The way things work today, there are 1000's of different types of scams out there, that prey on just about all of us. Today I just want to focus on the scams that prey on elderly people. With the holiday season quickly approaching, scammers are also ramping up their efforts to get your money as well!
I'm sure we've all come across some type of scam over the last few years, maybe some fell for it, maybe you didn't. What I have to say is, you REALLY have to be careful what's out there. There are emails from your "bank" that look extremely legit, but are NOT. Especially the ones asking or saying you need to click the enclosed 'link' to reset your password or input your bank information once again. Best way is to not even open the email themselves, and call your bank to see if they sent it. Although if you do open it, and see a "click here to reset password" link or the like, one way is to just hover your mouse over the link, and in the bottom left hand corner of your browser, it should show you where the link will take you. If it is something you don't recognize what-so-ever, DO NOT CLICK it! Most of the time, you are taken to a fake webpage, that will look like the real thing, but it's not. Once you input your info in there and click send or submit - you have just handed over your login info. The webpage could also be loading Malware or Ransomware onto your system as you visit the page. (feel free to follow the link on Malware and Ransomware, they take you to Wikipedia - which will explain the versions out there).
ALL my links are tested for virus, malware, adware, etc. So everything here is safe.
Here is an excellent website, with the top 10 scams that tend to prey on elderly people.
Top 10 Financial Scams Targeting Seniors.
This is an excellent read, well worth the time!
Another one, that a lot of people fall for, is the "unknown caller" stating to be from "Microsoft" or "ABC" tech company, telling you they have detected a virus or Trojan or malware on your computer, and for a small fee, they can help you fix it.
The first red flag here should be, "how do they know you have a virus on your computer"?
Second red flag, is when they ask you to go to a website and click on something to allow them remote access to "fix" your computer.
Third red flag, is if and when they tend to get very pushy or even angry if you don't comply.
Random IT companies, or Microsoft, will NEVER randomly call you. ONLY trust this IF you have a third party IT professional set up to look after your data etc. Even then, THEY will never ask for your password or banking info!
Another popular one is the "Netflix information update" scam. A lot of people get text messages or emails, (that once again, look extremely legit) saying that if you don't click this link to update your info within the next 24 hours, your account will be closed. Again, Netflix will NEVER do this! It's just another attempt to get personal information from you.
Remember the old adage, If it sounds (or looks) to good to be true, It probably is.
The vast majority of people still say to themselves "I'll keep it simple, no one will take my stuff" Well most of the time, you don't even know. Once it's out there, it's out there forever, there is no getting it back, and a lot of times, by the time you realize your missing something, its too late.
Here is another excellent site with great information on more of the most common scams.
There are tons of good websites and blogs out there to help you tell whats right and whats not. If you are ever in doubt, and think someone is trying to scam you, Contact your local police, and don't give out any information if you are uncomfortable doing so!
Stay Safe.
Sevenowl.
