Have you heard of, or been the target of, an online scheme? Of course you have!
- Warning! Your Account Has Been Locked
- Fake Government Threats From the IRS or FBI About Your Misdeeds
- Alleged Problems With Your Bank Account with “Vishing” (voice phone hacking)
- Demands For An Extended Car Warranty
- Text Message Scams (“Smishing”)
- Online Dating or Sweetheart Scams
The potential list is much longer than the one above, but with the number of cyberattacks and scams increasing over the pandemic, we must be diligent to protect ourselves and our elders. A detailed online article is available through Berkeley
You will learn not only to recognize the warning signs, but also how to protect yourself by changing your passwords and using strong passwords, contacting your credit bureau and banks, asking for support if you need it, scanning your system for malware, disconnecting your device so malware does not spread, being careful about giving away information, noticing odd emails and avoiding the “too-good-to-be-true” offer.
With respect to assisting older online users, they recommend, “If you want to help your older relatives stay safely connected online during these difficult times, make a point to offer your support. Set aside an hour or two to talk through online safety protocols with your family member, explain the risks they face online and point out a few common red flags that they might need to look out for.” You can use the article as an excellent launching point, and since your elders took such good care of you, isn’t it time you return the favor?
