Cybersecurity is a huge concern for anyone who uses the internet, but it’s even more of a problem for senior citizens. Most people over the age of 40 did not grow up with cell phones or access to the internet. A lack of familiarity with technology, combined with financial security, makes them more likely to be targeted by scammers, and when they are scammed, financial losses are considerably greater. Scams are getting more numerous and convincing every day, and in 2023 individuals aged 60 and older lost more than $3.4 billion in losses due to fraud. But you don’t have to be a victim of cybercrime! These cybersecurity tips for seniors will help you stay safe in this digital age of online scams.
Types of Scams & How To Avoid Them
There are a few types of cyber scams you should be aware of. While this is not a complete list, these are the scams seniors are most likely to encounter. Familiarity with these scams will help you recognize them if you are targeted.
- Phishing. This type of scam involves someone attempting to “phish” information out of you, like your social security number, credit card number, or other personal information. Phishing emails and texts will claim there is a problem with your account and ask you to submit this information to “unlock” your account.
- Avoid phishing scams by never sending any personal information over the internet. Legitimate banks and companies will not ask for this type of information, and will instead ask you to contact them directly. If you are not sure, call the business, person, or organization directly (on a number you find on their official webpage, not at the bottom of an email you receive or a number given to you by the scammer) to verify before giving out any information. No bank will call you to ask for your password. No organization will call you and ask for your social security number over the phone.
- Identity theft. In this scam, someone steals your online identity and uses it to make purchases.
- To prevent identity theft, use strong passwords, password protect your computer and wifi network, enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, and use credit monitoring software.
More Scams
- Romance scams/catfishing. A scammer will create a fake personage or “catfish” and start a relationship with you in order to obtain personal information or money. This is common on dating sites, and can also occur on social media sites like Instagram and Facebook.
- If someone seems “too good to be true” online, they probably are. Meet potential romantic partners in a public place to verify their identity, or at the very least use FaceTime or another video chat option. You may also try researching the person online, and checking their social media profiles.
- Tech support scams. This is where opening a website or application will cause a popup that says your device or computer has been “compromised” and directs you to call a specific number. A fake company may also call or email you with this same premise. This is the most widely reported scam by seniors.
- A word to the wise: your computer will never give you a phone number to call if it detects a virus, and no one is going to call or text you about a virus on your computer. If you suspect a virus, take your computer or device to a local repair shop or retailer and ask an associate to check.
- Lottery/”winner” scams. In these scams, someone will call, text, email, or send you a message on social media letting you know you won the lottery or another type of prize or giveaway. They will ask you to share personal information or pay a fee to receive the prize.
- If you don’t remember participating or entering in this supposed lottery or giveaway, you probably didn’t. If you think it may be valid, call the issuing company directly, via the phone number on their website. A valid website typically ends in “.com” or “.org.”
Even More Scams
- False payment receipts. You may receive an email with an “invoice” for a service you apparently paid for. You’ll notice an email address to email or phone number to call if you have a “problem” with these charges.
- If you receive an invoice for something you don’t remember paying for, check your credit and debit card statements for the company you supposedly paid. If you don’t notice any suspicious charges or payments, just delete the email. If you suspect the invoice may be real, research the company online and call them through a number located on their website, not the one in the email.
- Investment scams. High-pressure salespeople will sell you a fraudulent stock. This is a nuanced and highly lucrative scam. Learn more here.
- Don’t buy any stocks or invest in any companies without going through your stockbroker or financial advisor.
- “Grandchild” scams. In this type of scam, a person pretends to be a grandchild or other relative of a senior citizen, and calls or emails them asking for money. If it is a phone call, they will often say they’ve lost their phone and are stranded somewhere, and are calling from a pay phone.
- If you receive a call, text, email, or voicemail allegedly from a loved one and asking for your help, check that the email address or phone number match the ones you usually use with this family member. If the number or email address isn’t right, it’s most likely a scam. This scam can be convincing. If you are concerned, contact the real loved one, or their parents, siblings, or other family members to verify their story before sending any money. When in doubt, do not send money.
Cybersecurity Tips for Seniors
While scammers get more convincing by the day, it’s still possible to stay safe online. Trust your instincts. If you think it’s a scam, it most likely is. Scammers will often rely on you being in a heightened emotional state, because this limits your ability to make rational decisions. If you are worried, afraid, stressed, or otherwise emotional, take a step back before making any decisions. Allow yourself a one-hour “cooling off” period before revisiting the issue. This can help you realize any red flags that might identify any scams.
When in doubt, never send money over the internet to someone you don’t know and trust. If a scammer is impersonating someone you would generally trust, like a government official, police officer, tech support person, or family member, you can often easily verify their identity by simply checking through official channels. For example, if you receive an email or phone call from a company or government organization, use an internet search engine to find the official phone number for that company or organization, and call them to see if the information being sent to you is accurate. Hang up any phone calls that feel suspicious and call the person back using their official phone number. Don’t respond to texts or emails from numbers or accounts you don’t recognize.
Being aware of the scams that are out there is the easiest way to protect yourself from them. Try to stay current on the most common scams happening today. You can check websites like Snopes, which address current scams and false news articles currently in circulation. These websites fact-check rumors and fraudulent messages. Stay vigilant, and again, if it feels suspicious, it probably is!
How Seniors Can Avoid Scams and Internet Fraud
In conclusion, seniors can protect themselves through scams and internet fraud through education and awareness, and good security practices like strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular monitoring of bank accounts and stock profiles. If you’re ever unsure, talk to loved ones and family members about it before you ever send money or provide personal information to a person over the internet.
Stellar Living hopes these cybersecurity tips for seniors will help you and your senior loved ones. Stay safe out there!
