Safe & Sound

Be Careful the Voice You Trust - Episode 17

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.

Protecting Seniors From IRS Scams This Tax Season - Episode 16

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 phishing@irs.gov [phishing@irs.gov]. 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. [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 [https://tigita.gov]

New Year, New Scams: Amazon Phishing, Pop-Up Scams & Digital Trust

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.

Joyspan and Digital Safety: Protecting the Conversations that Make Life Good - Episode 14

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 Can Happen to Anyone: Learn How to Fight Back - Episode 13

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.