Family safety
Create a family safe word
AI can copy a voice from a short recording. A safe word is the simplest way to know a call is real.
Scammers now use AI to make a call sound exactly like a grandchild, a son, or a daughter in trouble. The voice can be convincing. What they can't copy is something only your family knows.
How to set one up
- Pick a word or short phrase that is easy to remember but would never come up by accident, like “blue pancakes.”
- Share it in person or on a call you started yourself, never by text or social media.
- Agree on the rule: if someone calls asking for money or help in a hurry, ask for the safe word.
- If they can't give it, hang up and call that person back on the number you already have.
Tip: Never post your safe word online, and change it if you think someone else has learned it.
AI in 3 minutes
How to ask AI a good question
AI tools give much better answers when you tell them a little about what you need.
Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot answer in plain language. The trick is to ask the way you would ask a helpful neighbor: with context.
Five habits that help
- Say who it's for: “I'm 72 and new to smartphones…”
- Say what you want: a short list, simple steps, or an explanation.
- Give the details: the name of your phone, the app, or the exact message you see.
- Ask for simple words: “Please explain without technical terms.”
- Ask follow-up questions until it makes sense. You can't wear it out.
Tip: AI can be wrong. For health, money, or legal decisions, check the answer with a professional or an official website.
Device confidence
Three phone settings worth checking today
A few minutes in your phone's settings can block many scam calls and keep you safer.
1. Filter calls from unknown numbers
On an iPhone, open Settings, then Phone, and turn on “Silence Unknown Callers.” On most Android phones, open the Phone app, tap the three dots, then Settings, and turn on “Caller ID & spam protection.” Real callers can still leave a voicemail.
2. Turn on automatic updates
Updates fix security holes. On an iPhone: Settings, General, Software Update, Automatic Updates. On Android: Settings, then System or Software update, and allow automatic updates.
3. Add emergency contacts
Your phone can show emergency contacts and medical information even when it's locked. On an iPhone, open the Health app and set up Medical ID. On Android, search Settings for “Emergency information.”
Tip: Menu names differ a little between phone models. If you get stuck, ask a family member or bring your phone to one of our free device-check events.
Money watch
Urgency is a warning sign
Scammers rush you so you don't have time to think. Slowing down is your best protection.
Warning signs
- You must act right now, or something bad will happen.
- You're asked to pay with gift cards, a wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app.
- You're told to keep it secret, even from your family or bank.
- The caller claims to be the government, your bank, or tech support, and calls you first.
What to do
- Hang up or don't reply.
- Call the company or person back using a number you already trust, such as the one on your card or statement.
- Talk it over with someone you trust before sending any money.
- Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Tip: No real government office or bank will ever ask you to pay with gift cards.
Healthy independence
What fall-detection devices can and cannot do
Fall-detection watches and pendants can bring help faster, but they work best as part of a plan.
What they do well
- Sense many hard falls and call for help automatically.
- Let you press a button to call for help yourself.
- Share your location with family or a response center.
Their limits
- They can miss slow, sliding falls, like slipping out of a chair.
- They only work when worn and charged, including in the bathroom, where many falls happen.
- Some need a phone signal or Wi-Fi to call for help.
Tip: Test your device once a month, keep it charged, and make sure family knows what happens when it sends an alert.
