More Tips Seniors Can Use To Spot Scams

According to the Senate Special Commission On Aging, seniors lose more than 2 billion dollars per year to scammers. And the more vigilant seniors get the smarter the scammers get to keep finding ways to fool seniors into giving up their personal information, financial information, or money. Seniors with elder care have some support that can help them spot scams, but even seniors with elder care can fall victim to scams. And scammers use email, social media, and phones to try and steal from seniors. Here are a few more things seniors can do to avoid being scammed:

Never Click Links In Emails

One common scam that criminals use to target seniors involves sending them emails that look legitimate. They spoof the email address of existing banks and financial institutions then send emails to seniors telling them that their information has been compromised and they need to click a link to confirm their information. But that link allows the scammers to access the senior’s actual bank account and steal their money. Seniors can avoid this by never clicking on links in any emails. If seniors are worried that their account was compromised they should call their bank directly, not click links in any emails.

Require Any Potential Dating Partners to Video Chat

Romance scams are another popular scam that targets seniors. Since seniors tend to be lonely they can be easy prey for people who will get seniors to trust them then start asking for gifts or loans of money which the senior will never get back. To avoid this seniors who are using dating apps or online dating sites should require all potential romantic partners to video chat. That will prove that the person is who they say they are. And seniors should still not give them any money or gifts until they are sure the person is not scamming them.

Use Two Factor Authentication

A good way that seniors can protect their email, their bank and investment accounts, and other financial data is to sign up for two factor authentication. It can be annoying to go to sign into an account and also have to provide a code sent by text message or email. But two factor authentication really can protect seniors from scams and let them know if someone else tries to sign into their accounts. Even smart and savvy seniors can get scammed but two factor authentication is an additional layer of protection.

Be Suspicious Of Anyone Asking For Gift Cards

Seniors should always be suspicious of anyone that asks seniors to buy them gift cards. Gift cards aren’t traceable or refundable, which is so many criminals prefer them. If anyone asks your senior loved one to get them a gift card or a prepaid credit card they should immediately say no and change their passwords to all online accounts just to be sure their information is safe. Legitimate friends and relatives won’t ask for gift cards.