Scam calls on a landline: what to do
Scam calls often reach older adults on landlines. Learn the common calls, what to say, and how a parent with no smartphone can still get help.
Last updated November 7, 2026
Many older adults still use a landline or a basic flip phone, and scammers know it. The call can come at any hour, and the number on the caller ID can be faked, so a familiar name or number is not proof.
Calls to watch for
- A "bank" or "fraud department" asking you to move money or read back a code.
- A "grandchild" or "lawyer" with an emergency that needs money now.
- A "Medicare" or "insurance" caller asking for your number.
- A "government" caller saying you owe money or a warrant is out for you.
- A recorded voice that says to press a key to speak to someone.
What to do on the call
- Do not press any key, and do not give any number, code or password.
- Say, "I will call you back," and hang up.
- Call the real number from your card, bill or a family list, not one the caller gave you.
- Tell your family. Write down the number and what was said.
Caller ID can be faked. If it says "Bank" or shows a local number, the call can still be a scam.
Help for a parent with no smartphone
PonchoGuard has a toll-free phone line: (888) 488-1785. Your parent does not need an app. They can press 1 to check a number that called, press 2 to call their family, or press 3 to hear the week's scam warning. The line never says a number is fine, because it cannot know. See the phone line and Landline Guard.
You can also keep a short callback list by the phone, and agree on a family word. See how to help your parent avoid scams.