Scammers Are Stealing Thousands From Christian Seniors: How to Protect Your Family Before It Is Too Late

Protecting Our Elderly Loved Ones From Devastating Phone Scams and Smishing Attacks

Seniors across America are being targeted by an alarming wave of text message scams known as "smishing," and the financial toll is devastating. One widow recently lost $20,000 to scammers, prompting her daughter to seek guidance on protecting her elderly father from the same fate.

Chuck Bentley, CEO of Crown Financial Ministries, addressed the growing crisis in a recent column. He outlined how scammers exploit seniors through fake bank alerts, phony package delivery notifications, fraudulent account verification requests, and even romance scams targeting isolated individuals.

Legitimate organizations never demand personal information or immediate action through text messages.

Chuck Bentley, CEO of Crown Financial Ministries

The threat has only intensified with artificial intelligence. According to Forbes, AI now enables scammers to scale their attacks, customize messages based on user behavior patterns, and launch multi stage hybrid campaigns combining audio and text fraud.

Bentley urged families to take practical steps: install spam blocking applications, verify sources independently, enable biometric phone security, sign out of financial apps after each use, and report suspicious messages to carriers and authorities.

Suspicious texts can be forwarded to 7726 (SPAM), reported through messaging apps, or filed as complaints at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Bentley also pointed to Scripture for wisdom, referencing Proverbs 2:6 8 and Matthew 10:16, encouraging believers to remain shrewd and guarded.

Senior Citizens Losing Thousands to AI Powered Smishing Scams: What Every Christian Family Needs to Know

Common scam tactics include impersonation of the IRS and Social Security Administration, fake employment offers, low interest credit card promotions, student loan payoff assistance, and prize or lottery notifications that require personal details. Each of these schemes is designed to create urgency and panic, pressuring seniors into acting before they think.

The core strategy Bentley recommends is simple: pause before responding, avoid emotional reactions, and always consult a trusted family member or friend before taking any action on unexpected messages.

The Crusader's Opinion

We have a sacred duty to protect those who raised us in the faith. When scammers target our elderly parents and grandparents, they are preying on the most vulnerable among us, and Scripture is clear about how God views those who exploit the vulnerable. These are not victimless crimes. Behind every stolen dollar is a senior who trusted, who believed the best in someone, who grew up in a world where a handshake meant something. The church must step up. If we cannot protect our own families from digital predators, we have failed in the most basic commandment to honor our fathers and mothers.

Take Action

• Talk to your elderly family members this week about smishing scams. Walk them through their phone settings and install a spam blocking app together.
• Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (SPAM) and file complaints at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Visit Crown Financial Ministries for faith based financial guidance and elder protection resources.
• Share this article with your church small group or Bible study to raise awareness among families with elderly members.
• Support ministries protecting vulnerable communities. Consider donating to The Shepherd's Shield to help defend those in need.