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CNBC reports that older Americans have been scammed to the tune of $3 billion annually. But what is the best way to help seniors avoid scams? Vigilance!

First, be aware of the threats seniors face from criminals and scammers. Identity theft is on the rise especially from computer programs. If you have aging parents, they could fall victim to the many of the sophisticated attempts to get personal information.

Second, help your parents avoid the traps by making them aware of the threats.Talk to them about what they should and shouldn’t reveal to strangers asking for personal information.

8 tips to help seniors avoid scams

Add their names to “Do Not Call” registry

Register their telephone numbers (both home and mobile phones) with the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov. You can opt out of unwanted telemarking calls or fraudulent solicitations. Tell your parents only to share their personal information with trusted people.

Add privacy settings to mobile phones

Check the privacy settings on their mobile phones. Help them set up memorable passwords to protect their information.

Review bank and credit card statements

If you have a durable power of attorney, or if your parents let you, review their credit card and bank account statements for fraudulent or unwanted charges.

Know who has access to them and their home

Monitor people who have frequent, direct access to your parents. Find out who has a key to their house. Make sure any caregivers have proper background checks. Verify the credentials of financial planners or advisors.

Shred personal information

Invest in a shredder. Encourage your parents to shred junk mail, old bank statements or checks receipts with their credit card numbers, and any documents that they don’t need but show their social security number.

Warn them about scams

Warn your parents about scams you are hearing about so they can avoid them. Tell them to never give out their social security number, account numbers, PIN numbers, or passwords to people on the phone. Try not to make your parents paranoid but keep them aware of potential scams.

Use the Better Business Bureau

Check with your local Better Business Bureau to verify a business is legitimate. The website for the Better Business Bureau has a scam search feature you can access at bbb.org.

This article has been excerpted from Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation: How to Help Your Parents and Protect Your Kids. Catherine Hodder, Esq., writes about estate planning issues for the Sandwich Generation at www.HodderInk.com.