Tips to Prevent Cyber Crime for Seniors
Cyber crime is serious threat in today’s digital world. Senior citizens tend to be more trusting than younger people and usually have better credit, and more wealth. This makes them more attractive to scammers. A recent report from the FBI stated that adults 60 and over were swindled out of $1.7 billion dollars in the year 2020!
Understanding the tactics scammers use can help protect you from becoming a victim. Here are some of the most common scams used against seniors.
1. Phishing
Criminals have learned how to craft very convincing emails that can appear to have come from your friends or relatives These emails may look innocuous, but they can allow the scammers access to your computer. Once they’ve gained access, they can steal your login credentials or financial information. Some phishing emails will load malware onto your computer which may lock it up. The scammers will then offer to unlock it for a fee. To protect yourself, don’t open any emails that look suspicious in any way and NEVER click on a link or open an attached document from parties you don’t know.
2. Scam Calls
These are calls you may receive stating that there’s some kind of emergency. A relative has been arrested and needs bail money or a loved one needs cash immediately to handle a health crisis. If you receive any such calls, you should hang up and contact the person who supposedly needs the money. Most likely, you’ll find that no such emergency exists.
3. Fake Computer Warnings
You may receive a warning on your phone, tablet, or computer that a virus has been detected. The warning will include a link to click or a phone number to call. The scammers will offer to “fix” the problem, but will need your login information to do so, or they’ll want you to share your screen. Once they’ve gained access, you’ll need to pay them to resolve the fake issue.
4. Friend Requests
From time to time, you may receive friend requests on your social media accounts. These “friends” may be scammers who will try to worm their way into your confidence, then use your personal information for nefarious purposes. To protect yourself here, don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t already know.
5. Final Word
Don’t let all of this scare you. The internet is a powerful tool for keeping in touch with others, handling your finances, and learning new things. Just be cautious and you can protect yourself from becoming a cyber crime victim.
For those who are looking for an active adult community, Cambridge Village offers retirement independent living at its finest. We’ve designed our active retirement communities in Raleigh, Apex, and Wilmington, North Carolina, to embody our Optimal Living® approach. . Our Optimal Living® approach is infused into every aspect of our 55+ communities in North Carolina—from our wellness and fitness offerings to our concierge care. If you would like more information about our communities, or if you’d like to schedule a tour, visit our website or give us a call at any of our locations:
Apex
10000 Cambridge Village Loop
919-249-7612
Brier Creek
7901 TW Alexander Drive
Raleigh, NC 919-737-7000
Wilmington
75 Cavalier Drive
Wilmington, NC 910-756-4189
