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Senior Scams: Ways You Can Protect Yourself Online

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An older couple sitting on the couch looking at a cell phone in concern as a scammer calls.

Technology is becoming more accessible than ever. Seniors have all kinds of ways to enjoy spending time online! They can make new friends, try new games, study interesting topics, and even pick up a new hobby. Their entertainment options are almost endless.

However, safety is key when spending time online. Plenty of scams are floating around online, and it’s easy to fall into these traps. So how can you protect yourself or a senior loved one against these scams? It depends on the type of scam in question.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are designed to trick people into sharing sensitive information. They often come as fake emails or pop-up ads on certain websites. They look like they’re from trusted organizations like banks and government agencies, and tend to create a sense of urgency.

These scams try to gain account numbers, passwords, banking information, and other essential info. To avoid phishing scams, teach your loved one to:

  • Never click on a link in an unsolicited email
  • Avoid inputting sensitive information on sketchy websites
  • Verify any out-of-the-ordinary requests from supposed trusted organizations

If unsure whether an email is legitimate, contact the organization directly through their official website or customer service number. Staying cautious is key!

Online Shopping Scams

Online shopping scams often involve fake websites or social media ads that pretend to sell popular items. They try to gain your payment information for other uses. Once you input payment information, you don’t receive any product, or the website itself is shut down or vanishes.

Sometimes, these sites can look credible. They may mimic real brands or appear legitimate. To verify if a site is trustworthy, it helps to:

  • Check for a secure connection by ensuring the website URL begins with “https.” This means the site encrypts information to keep it safe.
  • Research the website by reading reviews or searching for any complaints. 
  • Use a credit card for online purchases instead of a debit card for added fraud protection. 
  • Avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails or social media ads at all times. 
  • Always double-check the website’s domain name to ensure it isn’t slightly misspelled or altered. 

If a deal looks too good to be true, it’s worth taking a closer look before moving forward.

Gift Card Scams

Gift card scams are complicated. They tend to involve someone pretending to be a trusted figure, like a technician or representative from an organization. However, instead of invoicing you for services or confirming an order, they’ll ask for payment via gift card.

This is a significant red flag! After getting the card number, the scammer quickly disappears along with the funds. No legitimate organization or person will ask to be paid in gift cards.

It’s important to remember that legitimate businesses and government agencies never ask for gift card payments. If you receive such a request, it’s likely a scam. Report the situation to the retailer or local authorities and never share gift card information over the phone or online.

An older adult in the middle of a scam phone call verifying information on their laptop.

IRS Scams

IRS scams prey on fear. A scammer impersonates an IRS agent and claims you owe significant money. They demand immediate payment, often under threat of legal action or arrest, to force a victim to act quickly.

These scams often involve phone calls, emails, or social media messages. They’re widespread and hard to track. However, there’s a key piece of information that makes them easy to spot.

The IRS never calls or emails to collect payment. They communicate through official mail only. If you suspect an IRS scam, contact the agency directly to report your experience. Keeping a written record of the scam attempt can also be helpful if you decide to report it.

The Grandparent Scam

The grandparent scam uses emotional manipulation. This involves taking advantage of a senior’s love and concern for their family and manipulating them.

A scammer typically poses as a grandchild and claims to be in distress. They may ask for money to handle an emergency and tend to refuse to give any details. Often, they’ll ask a senior to keep the “loan” a secret and never speak of it to one another.

If someone contacts you from an unfamiliar number claiming to be a grandchild in need, verify the information. Ask specific questions and contact another family member. These scams involve fear and urgency, so pause to double-check the story.

Trust Our Team To Keep Your Loved One Safe

Staying informed about common scams is more important than you might think. It’s the key to staying online safely and preventing malicious scammers from taking care of somebody unaware. Technology is wonderful, and learning more about safe use makes all the difference.

Here at Kingston Residence of Santa Fe, we value privacy and safety. We support our residents in all their endeavors—both online and offline—to make everyday life safer and more accessible. Reach out to our team to schedule a visit and learn more!

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