In today’s digital world, technology scams and fraud are rampant. Scammers target older people because they could be more vulnerable and accessible due to perceived financial stability, a trusting nature, and potential cognitive decline. Additionally, many seniors may not be aware of how the latest technologies are being used in scams and fraud. Whether it’s phishing emails or artificial intelligence (AI) voice cloning, it’s important now more than ever to be vigilant. Some common technology scams that target older adults are:
Phishing, smishing, and vishing scams
The most common technology scam is random contact through email. Scammers use phishing emails to deceive people into providing personal information or clicking on a link that installs malware or viruses. Some recent phishing scams include fake toll collection notices and fake crypto investment offers from imposter financial institutions. Scammers use similar methods with text messages (smishing) and voicemail (vishing). How to protect yourself:
- If you receive an email, text, or voicemail from someone you don’t know, do not respond. Block and report them on your phone. Do not click any links.
- Never give out personal information to someone you don’t know or verify first. Do not send personal or financial information via email or text.
- Some cell phone carriers offer “Scam Likely” or “Potential Scam” notifications to help you recognize scam calls. When your phone rings and you see this notice, don’t answer, then block and report it.
- Most major cell phone carriers offer spam filter services, such as AT&T Call Protect, T-Mobile Scam Shield, and Verizon Call Filter, that help you filter potential spam and block numbers from robocalls and telemarketers.
Skimming and shimming scams
Skimming scams involve the illegal use of devices that capture card data from ATMs, gas stations, and point-of-sale terminals. These skimmers record card numbers and PIN entries, allowing criminals to create fake cards and make unauthorized purchases. Credit card shimming is a technique used by identity thieves to steal credit card data. It’s done by placing a device on a payment terminal that scans your card’s microchip and stores card information. Data from the device can then be downloaded and used to commit fraud. Skimmers and shimmers are designed to blend in with legitimate card readers, making them difficult to detect. Tips to protect yourself:
- Make sure the terminal is in good working condition. Look for signs of tampering, like loose parts or suspicious attachments.
- Always use card readers in well-lit, high-traffic areas. When entering your PIN, cover the keypad to prevent hidden cameras from capturing your information.
- Use chip-enabled cards for transactions for greater security. Better yet, use contactless payments. When you tap your card to pay, you reduce the risk of skimming and shimming.
- Digital wallets and mobile payment apps can offer added security. Only use trusted services, like the ones offered by your smartphone (Apple Wallet) or a payment app offered through your bank.
Tech support scams
In these situations, scammers want you to believe you have a serious problem with your computer, like a virus. They want you to pay for tech support services you don’t need, to fix a problem that doesn’t exist. They may ask you to pay by money wire, gift card or prepaid card, cryptocurrency, or a money transfer app because those types of payments are hard to reverse. How to protect yourself:
- If you get a phone call you don’t expect from someone who says there’s a problem with your computer, hang up.
- Never give someone you do not know remote access to your computer or provide them with your login credentials.
- If you get a pop-up window on your computer warning of a virus or security breach, don’t click on any links and don’t call the number.
Grandparent scams
Older adults are targeted because they may have difficulty saying no to their grandchildren. Scammers contact elderly people posing as grandchildren claiming they are in trouble, often using spoofed caller IDs. They create a sense of urgency claiming they need money for legal fees, a medical emergency, or some other fake crisis. They may use AI technology to clone the grandchild’s voice, making the scam more convincing. Ways to protect yourself:
- Be wary of anyone who contacts you about your grandchildren.
- Before sending any money, verify the situation by contacting other family members directly.
- Establish a code word or passphrase with your grandchild that can be used to verify their identity over the phone.
Submit a complaint
If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam or fraud, submit a complaint with us online, call us at (866) 275-2677, or send an email to [email protected].