccine" therapy“

Regularly updated ("Repeat injection"): During meals or phone calls, recount recent scams reported in the news. Analyze clearly: "Why did the victim believe it?", "What did the scammer say?". This storytelling method helps the elderly remember better than dry instructions.
Create a non-judgmental environment.Encourage grandparents to share any suspicious calls. Most importantly, make a commitment: "If they are ever scammed, we will work together to resolve the issue, not blame them." This helps eliminate the fear and tendency to hide things when they happen.

The role of the community: A safety net and visual education.

Neighborhood groups, the Senior Citizens' Association, the Women's Association, and other mass organizations need to change their methods of dissemination from "reading texts" to more visual, lively, and relatable forms.

Interactive media organization

The "Theatrical" model: Instead of rigid meetings, organize short skits (30-60 minutes).
- Content: Recreating typical scam scenarios (impersonating police officers, selling miracle cures, etc.).
- Actors: These are members of the senior citizens' association or the youth group.
- Effectiveness: Seeing a scam scenario firsthand helps NCT members easily visualize and identify it when faced with a real-life situation.
Experience-sharing session: Invite people who have received scam calls (and have been vigilant enough to escape) to share their stories. "Real people, real stories" are always the most persuasive.

Building information "access points"

Distribute promotional materials at hotspots frequently visited by the elderly:

Handout: Print the code of conduct.“5 Don'ts – 3 Dos”"Large letters and clear colors for distribution at neighborhood meetings.".
Posters/Plates: Displayed at community cultural centers, ward health stations, residential area bulletin boards, traditional markets, and especially at bank/post office counters.

A network of "neighborly watch"“

Promoting the culture of "community spirit and neighborly solidarity," neighborhood groups should pay special attention to elderly people living alone or without family support.
Neighbors are encouraged to keep an eye out for strangers frequently visiting the homes of elderly people, or for elderly people exhibiting signs of anxiety, or making unusual withdrawals from banks.