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My mom, 78, mild dementia. Spends a lot of time scrolling Facebook and recently started purchasing random items. Mostly from scam sites. I have had conversations (weekly) with her and explained not to click on random sites, but she doesn't remember doing it. She lives in FL and I am in Boston. I monitor her email that is how I see all these purchases. She is an iPhone user. I have removed any saved CC from her phone, set time restrictions on certain sites, set don't allow for app store purchases. Short of taking CC away or phone I don't know what to do. Has anyone dealt with this or have any suggestions? Thank you

Since she lives with your dad I would sit him down and explain the situation and if possible take her CC away and get her phone locked down.
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Reply to JustAnon
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I like Slartibartfast's solution.

FYI if you are not her financial DPoA or guardian, or at least joint on her bank accounts, then she will still have the ability to do an end run around you and get a new CC (if she still drives and can get herself to a store). If you are not her PoA and she doesn't have one... this needs to happen soon.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Reasoning with a person who has dementia is a waste of time. They don't understand, they won't remember, and it's pointless. Her brain is broken.

You're doing the best you can, but her dementia is advancing, and it's time for more serious measures. Others have given you some good ideas, so check them out, and good luck.
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Reply to Fawnby
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Does your mom live alone?
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Reply to JustAnon
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lizzie9151 Jun 29, 2026
No, she lives with my dad, but he is not technically savvy, but he is very helpful and supportive.
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Can you replace mom's debit/credit card with one designed for elders that you control? My mom believed her credit card was always getting "hacked" when in fact it was her giving away the numbers constantly. I told her to cancel it and let me give her a new "hack proof" card which was actually a card from True Link that I controlled. It still took a little trial and error to get all the right purchase types/sites/stores blocked but ended up being worth the effort.
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Reply to Slartibartfast
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lizzie9151 Jun 29, 2026
This is a great idea and didn't realize they made such cards. I will absolutely look into True Link. Thank you very much, :)
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