Senior citizens are an innocent and easy target for online scammers due to their limited knowledge of technology. A survey of 2,000 senior Americans who use social media found that 33% had fallen for online or phone scams, with an average loss of $2,700 per person. However, awareness of the following 8 common scams targeting seniors online can save them from hefty financial losses.
1. Phishing Scams
Phishing scams involve fake emails or messages that seem to come from trusted sources, tricking seniors into giving personal details like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. These messages often feel urgent, pushing seniors to act quickly without thinking it through.
How Tech Support Can Help:
- Education: Remote IT helpdesk services can teach seniors how to spot phishing attempts and avoid clicking suspicious links.
- Email Filters: Tech support can help set up filters to block phishing emails.
2. Telemarketing Scams
Telemarketing scams happen when scammers pretend to represent real companies and offer fake products or services, promising free trials or amazing deals to get seniors to share personal information or make payments.
How Tech Support Can Help:
- Call Blocking: IT helpdesk services can show seniors how to use call-blocking features on their phones.
- Reporting: Tech support can help seniors report these scams to authorities, reducing future risks.
3. The Grandparent Scam
In this scam, a caller pretends to be a grandchild in trouble, saying they need money urgently for legal or medical reasons. This tactic plays on seniors’ desire to help family members.
How Tech Support Can Help:
- Verification Techniques: Remote IT support can teach seniors how to confirm the story by checking with other family members before sending money.
- Emergency Contacts: Setting up emergency contacts can help seniors verify urgent requests.
4. Romance Scams
Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites or social media to build relationships with seniors, eventually asking for money for fake reasons.
How Tech Support Can Help:
- Profile Safety: IT support can help seniors set privacy settings on social media and dating sites to protect their info.
- Recognizing Red Flags: Training can help seniors spot warning signs of romance scams.
5. Fake Computer Warnings
Seniors may see pop-ups claiming their computer has a virus, asking them to call a “tech support” number that connects to scammers who charge for unneeded services.
How Tech Support Can Help:
- Real-Time Help: Remote IT support can provide immediate assistance when seniors see suspicious pop-ups.
- Software Installation: Tech support can install legitimate antivirus software and show seniors how to keep their systems secure.
6. Sweepstakes and Lottery Scams
These scams tell seniors they’ve won a prize or lottery but need to pay fees or taxes upfront to claim it. Usually, there’s no prize, and victims lose money.
How Tech Support Can Help:
- Awareness Campaigns: Tech support can run campaigns about common sweepstakes scams.
- Financial Monitoring Tools: Helping seniors set up financial tools that alert them to unauthorized transactions.
7. Counterfeit Prescription Drugs
Scammers sell fake medications online at low prices, preying on seniors looking for affordable options. These fake drugs can be useless or harmful.
How Tech Support Can Help:
- Safe Online Practices: IT helpdesk services can teach seniors how to find legitimate online pharmacies and the importance of consulting their healthcare provider first.
- Browser Security: Tech support can adjust browser settings for safer online shopping.
8. Investment Scams
Scammers offer “investment opportunities” with promises of high returns and low risk, causing seniors to lose significant money.
How Tech Support Can Help:
- Investment Education: Resources and training on safe investments can help seniors make informed choices.
- Monitoring Services: Providing tools that monitor investments and send alerts about unusual activity can enhance security.
Wrapping Up
If you have elderly relatives you’re worried about, take a moment to talk to them about the common scams targeting seniors online. Scammers also rely on people feeling too embarrassed to tell others if they’ve been scammed. So, let’s make sure scammers don’t get the last laugh.
For senior-centric, safe, and reliable internet and IT solutions, contact Exordium Networks Inc. Call us at (972) 573-1180 to connect.