The internet is an amazing place, especially for older adults. It’s a fantastic way to stay connected with family and friends, keep up with the news, shop from home, manage finances, play games, and so much more. It opens up a world of convenience and connection! But just like you buckle up before a car ride, it’s super important to take some smart precautions before you dive online. Why? Because unfortunately, cybercriminals often target older adults with specific scams.
Think of these scammers as con artists who specifically prey on trust and sometimes a lack of familiarity with the latest online tricks. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has actually found that older adults are more likely than younger folks to lose money to certain types of scams. It’s not about being less tech-savvy; it’s often about being more polite, more trusting, or having more financial stability. So, let’s shine a light on these sneaky scams so you can protect yourself and help educate the older adults you care about!
The Most Common Scams Targeting Older Adults:
Cybercriminals are clever, but their basic tricks often stay the same. Here are the big ones to watch out for:
- Tech Support Scams:
- The Hook: You get a pop-up on your computer screen (often looking like a legitimate security alert), a cold call, or an email claiming to be from a well-known tech company like Microsoft or Apple. They say your computer has a terrible virus or a serious problem.
- The Demand: They insist you need to pay them immediately to “fix” it, often asking for remote access to your computer or for payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
- The Reality: Your computer is probably fine! They’re trying to scare you into paying for a fake service or installing actual malware.
- Your Shield: Never let anyone you don’t know and trust have remote access to your computer. If you get a suspicious alert, shut down your browser and call the company directly using a phone number you find on their official website, not one given by the scammer.
- Prize, Sweepstakes, and Lottery Scams:
- The Hook: “Congratulations! You’ve won millions in a lottery/sweepstakes you didn’t even enter!” or “You’ve won a fantastic new car!”
- The Demand: To claim your “prize,” you just need to pay a small “fee” for taxes, processing, or customs. They’ll ask for money via wire transfer, gift cards, or even bitcoin.
- The Reality: There’s no prize. Once you send the “fee,” your money is gone, and you’ll never hear from them again.
- Your Shield: You never have to pay money to receive a legitimate prize. If you didn’t enter, you can’t win. If it sounds too good to be true, it absolutely is!
- Family & Friend Impersonation Scams (The “Grandparent Scam“):
- The Hook: You get a call, text, or email (often appearing to be from a loved one or friend) saying they’re in urgent trouble. They might claim to be stuck overseas, in jail, or facing a medical emergency. They’ll beg for money immediately and usually say they can’t talk long or don’t want you to tell anyone else.
- The Demand: They ask you to send money quickly, often by wire transfer or gift cards, because they’re in a desperate situation.
- The Reality: It’s a scammer pretending to be your loved one. They found some information about your family online and are exploiting your care and concern.
- Your Shield: Always verify! If a “loved one” calls asking for money, hang up and call them back on a phone number you know belongs to them, not the number that just called you. Ask them a personal question only they would know. Don’t let them pressure you.
The internet offers incredible benefits, and staying safe online doesn’t mean you have to stop using it. It just means being smart, skeptical, and aware of these common tricks. Protecting yourself and those you love starts with knowing what to look out for. For even more detailed information and resources on these and other scams, visit the FTC’s “Pass It On” campaign at www.ftc.gov/passiton. Stay safe out there!
