Scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Many of us recognize the warning signs and know what to avoid. But what about our elderly loved ones who may be more vulnerable to these types of fraud? This is a reality many of us face, including myself.
Recently, my family had a frightening experience when we discovered an elderly relative had fallen victim to a scam. Someone had gained remote access to their computer. This gave the scammers full access to everything stored on our relative's device - personal files, documents, and passwords. It was only when they tried to withdraw a large sum of money from the bank that we realized something was wrong. Luckily, we caught it in time. This made me think – how many other seniors fall for these kinds of scams, often without anyone noticing until it's too late?
The Growing Threat of Elder Fraud
Elder fraud is a growing concern. In fact, in 2023, the FBI reported that seniors aged 60 and over lost a staggering $3.4 billion due to fraud, with the average victim losing around $33,915. One of the most common scams targeting seniors is the Tech Support Scam, also known as the Phantom Hacker Scam. This is how it works:
The scammer triggers a pop-up on the victim’s computer, warning them of a virus or security threat.
The victim, often confused and scared, calls the number listed in the pop-up.
The scammer then walks them through downloading software that gives the scammer remote access to their computer.
With full access, the scammer can view sensitive information, from banking details to personal documents.
The scammer then convinces the victim to move money, often instructing them to withdraw large sums or buy gift cards as payment for "services" or because their bank account is “compromised.”
Unfortunately, by the time the victim realizes they've been duped, it’s usually too late. The money is gone, and there’s little law enforcement can do to recover it.
How to Protect Seniors from Falling Victim
The question we need to ask is: How can we prevent our elderly family members from becoming targets? The best prevention is education. Here’s what the FBI suggests we should tell our senior family members to help keep them safe online:
Don’t click on unsolicited pop-ups or links in text messages or emails.
Never call a number provided in a suspicious pop-up, text, or email.
Don’t download software at the request of an unknown caller.
Never allow remote access to your computer from an unfamiliar person.
Be wary of wire transfers, cryptocurrency transactions, or requests for gift/prepaid cards. Government agencies will never request payment in this manner.
Beyond educating our Seniors with the above tips, it’s essential that we take a more active role in supporting and protecting them. Here’s what you can do:
Monitor their online activity: While we can’t watch them 24/7, it is important to check in regularly. Ask about their experiences online, whether they’ve seen anything strange or received any unexpected calls or emails. A simple conversation can often uncover red flags.
Teach them about the risks: It’s easy for seniors to feel like they’re tech-savvy, especially if they’ve been using computers or smartphones for years. But scams evolve quickly, and many older adults simply haven’t been exposed to the latest threats. Take the time to educate them on what to look out for, even if they think they already know. Be patient and consistent with your approach.
Set up safeguards: Whenever possible, help your loved ones set up security features like two-factor authentication, strong passwords, and automatic software updates. These simple steps can go a long way in preventing a successful attack.
Encourage skepticism: Teach seniors to question unsolicited calls or emails. Encourage them to verify information before taking any action, whether it’s calling a company’s official number or checking with a trusted family member.
Vigilance is Key
The sad reality is that these scams are becoming more difficult to detect, and they’re designed to prey on confusion and fear. These criminals are experts in manipulation, and they often know exactly which buttons to push to get what they want. If we stay vigilant, we can reduce the number of seniors affected by these scams and ensure they have the tools to protect themselves. We all want to ensure that our loved ones are safe, both online and offline. By taking a proactive approach, we can help them navigate the digital world without falling prey to fraudsters.
Stay safe, stay informed, and always question what seems too good to be true.
