The internet has become an integral part of our everyday lives. The incredible convenience it offers makes it a wonderful tool for staying connected with friends, family, and current events. However, there exists a dark side to the internet—the existence of scams.
While the internet offers a mosaic of benefits, we can keep ourselves safe online by:
- Improving our digital literacy
- Using strong passwords
- Verifying authenticity
- Using security software
Why Online Scammers Target Older Adults
According to a report from the FBI, in 2020 alone, over 105, 000 seniors in the United States fell victim to online scams, resulting in losses exceeding $1 billion. This illustrates how a growing number of older adults are being targeted by cybercriminals.
In the past, scammers relied primarily on mail or phones to deceive people. As communication technology has evolved, so have the tactics of scammers.
Today, the anonymity of the internet and using sophisticated techniques provide the perfect landscape for these fraudulent activities.
Older adults are attractive targets for online scammers for several reasons:
- They’re often perceived as financially stable and having more savings, investments, and assets.
- They may not be as familiar with digital security measures, leaving them more vulnerable to manipulation.
- They can be more trusting and polite, such that scammers exploit their empathy for others.
Common Online Scams
Being aware of common scam patterns can be the first step in protecting yourself online.
Scammers often use similar tactics to deceive people, such as creating a false sense of urgency or offering something too good to be true.
Recognizing these patterns allows you to assess the legitimacy of online interactions and avoid falling into uncertain territory.
Phishing Emails
Phishing scams usually arrive via email, claiming to be from reputable institutions such as banks, healthcare providers, or government agencies.
They often contain links that lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information like bank account details or Social Security Numbers (SSNs).
The red flags to watch for include:
- Email addresses that don’t match the institution’s standard format.
- Generic greetings instead of personalized content.
- Spelling errors or unusual formatting.
- Requests for sensitive information like SSNs or passwords, which legitimate institutions would never ask for via email.
Tech Support Scams
Scammers will pose as tech support from well-known companies, claiming they’ve detected issues with your computer, and offering to fix it for a fee by requesting payment via untraceable methods like gift cards.
Always be wary of unsolicited calls or pop-up messages claiming to be from tech support, as legitimate companies rarely ever contact users this way.
Romance Scams
These scams prey on the emotional vulnerability of those seeking companionship.
Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media platforms and build relationships with victims over time. Once trust is established, they fabricate emergencies and request money.
Be mindful of:
- Requests for financial aid, often after a short period of contact.
- Inconsistencies in personal stories.
- Unwillingness to meet in person or over a video call.
Investment Scams
Scammers often offer “too-good-to-be-true” investment opportunities through unsolicited emails or messages. Generally, information about the investment or company is unverifiable.
Scammers promise quick, high returns with minimal risk to entice victims into transferring funds under pressure to act fast.
How to Protect Yourself Online
While online scams come in many forms, recognizing fraudulent patterns is one of the first steps to protecting yourself. Fortunately, we can use a range of strategies to keep ourselves safe.
Improving Digital Literacy
Understanding the basic principles of digital security is necessary for safeguarding personal information online.
Enrolling in digital literacy classes offered by community centers or online platforms can enhance your knowledge of recognizing and avoiding scams. These classes often cover topics like identifying phishing attempts, securing personal devices, and spotting fraudulent activities.
Use Strong Passwords
Creating strong, unique passwords for different accounts is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access. Write these passwords in a notebook and store them in a safe place to refer back to, or if you need to update passwords.
Passwords should be at least twelve characters long and include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a secondary verification method, such as a text message code or authentication app, alongside the password.
This measure confirms that unauthorized access to online platforms can be prevented if the password is breached.
Verify Authenticity
Remain cautious about sharing personal information online unless you’re absolutely sure of the recipient’s identity and intentions.
Never reveal sensitive details such as SSNs, banking information, or passwords via email or phone. Legitimate financial institutions and government agencies never ask for this information through insecure channels.
Before taking any action, verify the source.
If an email or phone call seems suspicious, directly contact the institution or company involved using official contact information from their website.
Phishing attempts often use addresses with slight misspellings or unusual formats. Hovering over links to see the actual destination before clicking is another practice that can help avoid phishing traps.
Avoid clicking on pop-up links or downloading unknown files, as this can lead to malware infections or data theft. Always be cautious of clicking links from unknown sources.
As a general rule, use safe websites and avoid using public Wi-Fi. Scammers can set up fake Wi-Fi connections to steal personal information.
Use Security Software
Installing reputable security software on devices is a proactive way to protect against online threats.
These programs can detect and block malicious websites, scan for viruses, and provide real-time protection. Regularly updating software confirms it can effectively counter new and evolving threats, providing peace of mind while browsing the web.
Keep Connected
Staying connected through digital platforms is a great way for families and friends to keep in touch. To remain safe online, be mindful of these common scams and implement these security measures.Our community at Seascape at Naples recognizes the importance of digital literacy for our residents. Connect with us to learn more.
