How to Avoid Being Scammed as a Senior
Our world has drastically changed over the last few weeks due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. While each day presents new information regarding this crisis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to report that seniors, especially those with chronic medical conditions, are at higher risk for developing significant complications from the virus. During all of this, now cybercriminals are using the crisis to their advantage.
If you’re sixty years or older, you are unfortunately a prime target for a cybercriminal. You’re even more likely to be targeted if you’re single. Cybercriminals assume that many seniors have had a lifetime to build a nest egg and have financial freedom to have discretionary money to spend. They prey on the fact that most seniors will answer the phone call or click on a link in their email, before second guessing their actions.
In addition to practicing caution to prevent complications from COVID-19, seniors also need to be aware of their vulnerability to cybercriminals. Here are a few tips to help seniors falling prey to a cybercriminal.
Avoid Answering Calls from Unknown Numbers
The best way to avoid being scammed is to not pick up the phone when you don’t recognize the phone number. It’s tempting to pick up, thinking it might be a neighbor, friend, or even a doctor’s office. Resist the temptation, knowing that if the call is from someone important, they will leave you a message. Cybercriminals are smart and will call from multiple phone numbers with a similar area code to yours. Some are beginning to leave voicemail messages, knowing that seniors are ignoring their calls. They will sound convincing. They hope you’ll feel anxious and return their call. Resist the urge to answer or return the call and stop the scam before it even happens.
Verify the Facts
If you answered the phone call or received a message, and you think it’s legitimate, verify the facts. If you’re talking with a person, hang up once they’ve identified what agency they represent. If you received a message, do not use the phone number they left in the voicemail to return the call. Instead, look up the actual agency phone number on the internet and call that phone number. State you recently received a phone call from their office and wanted to verify if it originated from them. It’s easy for a cybercriminal to claim they are from the Social Security Administration, VA hospital, Federal Government, and the like. They are hoping you’ll believe them and that they’ll gain your trust.
Never Give Out Personal Information
Next, it’s good practice to avoid giving out your personal information when it’s not necessary. Never give out credit card numbers over the phone and never provide your social security number. Also know that your personal information is already accessible via the internet. Cybercriminals can look up names, addresses, birthdays, phone numbers, and even names of relatives. Should they call and ask you to verify your information, hang up. No legitimate agency will ask you to verify personal information over the phone.
Do Not Click the Link
Finally, cybercriminals not only target seniors through phone calls, but they also prey on seniors through email. Often, they will send a message that appears legitimate. It’s critical that you take the time to carefully read the email. An easy way to identify a cybercriminal is to look for an attachment or link that they’d like you to open. Never click the link or open the attachment. In doing so, you are only giving the cybercriminal access to your computer files. Please know that you won’t be contacted via email for jury duty, taxes, even a warrant. Another tip to prevent cybercriminal activity is to change your passwords frequently. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, even if it’s easier for you to remember.
Visiting Angels Sarasota wants all seniors to think critically and avoid being the next target of a scam. We want to help seniors stay safe and healthy, especially as our world navigates uncertain times. We are here to provide extra security and comfort for seniors who need a little assistance at home. Our caregivers work diligently to meet the needs of our senior clients. We are here for you and want to be a part of your support system. Contact us today by calling 941-952-5800 and learn more about the many senior home care services our company provides.