Staying Smart in a Digital World: Protecting Yourself From Scams

It’s harder than ever today to tell if that email, text, or phone call is for real or from someone trying to steal your money, personal information, or both. The internet has surely transformed the way we live, bringing convenience and access to information to our fingertips. However, it is important to recognize that, while a wonderful resource, it also presents risks, particularly for seniors who may not be familiar with the ever-changing landscape of scams and fraud. It’s important to understand the dangers and take steps to protect yourself from tricks and lies.

The Rise of Scams

In today’s high-tech world, scammers have found seemingly endless ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. Whether it’s through phone calls, emails, text messages, or in-person interactions, scammers use cunning tactics to trick even the most vigilant among us. Falling victim to a scam does not reflect personal shortcomings; it serves as a reminder that scammers are adept at using our trust and emotions for their own gain.

Common Scams

Phishing: Phishing scams involve fraudulent attempts to obtain personal information, such as usernames, passwords, or credit card details. Scammers often pose as banks or government agencies, through emails, messages, or phone calls, urging recipients to disclose sensitive information.

Tech Support Scams: In these scams, fraudsters impersonate technical support representatives and contact seniors, claiming that their computers have viruses or technical issues. They then persuade the victims to provide remote access to their devices, leading to unauthorized access and potential financial losses.

Investment Fraud: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities promising high returns. Always research and consult with a trusted financial advisor before investing.

Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams: Scammers lure seniors by informing them that they have won a substantial prize in a lottery or sweepstakes, requesting payment of fees or taxes to release the winnings. Remember, legitimate lotteries do not ask for money upfront.

Romance Scams: These scams prey on individuals seeking companionship online. Scammers create fake profiles on dating websites or social media platforms, gradually building trust before requesting money for various reasons, such as travel expenses or medical emergencies.

Grandparent Scams: In grandparent scams, the scammer pretends to be a grandchild or a law enforcement officer, claiming that the grandchild is in trouble or facing legal issues. They convince seniors to send money immediately to help their loved ones, exploiting their emotions and desire to protect their family.

Government Impersonation Scams: Scammers call seniors, pretending to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare. They may threaten arrest or loss of benefits if immediate payment or personal information is not provided. Remember, government agencies do not make calls demanding payment or personal information.

Robocalls: Scammers use automated calls, including the infamous “Can you hear me?” scam, where they record the victim’s voice saying “yes” to use it fraudulently. Other robocalls may offer to lower credit card interest rates or settle credit card debt, while some target seniors with phony Medicare insurance offers.

Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers can manipulate caller ID to display a fake number or name, making it appear as if the call is from a legitimate person, business, or agency.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

1. First and foremost, immediately hang up on any odd calls, do not open any emails that look suspicious, and do not reply to unrequested offers via text or email.
2. In the case of emails, check the domain name (located after the @ symbol in the sender’s email address). If it doesn’t match the company or person supposedly sending it, don’t open it. You can verify by hovering your mouse over the name of the sender.
3. Maintain a healthy skepticism towards unexpected emails, messages, phone calls, or visitors. Verify that the requests are legitimate before sharing personal information or making financial transactions.
4. Never share sensitive details, such as social security numbers, bank account information, or Medicare numbers, unless you initiated the contact with a trusted organization.
5. Create strong and unique passwords for all online accounts, including a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols or punctuation marks. Start with a lengthy password of at least 12 characters to increase complexity. Avoid using easily guessable information such as birthdays or common words. Instead, opt for random combinations or use a passphrase that combines unrelated words. Regularly updating passwords and avoiding reuse across different platforms further enhances security. Consider using a reliable password manager to keep track of your credentials securely.
6. Utilize reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices to protect against potential online threats. Regularly update your software and operating systems to ensure you have the latest security patches.
7. Be cautious with financial transactions. When making financial transactions or donations, do so through trusted and secure channels. Avoid sharing financial information with unknown or unverified individuals or organizations.
8. Stay informed about common scams by regularly researching and reading reputable sources. Familiarize yourself with the red flags, tactics, and warning signs that scammers employ, both online and offline.

How to Report Scams

We hope that you never need this information, but, as posted on usa.gov, there are many ways to report a scam.  They advise:

“Collect information like email addresses, receipts, and phone numbers associated with the scam. You will need these items when filling out a report.

Start by contacting your state consumer protection office. If you’ve lost money, possessions, or other personal and valuable information, call your local police department.

Visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the scam online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC works to protect consumers and offers tips to help safeguard personal information.

If your information was stolen, such as Social Security number, credit card, or bank details, go to IdentityTheft.gov. You can take specific steps to protect yourself depending on what information was lost.

Place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert is a free service to keep you aware of the activity on your account and can make it harder for an imposter to open more accounts in your name.”

Conclusion

While technology brings great convenience and opportunities, it is important to approach it with caution. Scams and fraud can occur in many ways, both online and offline, and to anyone of any age. By maintaining awareness and continuously seeking knowledge, you equip yourself with the most powerful shield against scams, allowing safe navigation through both the internet and the world at large.