As we use the internet for everything from chatting with friends to managing our finances, it’s crucial to be aware of how to protect ourselves from potential dangers. The most common types of scams involved cryptocurrency and technical support fraud, highlighting the increasing sophistication and frequency of these schemes aimed at seniors.
This guide is designed to help those who may not be very tech-savvy, particularly seniors, understand and implement basic cybersecurity practices easily.
Learn to Spot Potential Scams, Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links
Cybercriminals often try to trick people into giving away personal information through fake emails or websites. These are called “phishing” scams. Be cautious with emails asking for sensitive information like your bank details or passwords, especially if they pressure you to act quickly. Remember, legitimate organizations won’t ask for sensitive information through email, do not call these phone numbers in these emails, and always check directly with your bank first if you are concerned a fraudulent transaction might have taken place.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, refrain from clicking links in messages from unknown sources or suspicious emails that urge you to provide personal information. If a message seems unusual but comes from a known contact or business, verify its authenticity by contacting them directly through official channels or visiting their website. It’s wise to double-check rather than risk compromising your security. Additionally, installing robust security software on your devices can significantly enhance your protection against these threats. Fixoid provides this, a Anti-Virus solution. Remember, being cautious isn’t impolite—it’s essential for your digital safety.
Use 2FA (Two-Factor-Authentication)
This is like having a second lock on your door. When you enter your password online, if will double check with you by sending you a code to your phone. This ensures only the person with the physical device can log in. Most digital account signups will provide this when you sign up for an account.
Be Cautious with Email Attachments
Email attachments, even those that look innocuous like Word documents, PDFs, e-files, or voicemails, can be vehicles for malware. Do not open any attachments unless you are expecting them and know the sender well. Be particularly wary of attachments with extensions like .exe or .zip, which are commonly used to package harmful software.
If you receive an attachment that seems to be from someone you know, it’s wise to confirm with them directly before opening it, even if the attachment is password-protected. Remember, a password does not guarantee that the file is safe.
This precaution extends to attachments received via text messages (SMS) and social media. Speaking of social media, be alert to scammers who may create fake accounts mimicking people you know and then send you friend requests. Always verify with your friend through another communication method if you receive a suspicious or unexpected friend request. If it turns out to be fake, promptly delete it.
Beware of Unsolicited Phone Calls and Robocalls
Approach any unexpected phone calls with caution, even if the caller ID shows a familiar number or name.
Thanks to technological advances, phone scammers can now ‘spoof’—or imitate—numbers that aren’t actually theirs. They might be calling from another continent, but the number displayed might have your local area code or appear to be from a nearby business. The caller relies on the likelihood that you’ll answer the phone thinking the call is genuine. Once you answer, you’re exposed to potential voice phishing.”
Voice phishing, or “vishing,” involves callers using sophisticated tactics to trick you. They might pose as a distressed relative, claim that your car’s warranty is about to expire, or impersonate tech support warning of a virus on your computer. These callers often demand immediate payment or personal information, using pressure or even threats to coerce you.
Remember, legitimate government bodies like the IRS and genuine tech companies will never call you out of the blue to request sensitive information or offer unsolicited help. Avoid making any payments over the phone, especially via wire transfer or gift cards. It’s safest to screen all calls—let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Genuine callers will leave a message or call back.
If you do answer and it’s a recorded message, the best response is to remain silent and hang up immediately.
Avoid Interacting with Pop-up Windows
Pop-ups on your computer or phone can be more than just annoying—they can be a gateway for scams targeting older adults. One common scam technique involving pop-ups is known as “scareware.”
Scareware involves misleading pop-ups that warn of nonexistent security threats to your device. These pop-ups typically proclaim that your computer or phone is infected and urgently requires repair. The pop-up may prompt you to contact a support number, where the scammer might request remote access to your device or demand a fee to fix the supposed issue.
Additionally, some pop-ups feature deceptive “Close” or “X” buttons. Clicking these can inadvertently trigger a malware download. If you suspect that scareware has been downloaded to your device, delete the file immediately and consider installing reputable antivirus software to clear out any lingering malware, if you need help with this, bring the device to our shop.
As a general rule, do not click on or respond to unexpected pop-up windows. Instead, close them using your task manager or a built-in browser function to avoid accidental malware installation.
Taking Action Against Online Scams
Ensuring internet safety for adults, particularly seniors, is crucial but doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Awareness is your first line of defense in safeguarding against online scams. Here are practical steps you can take to enhance your online security:
Install Trusted Antivirus Software: Protecting your devices with antivirus software is a critical measure. These can help detect and remove malicious software before it causes any harm.
If you suspect you’ve fallen prey to an online scam or cyberattack, it’s important to speak up about your experience. There’s no shame in being deceived by increasingly sophisticated scams. Sharing your experience can help others become more vigilant.
Immediately inform your local police and contact your bank or financial institution if you believe money has been stolen from your account. Additionally, you can report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online. Reporting is a vital step, as it helps authorities track scam patterns and potentially stop future frauds.
By taking these steps, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to broader efforts to combat online scams targeting older adults. Remember, staying informed and prepared is the best strategy to ensure your online interactions remain secure.
In Conclusion
Being cautious online helps protect not just your personal information, but also your peace of mind. Simple steps like updating your devices, using strong passwords, and being cautious about emails and links can make a big difference in keeping you safe online. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help if you’re unsure about something—staying safe is worth the effort!
If you need a Anti-Virus that’s affordable, (starting at $20 per month) Speak to one of our representatives today. They will assist you in signing up and installing your anti-virus on whatever device you need.
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