How can I protect elderly relatives from financial fraud and elder scams?

Older adults are heavily targeted, and losses can be devastating. Set up practical guardrails: put a credit freeze in place at all three bureaus, which is free under CFPB rules, so no one can open credit in their name. Consider a trusted-contact designation on their bank and brokerage accounts, and ask the bank about transaction alerts and any holds on large or unusual transfers. Talk openly about common scams, the IRS impersonation call, the grandparent emergency scam, and romance and tech-support fraud, so recognition beats surprise. Agree that any urgent request for gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto is always a scam. Simplify their finances and review statements together periodically. Report suspected elder fraud to the FTC and Adult Protective Services. Early, judgment-free conversations do far more than cleanup afterward.