Help secure a child’s or elderly relative’s accounts

The very young and the older members of the family are common targets. A calm sit-down to set up a few basics protects them without taking over their independence.

1. Start with the email account, since it resets everything else, and give it a strong unique passphrase.
2. Set up a password manager for them so they do not have to remember or reuse passwords.
3. Turn on two-factor authentication on email, banking, and any social accounts.
4. Set or confirm recovery options, and agree on a trusted contact who can help if they are locked out.
5. Talk through common scams — fake bank calls, prize texts, urgent grandchild messages — so they recognise the pressure tactics.
6. Keep IDCARE (1800 595 160) handy as the number to call if something goes wrong, and check in periodically.