Safe & Sound

Medicare scams can sound surprisingly convincing — and knowing the warning signs can make all the difference.This episode takes a closer look at Medicare and health insurance scams targeting older adults.One conversation can help prevent a costly scam. Listen to the latest episode and share it with an older adult, family member or caregiver in your life.

Codes are keys. Keep them private.A verification code may come from your real bank, email provider or favorite online service. The person asking you to share it could still be a scammer.Our latest Safe & Sound podcast episode explains how these scams work, the warning signs to watch for and what to do if you accidentally share a code.

A scam can start with a scroll. A friendly message, familiar-looking ad or too-good-to-be-true post can be the first step in a costly social media scam.

This episode of Safe & Sound shares simple ways older adults and families can pause, verify and stay protected before clicking, responding or sending money.

AI voice-cloning scams are becoming more convincing — and more personal. In this episode, we break down how these scams work, why older adults are often targeted, and what families can do to stay protected.

From urgent “family emergency” calls to simple steps like creating a safe word, this conversation offers practical tips every family should know.

Listen now and share with someone you care about. One conversation can help prevent a costly scam.

Scammers ramp up tactics early in the year, often impersonating the IRS to create fear and urgency.

We are covering the most common IRS-related scams:✅ “Quick refund” emails with suspicious links✅ Fake “tax-deductible” charity requests (especially ones asking for gift cards)✅ “Help setting up your IRS account” schemes designed to steal personal infoRemember: The IRS will not call, text, email, or DM for personal info.Rule #1:Forward suspicious emails or phone numbers claiming to be from the IRS to [email protected]. Do not open attachments or click links.Rule #2:File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission through the FTC Complaint Assistant at FTC.gov.Rule #3:Report the scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration—TIGTA—at 1-800-366-4484 or visit Home | U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration OIG  https://tigita.gov

January is high season for scams—and older adults are often the most targeted and the least protected.

In our latest Safe & Sound episode, we discuss:

🔐 The rise of Amazon “Update Your Account” phishing scams

⚠️ Tech support pop-ups that trick seniors into giving remote access

🧠 The mindset scammers exploit—and how to counter it

As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, solutions designed for seniors—not retrofitted—are essential to maintaining independence, dignity, and safety in a digital-first world.

Dr. Kerry Burnight, gerontologist and New York Times bestselling author, joins us for the latest episode of Safe & Sound!

Dr. Burnight—longtime advocate for older adults and former Chief Gerontologist at GrandPad—joins us to explore how her Joyspan framework can complement conversations around digital safety for seniors.

Because staying safe online isn’t just about avoiding scams—it’s about protecting autonomy, connection, and joy.

Learn how to expand your JoySpan while keeping yourself and loved ones safe in our tech-driven world.

Fraud is evolving fast — but so are the tools to stop it. In Episode 13 of Safe & Sound, we’re joined by Jay Haapala from AARP Minnesota, who shares expert tips on spotting scams and recovering from fraud.Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones — and why you’re never alone when facing a scam.

From stolen devices to hacked accounts, a data breach can feel overwhelming. But you can take back control.

In this episode, we break down the essential steps to take immediately after a breach and help you build digital resilience.

Whether you're tech-savvy or just starting to learn, this episode will give you the tools to respond quickly, confidently, and calmly.

Before you book that next vacation getaway, make sure you're not packing a scam in your suitcase. In this episode, we uncover how fraudsters target older adults with too-good-to-be-true vacation deals—and how to stay one step ahead.

In this episode of ⁠GrandPad’s ⁠Safe & Sound podcast, learn how to spot fake travel websites, protect personal info on public Wi-Fi, and avoid red flags like payment requests via gift cards.

Stay safe, travel smart, and share this with someone who needs to hear it.