The tactics used to scam seniors are becoming more and more creative. But, luckily, law enforcement is catching up to these criminals. Recently, three scam artists who posed as family members in need of money were caught and will be sentenced in October. These scammers made phone calls to their victims, preying on their fears by saying they were in danger or in jail. Then, they would ask the seniors to gather cash before sending a courier to collect it.
According to the Department of Justice, these scam artists were able to steal more than $350,000 from fourteen Rhode Island seniors. But now that they’ve been caught, these seniors can sleep a little easier knowing that these criminals are behind bars.
If you’re ever in doubt about a phone call from a family member, hang up and call them back at a number you know to be safe. You can also ask a friend or neighbor to come over so you’re not alone while you verify the story. And, of course, never give out personal information or money to someone you don’t know.
It’s important for seniors to be aware of the many scams that exist. Unfortunately, scammers often target seniors because they may be seen as more vulnerable. These scams against seniors can take many forms, from email and phone scams to identity theft.
Common Scams Against Seniors
The Department of Justice has put together a guide to some of the most common scams that target seniors. These include:
Family Imposter scams: In this type of scam, a con artist pretends to be a family member or friend in need of money. They may even go so far as to create a fake email account or social media profile in the name of the person they’re pretending to be.
Romance scams: With this scam, the con artist creates a fake online dating profile and gains the trust of their victim. They may even send flowers or other gifts. Once they have gained the victim’s trust, they will ask for money.
Tech Support scams: In this scam, the scammer will call or email their victim pretending to be from a tech company like Microsoft. They will then claim that the victim’s computer has a virus and offer to fix it for a fee.
Knowing how to spot these scams is the first step in protecting yourself. If you are contacted by someone who you think may be a scammer, do not give them any personal information. Hang up the phone or delete the email. You can also contact your local law enforcement to report the scam.
Scam calls come in many forms. Scammers might pretend to be a loved one or acquaintance, might use the ruse of an emergency, or might act as a government employee to gain the trust of their marks. One scam that is on the rise in recent months is actually a spin on an older con: acting as a Social Security employee.
How to Spot This Social Security Scam
How does this scam work? The con artists tell their potential victims that someone is trying to open bank accounts in their name. In order to stop this from happening, they’ll say, the victim needs to download an app on their phones. This app will allow the supposed Social Security or IRS employee to remotely access their phone.
By remotely accessing the phone, the scammer can access passwords and accounts. They might ask their victim to transfer money into a different account. According to NBC 2 News, one Florida woman had the scammer ask her to transfer money into Bitcoin—luckily, a fraud alert came up before she was able to complete the transaction.
Stay safe from scams by screening calls. Know that government employees will not contact you over the phone and ask for information or money. And, of course, follow The Seniors Center Blog on Twitter and Facebook so you never miss an update.
We’ve all gotten calls from strangers claiming to be from the IRS or a “free” vacation. But how can you tell if a call is really a scam?
Sample Scam Calls
AARP has recently released a report detailing seven calls that they logged on their Fraud Watch Network Helpline. Reading through these examples can help you learn more about the ways that scammers try to trick people.
Here’s a few of their examples:
Medicare number requests: Be very careful about giving away your Medicare number. Scammers will often call pretending to be from Medicare and say that you need to verify your number for tests or benefits.
IRS imposters: These scammers will call and say that you owe money to the IRS and need to pay immediately or face consequences. They may even threaten to arrest you if you don’t pay.
Energy companies: Scammers will sometimes call pretending to be from an energy company like Con Edison or PSE&G. They’ll say that you need to pay your bill immediately or your service will be shut off.
As you read through these examples, see if you can spot the red flags. Was the caller asking for personal information? Were they threatening you with arrest or disconnection?
If you get a call like this, don’t panic. Hang up right away and report it to the FTC or your local police department. And remember, you can always say no to unsolicited calls.
Phone calls, emails, and even in-person visits used to be the only way scammers could try to trick people out of their money. But with the rise of social media, scammers now have a whole new way to target their victims.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide scammers with a gold mine of information about potential targets. They can learn your interests, your family and friends, and even your daily routines. This information can be used to create believable scams that are much harder to spot than the more traditional methods.
The Most Common Social Media Scams
The FTC reports that more than one in four of those who reported a scam said they were contacted through social media. And the scams are only getting more sophisticated.
A few of the most common types of social media scams include:
Crypto scams — Have you heard the buzz around investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies? Scammers are using social media to promote fake investments, often promising high returns with little or no risk. Just remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Romance scams — This is one of the most common types of social media scams, and it can be devastating. Using a fake profile, scammers will start a relationship and then ask for money, often for a bogus emergency.
Online shopping fraud — Ever ordered something online and it never arrived? Scammers are using social media to promote fake online stores and websites. You might purchase an item, but you’ll never receive it.
The best way to protect yourself from social media scams is to be aware of them. The Seniors Center Blog can help you stay up-to-date on the latest scams. If you’re contacted by someone you don’t know, be cautious about giving out any personal information. Always get a second opinion before making any financial decisions, and consider talking to a trusted friend or family member before taking any action.
Looking for more information on how to stay safe from scams? Follow The Seniors Center on Twitter and Facebook today for a safe social media community!
When looking for a new apartment, it’s important to be aware of rental scams. Unfortunately, many scammers target seniors specifically because they may be more trusting or less familiar with the internet and modern technology.
How Apartment Rental Scams Work
According to AARP, apartment rental scams typically follow a similar pattern:
The scammer finds a rental listing online, usually on a reputable website like Craigslist or Zillow. They then create a fake listing with similar or identical information, often using stolen photos.
Next, the scammer contacts potential victims, usually by email or text message. They may pose as the owner, manager, or leasing agent for the apartment and often claim to be out of town or unable to meet in person.
The scammer will try to get the victim to wire money for the deposit or first month’s rent, often using a fake identity or a fake website. They may also ask for personal information like a Social Security number or bank account number.
Once they have the victim’s money, the scammer disappears and is very difficult to track down.
What to Look For
There are a few red flags that can help you spot a rental scam:
The listing price is significantly lower than similar listings in the same area.
The person you’re dealing with is reluctant to meet in person or show you the apartment.
You’re asked to wire money or pay with a gift card.
You’re asked for personal information like your Social Security number before you’ve even signed a lease.
Spam calls and emails are nothing new. But if you’ve noticed an uptick of strange text messages, watch out—you may be the target of a “smishing” scam. These text message scams are on the rise, and they can be difficult to spot. Here’s what you need to know about smishing and how you can protect yourself.
What is Smishing?
AARP reports that smishing is a type of phishing scam that uses text messages instead of email. The goal is the same—to trick you into giving up personal information or clicking on a malicious link. But because text messages are often seen as more trustworthy than email, smishing scams can be harder to spot.
Smishing scams can take many forms. The text might seem to be a simple wrong number message meant for the sender’s friend—and when you respond, the scammer will try to engage you in conversation. Or, the text might claim to be from a credible source like a bank or government agency. Texts about package deliveries, account updates, or even COVID-19 vaccinations are all common smishing scams.
In any case, the goal is to get you to respond to the text or click on a link. Once you do, the scammer can then collect your personal information or install malware on your device.
Stay Safe from Text Message Scams
The best way to stay safe from text message scams? Ignore and delete suspicious messages, and never click on a link unless it’s from a sender you know and trust.
Staying aware of the latest scams is important for everyone, but it’s especially crucial for seniors. Scam artists often target older adults because they may be more trusting or less likely to report a crime.
However, the American Bankers Association has put together a series of short videos that can help seniors learn about the most common types of scams. Called the “Safe Banking for Seniors Scams Awareness Series,” these seven videos detail some of the most common types of fraud, including family imposter schemes, sweetheart scams, and lottery scams.
You can view the first one below:
Each video is under two minutes long and features tips on how to avoid being scammed, as well as what to do if you think you’ve already been victimized. This knowledge can be invaluable in helping seniors protect themselves and their finances.
You can watch the entire series on the American Bankers Association’s website or on YouTube.
When you reach out to a financial advisor, you expect to be taken care of. But one Nashville senior was scammed out of thousands by someone she thought she could trust.
How This Senior Scam Worked
This woman’s senior scam story begins with a man handing out AARP information. According to WKRN.com, this man told a Nashville woman, Paula Gilmore, that he could help her with her finances and manage her money.
She believed him—he seemed credible. However, over the next 10 years, she handed him close to $230,000. But instead of investing it, he was pocketing it for himself.
According to Gilmore’s daughter, the man would open up her mail and even write checks from her own account to pass off as dividends. In reality, he was just cashing them and taking the money for himself.
Eventually, the FBI caught up to the scam artist. However, the damage was done.
Staying Safe from Fraud and Scams
Consult others before making any decisions about your finances, especially if someone you don’t know approaches you.
At The Seniors Center, we understand how important your financial security is. We’re working to help seniors stay aware of the latest scams so they can protect themselves. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook so you never miss a post!
For seniors, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has been a lifeline. Many older Americans enjoy connecting with friends and family on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites. However, there can be hidden dangers lurking on social media. For some seniors, these dangers come in the form of vicious romance scams.
What Are Romance Scams?
Romance scams, also known as dating scams, totaled more than $300 million last year, according to USA Today. Much of these losses were for retirees who have been targeted on social media. The way these scams operate is that a scammer sends their target a friend request and attempts to strike up a friendship or romantic relationship. Then, they’ll move the conversation off of social media and begin texting or calling. Eventually, they will ask for money, possibly for an emergency. They’re likely to ask for a wire transfer or gift cards.
It can be difficult to sort out scammers from individuals who are truly looking for friendship. Senior citizens can stay safe by keeping conversations on social media and not giving out personal information. Research friend requests before accepting them by looking at their profiles. And if you feel suspicious, talk through your concerns with friends and family.
Cryptocurrency has taken the world by storm. This digital currency is not only popular, but it is also highly volatile and subject to fraud. Seniors are particularly vulnerable when it comes to crypto scams, as they may not be as tech-savvy or financially literate as younger generations. It is important for seniors to understand the risks associated with investing in cryptocurrency, as well as the signs that they may have fallen victim to a crypto scam.
What Is Cryptocurrency?
According to the FTC, cryptocurrencies are digital assets that can be used to store and transfer value. They are not backed by any government or central banks, which makes them attractive to investors looking for an alternative investment option. However, this lack of government oversight also makes them vulnerable to fraud and other risks.
How Crypto Scams Work
Crypto scams come in many forms, and they often target seniors. Signs of scams can include:
Someone is demanding payment in crypto for goods or services.
Someone is promising a guaranteed return on your crypto investment.
You are asked to provide personal information that could be used to steal your identity
Someone is pressuring you to invest quickly in a “limited time” offer.
If you encounter any of these signs, it is important to be aware that you may have encountered a crypto scam.
Law enforcement in South Carolina is raising the alarm after a con artist targeted a local senior woman.
How One Woman Lost Her Savings
According to local ABC affiliate WSOC, Betty Burleson, a resident of Fort Mill, S.C., was contacted by a con artist who claimed to be a representative of Amazon. The fake agent claimed that fraudulent charges had been made on her account and that they were able to trace these charges to a case of identity theft. Betty was informed that her Social Security number was in use at five different banks, and in order to keep her savings safe, she would have to take action.
She took all of the money out of her bank account in cash as the “agent” asked, then mailed it to an address in California. The next day, when she went to contact the number again to check the status of her account, she discovered that the con artist had scammed her out of more than $15,000!
Of course, everything he had told her was a lie. There were no fraudulent charges, her Social Security number was not in use at five banks, and the address where she had sent her money was fake.
Staying Safe from Fraud
Staying safe from con artists and other fraudsters is an important part of protecting your financial future. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Never give money upfront in order to receive a prize
Never give out personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account numbers
Be wary of calls and emails purporting to be from government agencies
Do your research before investing in any product or service
If you think you may be a victim of con artist fraud, contact your local authorities immediately. The Seniors Center is here to help our readers stay safe with resources on fraud prevention. To keep up with our latest posts, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Billions of dollars have been lost to scams just over the past two years, and seniors are often a target for scam artists. One scam that is particularly common that you should be aware of is illegal call centers.
Illegal call centers are fraudulent telemarketing organizations that target seniors with promises of discounted products and services, such as medical alert systems or vacation packages.
Yahoo! reports that call centers and phishing groups in India often use illegal tactics to scam people out of their money, such as lying about the company’s location or name, guaranteeing products and services that don’t exist, and having representatives threaten or pressure callers into making purchases.
Seniors should be aware of warning signs that they may be dealing with an illegal call center. These signs include aggressive sales tactics, misrepresentation of products and services, and requests for payment over the phone or by a wire transfer.
Remember—if you ever feel uncomfortable or intimidated by a caller, it’s best to hang up.
It’s important to protect yourself and your family by staying informed about illegal call centers and common scams. If you or a loved one have been targeted by an illegal call center, report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also research the company online and contact your state attorney general’s office for more information.
The Seniors Center Blog is here to offer advice on dealing with scams and resources on how to stay safe. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook if you’d like to stay up to date on the latest scam alerts and safety tips. Together, we can help protect our community from scams.
Your Social Security number (SSN) is a vital part of protecting your personal and financial information. It’s used for everything from filing taxes to opening a bank account. Unfortunately, scammers are using it for their own gain by preying on unsuspecting seniors.
How the Social Security Scam Letter Works
How does this scam work? According to an NBC affiliate station, you’ll receive a letter that claims to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA). It’ll claim that your SSN is being suspended because of suspected identity theft. The letter will go on to claim that your SSN is part of a $14 million dollar fraud investigation and will require you to call a phone number in order to reactivate it.
Of course, this is all lies.
The real Social Security Administration may contact you by letter, but they won’t ask for your personal information or threaten to suspend your SSN—and they’ll know your name. If you look closely at this Social Security scam letter, you’ll notice:
It doesn’t address you by name
The date isn’t in American format
And, of course, your Social Security number cannot be suspended—it’s yours for life.
The Seniors Center
If you receive one of these letters, DON’T call the number or provide any personal information. Keep your information safe by knowing the signs of a scam and never giving away your SSN. The Seniors Center Blog is here to help you stay informed and alert. Discover more tips and resources on our website, or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest information.
Many of us have received SSA (Social Security Administration) communications. However, fake or imposter communications have also targeted a good portion of people.
Knowing how these communications work is the key factor in identifying and preventing potential Social Security scams. When you know how the SSA communicates, you can determine whether a potential issue is legitimate or an attempt to defraud you.
Let’s discuss how the organization will reach out, and how you can reach out in return if you believe something may be amiss.
SSA Communications Come by Mail, Not Electronically
For all the modernization efforts the SSA has made, they still communicate via mail.
This is one instance where a traditional approach is beneficial. Why is that? Because it helps you realize if the communication you receive is legitimate.
As discussed here, the agency will not reach out electronically if something is wrong. That means if you get a call, text, or email, it could be an imposter. Even if the person seems knowledgeable, they could be part of an elaborate effort to defraud you.
Mail communications are the SSA’s preferred outreach method. However, this doesn’t mean every letter you receive is legit, either. If you find something in your mailbox you’re not sure about, what do you do? The best course of action is to call the agency directly, and check with them.
This way, if you find you are being targeted by fraud, you can report it to help protect others. But if the communication comes via text, email, or phone, it’s likely you can count it as fraud. This is especially true if the person tries to pressure you into giving money or information.
We provide the right kind of information here, to help you avoid scams and help others stay safe as well. For more insights, bookmark our page.
During this Older Americans Month, seniors across the nation celebrate not just their wisdom and experiences, but also a decade of invaluable fraud education through the Pass It On campaign by the FTC.
Embracing the theme of social connections, the campaign has fostered thousands of interactions, igniting dialogues to safeguard against scams.
We here at The Seniors Center support all efforts to protect seniors and older adults from fraud. Here’s how this program and the movement around it are promoting safety through education and community.
Pass It On: A Movement That Spreads Information and Hope
Initially conceived based on direct feedback from older adults, Pass It On embodies simplicity, clarity, and relevance. It delivers plain language materials that honor readers and their life journeys.
What began with coverage of critical topics has expanded greatly. The more people come forward to discuss their experiences with scams, the easier it is for others to speak up as well. This makes the movement one of camaraderie and mutual support.
Seniors, with their diverse backgrounds and learning preferences, are vulnerable to scams regardless. Hence, a consortium of stakeholders has outlined principles for organizations engaging older adults. This movement was built on said principles, and remains a completely free resource for everyone to use.
Over the past decade, a multitude of community partners have tirelessly disseminated Pass It On messages to their circles, spanning from clients to neighbors. From aging services to consumer protection groups, financial institutions to law enforcement, dedicated individuals have conducted presentations, led discussions, and shared insights with loved ones.
The impact spans beyond organizations. Individuals now feel more confident discussing these matters in casual conversation, creating a beacon that shines light on scams and how to stop them.
Keen to become part of this network? Explore opportunities at ftc.gov/PassItOn and join in the collective effort to fortify seniors against scams.
In our interconnected world, text message scams have become a prevalent threat, with scammers employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
These scams not only pose financial risks but also endanger sensitive personal information, making them a gateway for broader fraud schemes like Social Security fraud.
Understanding how these scams operate and adopting preventive measures is crucial in safeguarding oneself against such malicious activities.
How Text Message Scams Work – and How to Avoid Them
Text message scams typically operate by enticing recipients with offers or urgent messages, prompting them to click on links or divulge personal information.
These messages often mimic legitimate entities such as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies, creating a sense of urgency or fear to manipulate recipients into taking action without verifying the authenticity of the message.
To stay safe, individuals should exercise caution when receiving unsolicited messages, especially those requesting personal or financial information.
Verify the sender’s identity through official channels, such as contacting the organization directly through their verified contact information. Also, never click unknown links or download attachments from unknown sources. These could be phishing or malware risks.
Moreover, protecting oneself against text message scams is intricately linked to guarding against Social Security fraud. Scammers may use stolen personal information obtained through text message scams to perpetrate identity theft or Social Security fraud, potentially causing significant financial harm and emotional distress.
By staying informed about common scam tactics, being vigilant in verifying the authenticity of messages, and safeguarding personal information, individuals can effectively thwart these scams and fortify their defenses against broader fraud schemes like Social Security fraud.
In an era where digital threats abound, proactive measures are paramount in preserving both financial security and peace of mind.
It’s always important to protect your personal information.
From your Social Security number and driver’s license to your financial accounts and credit cards, there’s plenty to watch over.
Scammers will work hard to obtain this information. Luckily, there are many simple steps you can use to protect yourself from trouble. Today we’ll be highlighting some helpful suggestions from the SSA that anyone can use.
Quick Tips for Protecting Your Personal Information
Let’s start with your Social Security card. Store this in a safe place, like a lockbox or a bank vault. You should also be careful to never share your number with an unknown party.
Speaking of which, beware of unknown callers. Scammers will do anything to appear legitimate. They’ll spoof legitimate authorities, or even look up information about you to try and sway you. Some will try to threaten you, while others will promise rewards in exchange for the information they want. A general rule is to hang up when in doubt and contact the SSA – or whoever the caller claimed they were.
When it comes to online accounts, always make strong passwords. We created a guide you can use here. What about the person who prefers to deal in paper documents? That’s fine – but always remember to shred them after using them. Scammers will go through trash to try and find personal information, so make sure the documents are destroyed.
You can also secure your mobile and desktop devices with PIN numbers, custom security settings, and antivirus software. Finally, check your credit report regularly to look for suspicious transactions or unknown inquiries.
For more tips on protecting yourself and your information, follow our blog. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Just how easy is it to fall prey to an organized Social Security scam? Imagine you’re relaxing one ordinary day, when you get a phone call. The caller identification indicates it’s the Social Security Administration (SSA).
You pick up the phone, and before you know it, you’re being patched through to multiple parties across different departments. The goal? To clear your name, after your Social Security number was stolen.
This is what happened to an Ohio woman. But there was no stolen number – at least not initially. That’s because the call and the entire operation around it was a Social Security scam. Now she’s sharing her story in hopes it may help others stay safe.
This Social Security Scam Had Everything – Including One Twist
The Ohio woman who was targeted was preyed on using fear mongering. As we’ve discussed, this is arguably the most popular tactic of scammers. They told her that her number was linked to drug trafficking and money laundering activities. She worried she could face jail time.
But the person on the other line, who claimed to be from the SSA, assured her they were there to help. She mentioned the operation was very smooth. The person she was talking to had all the answers, and never hesitated. In addition, her calls were put through to multiple departments. The fact she talked to many different people may have made the scam seem even more real.
While it has all the makings of a classic scam, this one had one unique aspect. The woman was told to take her retirement funds and put them into gold. Then multiple people came to her home to pick the gold up. The first people who came by have not been caught. But the second pair of individuals were pulled over by police. They found the gold and the woman’s receipt in the car. Court records reveal the individuals recently served prison time, and are part of an international organized crime group.
As for the victim, though, her $500,000 in retirement funds is gone. After working for 40 years, she’s now looking for a job. She shared her story in hopes it may help someone else. She also shared her address in case anyone would like to help her – P.O. Box 604, Pataskala, OH 43062.
For more news on Social Security scams, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
If you’re looking to protect your Social Security number, we’ve got some tips for you.
This data point is one of the most heavily guarded for all, and for good reason. Because of this, many resources exist to help you protect it.
Today we’ll discuss some tools designed to protect your number from unauthorized use. We’ll also provide some tips you can use if you think your number is at risk for any reason.
Tools and Tips for Protecting Your Social Security Number
We start our list at the source. The Social Security Administration’s website is your first stop to protecting your number. On your account, you can check to see if your earnings are accurate, which could provide clues if anyone has used your number illegally.
There are many ways data thieves can use your number. One is to file taxes, and stick you with the bill. Luckily, you can lock your number on E-Verify, so only you can use it. As a bonus, you’ll get an alert if anyone tries to use it.
What about if someone tries to sell your number on the dark web? Many identity theft protection systems such as Aura can scan for instances like this. They can also do the same for your credit card numbers, address, and much more.
Beyond just using the right tools, there are other ways to protect yourself. If you believe your number has been stolen, you can put a fraud alert on it via the SSA’s website. You can also check your Social Security statement regularly for any suspicious activity.
With the right approach, you can keep this value data point protected. We’re happy to help you safeguard your privacy and your peace of mind. Bookmark our blog so you never miss a post.
Most of the things that chill us to the bone are works of pure fantasy.
Think about the terrors on the silver screen, or the spine-tingling scenes in the pages of great books. Most of what fears us is the unknown, or more specifically, the seemingly impossible.
As we’ve discussed, scammers love to use fear to prey on people. So when you get a call or an email saying your Social Security number is suspended, feel safe in knowing this is another fantasy created to scare you, and not a legitimate communication.
Why Suspended Social Security Number Scams Are Effective
Think about how many ways we use our Social Security number. This crucial data point comes up again and again in life and work.
A Social Security number is key for identity verification. It’s key in us receiving the retirement benefits we’ve fairly earned. There’s also its use in tax purposes, security clearances, and more.
As discussed here, this type of scam is all too common. It takes people by surprise, and this state of shock can render them vulnerable. It’s then the scammer on the other end of the line will tell the fearful target that they can “reinstate” the number by verifying it, paying money, or sharing other personal information.
While these scams are real, the concept of your number being suspended is false. If you are targeted by a scam like this, cease all communication with the other party. Contact the Social Security Administration directly and tell them about what happened.
This way, you can report the fraud to protect others You can even put a flag on your number if you believe it may be in danger.
For more facts about avoiding Social Security scams like suspended numbers and more, follow our page.
We all have them – maybe a few, or even dozens to keep track of.
It’s important to know how to protect your passwords from data thieves. Not only can the right approach secure your information, it can also greatly simplify your login procedures.
From the tools you use to the way you craft your passwords, there are many simple ways you can secure this valuable aspect of your online security.
Helpful Tips on How to Protect Your Passwords
Protecting and managing passwords is crucial for maintaining online security. Here are some tips to safeguard your passwords and ensure you can remember them.
Consider using a reputable password manager. These tools securely store your passwords and generate complex ones for you. If you’re using a password manager, memorize your master password. Make it strong and unique, but also memorable. Avoid writing it down or sharing it with anyone.
If you’re not using a password manager, create strong, unique passwords for each account. Use a mix of letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and special characters. Avoid personal information that’s easy to guess.
Refrain from using easily discoverable information in your passwords, such as your name, username, or common words related to you. Hackers can easily guess these details.
How can you make your password harder to crack? Create memorable phrases or sentences and turn them into passwords. For example, “I love hiking in the mountains!” can become “ILhiTm!2024”.
Don’t forget to update your passwords regularly, especially if you believe they may have been exposed or that someone may have tried to uncover them. Last but not least, never expose your passwords to anyone, even if they claim to be a legitimate authority.
By following these practices, you can better protect your passwords and ensure they’re both secure and memorable.
For more tips on how to protect your information, avoid scams, and thwart cyber criminals, be sure to follow our blog. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
In today’s digital age, where information is just a click away, seniors are increasingly becoming targets of online scams, particularly those related to Social Security.
The “Slam the Scam” movement emerges as a beacon of hope, aiming to empower seniors and others against these malicious activities.
This holiday, which is celebrated March 7 as part of National Consumer Protection Week (March 3-9), aims to help seniors harness the greatest weapon they can in the war against data thieves – knowledge.
How Slam the Scam Day Reminds Us to Stay Safe
The essence of Slam the Scam lies in education and awareness. By educating seniors about the tactics scammers use, the movement equips them with the knowledge needed to identify and avoid potential threats.
This knowledge comes through workshops, online resources, community outreach programs, and more. Seniors are taught to recognize red flags such as unsolicited phone calls, emails requesting personal information, or threats of legal action if information or money isn’t provided.
Check out this video on the movement:
Slam the Scam emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant. Seniors learn about verifying the authenticity of any communication related to Social Security or financial matters. Encouraging seniors to verify the identity of the caller or sender, cross-check information with trusted sources, and never share sensitive information over the phone or online significantly reduces their susceptibility to scams.
Beyond just safeguarding seniors, Slam the Scam benefits people of all ages by fostering a culture of cybersecurity consciousness. By promoting best practices for online safety and data protection, the movement helps individuals across generations thwart various forms of online fraud and identity theft.
In essence, Slam the Scam isn’t just a movement. It’s also a shield against digital predators, empowering seniors and others to navigate the digital landscape securely. Through education, awareness, and vigilance, we can collectively combat online scams and protect our communities from falling victim to cybercrime.
Want to help us stick it to scammers? Bookmark our page. What’s more, you can share your opinion. Have you been targeted by scams? Do you know someone who has? Be sure to report it to the authorities. You can also share your experience to help others.
Become a part of our community today. You can do this by following us on Facebook and Twitter. Let’s stay safe from scams, together.
