Mahnaz Pourian, Home Instead®, Coolidge, Ariz.
Technology provides a great way to stay connected with family and friends, get access to news and entertainment, and simplify tasks like banking and scheduling appointments. But online activity can open us up to scams. What’s more, scammers are particularly adept at targeting older adults. That’s why it’s so important for seniors to feel empowered when going online. Understanding best practices and signs of phishing, fraud, and other online scams goes a long way to help boost confidence.
While new scams are perpetrated every day, the most common are those that attempt to create a sense of urgency around sensitive information, which is why older adults are often targeted by criminals for tax-related scams. Other cons regularly aimed at older adults include fake sweepstakes, tech support fraud, and imposters pretending to be a grandchild in distress in need of financial support.
In fact, a survey by Home Instead, Inc., revealed that two-thirds (67%) of U.S. seniors online have been the victim or target of at least one common online scam or hack. This is why older adults are encouraged to take the following precautions to protect themselves:
Share with care. It’s easy to get caught up in social media and lose sight of the personal details we are making public. While sites like Facebook and Instagram can be a convenient way to stay connected with family and friends, especially during COVID-19, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and avoid sharing non-critical information (like your location). Consider adjusting privacy settings to limit who has access to the profile content.
Think before you act. Communication that creates a sense of urgency, such as an email asking for money, is likely a scam. Scammers can get access to personal information by prompting you to click links in the emails they send. If something appears out of the ordinary, it’s best to just delete it or reach out directly to the company or person to determine if the email is legitimate.
Beef up security. Locking all devices (computers, tablets, and cell phones) with a strong, secure password can add a second line of defense. Consider mixing in letters, numbers, and symbols and leaving out easy-to-guess information, such as name or birthdate.
Use security software. Installing antivirus software from a reliable source can add an extra layer of protection to online devices. Be wary of security updates from pop-up ads or emails, as these may be malware (malicious software) that could infect your device. It’s important to remember that no software is infallible. Log out of apps and websites when you are done using them.
Contact an expert. It’s natural to feel unsettled after being the target of an online scam. However, seniors must realize that it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s critical these incidents are reported to the proper authorities to provide support and to alert others who may be impacted in the future. If you do find yourself or your loved one affected by a scam, reach out to a trusted source, such as a family member or a tech-savvy friend, for guidance.
Home Instead seeks to provide seniors and their loved ones with the necessary tools and resources to better protect themselves online. To learn more, visit www.ProtectSeniorsFromFraud.com for additional tips or call your local Home Instead office at 520-426-3902.
For more information about Home Instead, contact Mahnaz Pourian at 520-426-3902 or go to www.homeinstead.com.