The Internet enables us to reach out to the world, beyond where we live. It’s a wonderful resource for information, social interaction, and just plain fun. However – while the Internet serves as a very helpful tool – there are people who are well-versed in using it to deceive and manipulate us. Cyber security is more important now than ever, with hackers and scam artists sending messages that cause us to consider sharing information we shouldn’t normally share, taking our money and even our identity.
These scammers often target older adults, because they tend to be trusting, polite, often have some financial savings, and are less likely to report fraud.
The Senate Special Committee on Aging reports that scammers cheat seniors out of approximately $3 billion annually.
What Are Some of the Scams?
Here are some of the most common scams for 2021, according to Consumer Fraud Reporting.
Identity Theft, Phishing and Pharming. A major tactic for scammers is to obtain confidential information, like your Social Security number or your date of birth, and then use it to apply for credit cards, loans, and to access financial accounts. Sometimes victims receive an email that seem to be from a bank or credit card company, with links to a website and a request to update account information. To strengthen your cyber security, don’t update your information unless you are sure you know what it is.
Internet purchase scams. You ordered something online but did not receive it, it was defective, or it was not what it originally claimed to be, and you cannot return the item or get your money back.
Fake prizes. You are notified that you have won a prize, and you only have to pay a small fee to cover handling costs. The prize doesn’t exist.
Facebook “fake friend” scam. You receive a Friend Request on Facebook from someone you already thought was your Friend. If you hit “Accept,” you may friend a scammer who will use the online relationship to convince you to send him or her money.
Click bait scam. These schemes use celebrity images, fake news, or sensational stories to get you to click on them. By doing so, you download malware (intrusive software designed to damage and destroy computers). Scammers use malware to extract your data to use later for financial gain.
Tech support scam. You get a call or a pop-up on your computer claiming to be from Microsoft (or Norton or Apple) about a problem on your computer. You are told if you give “tech support” access to your hard drive, they can fix it. Instead, they use the access to steal your personal information.
Scam text messages. You receive what seems to be a text alert from your bank requesting you confirm information or reactivate your debit card by following a link on your smartphone. This is just another way that hackers steal information.
How to Protect Yourself from Scammers
There are many ways to limit the access that scam artists have to your personal and financial information, and improve your cyber security. For example:
Don’t respond to unfamiliar emails. Never respond to an email that asks for personal information like your address, phone number, or credit card information. Additionally, never click on a link in an unfamiliar email.
Avoid “free gifts.” Scammers create these types of ads or emails. The vacation giveaway is a bait-and-switch tactic to get you to provide personal information.
Use strong passwords. A strong password is at least 12 characters long, using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Sometimes the website or email requires a strong password, and sometimes not. But make sure you use a password you will remember, or write it down in a secure place that you won’t forget!
Beware of being rushed. If you are encouraged to “ACT NOW!,” it’s from someone who doesn’t want you to think too long about what you are asked to do. Scammers often use this tactic to rush you into a costly mistake.
Limit what you share online. Scam artists monitor social media sites like Facebook. Adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your information. Don’t share your location (even if you are on vacation). Scammers are very adept at using any information you supply. The more people learn about you—your birth date, grandkids’ names, etc.—the more likely it is that they could hack your password or answer your security questions.
Watch out for quizzes, games, and other apps that require your personal information. Even personal preferences like what restaurant you like or where you shop can be useful information to scammers.
What You Can Do
Use cyber security software. Find a source of security software for your computer. Install it and keep it up to date. Be suspicious of security updates from pop-up ads or emails – they could be malware, which is defined as any software intentionally designed to cause damage to a computer, server, client, or computer network. Consider contacting a computer professional to ensure you are adequately protected.
Seek family support. Adult family members and grandchildren who are computer savvy can advise you if something online seems suspicious.
Stay up to date on technology news and advice for seniors on our blog: https://bethesdahealth.org/blog/category/technology/
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