As we celebrate National Senior Citizens Day on August 21, it’s a perfect time to show our older loved ones just how much we care about their well-being, both physically and online. Seniors are consistently in the crosshairs as cybercrime targets, making it critical to arm them with the right tools and knowledge to stay safe in the digital world. Cybersecurity may sound like a complicated subject, but there are simple steps you can take to help your elders.
1. Stay Aware of Voice Phishing (Vishing)
Voice phishing, or vishing, is a growing threat that involves scammers impersonating legitimate organizations over the phone. Voice cloning technology has made it easier for fraudsters to mimic the voice of trusted family members or business leaders. With just a few seconds of recorded speech, cybercriminals can craft compelling phone calls. Encourage your loved ones to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, especially if the caller asks for money or personal information. If they are ever uncertain, advise them to hang up and call the organization directly using a known, trusted phone number.
2. Beware of Deepfake Scams
The rise of deepfake tech—which uses AI to create hyper-realistic fake videos and audios—has led to a spike in scams targeting older adults. Criminals may use deepfake videos or calls to impersonate trusted relatives, such as children or grandchildren, asking for money. Suppose your loved one receives a video call or audio message that seems suspicious. In that case, they should double-check with the person directly via another communication channel, like text or email, to confirm their identity.
3. Regularly Review Privacy Settings on Social Media
Seniors are increasingly active on social media platforms, which makes them prime targets for scammers who gather personal details from public profiles. Hackers often search for information like birthdates, children’s names, or pet names on social media to crack security questions. Make sure social media privacy settings are configured to limit who can view their personal information. Also, advise them to avoid oversharing personal details online, such as when they’ll be out of town or on vacation.
4. Be Cautious About Health Data Scams
As telemedicine and health apps become more widespread, so do scams targeting healthcare data. Cybercriminals have increasingly turned their attention to stealing medical records, which are valuable on the black market. Advise your older adults only to use trusted, encrypted platforms for telehealth visits and health-related purchases. Remind them to be cautious when clicking on links in emails or texts that ask for medical information or personal health details.
5. Beware of Online Romance Scams
Romance scams have evolved in sophistication, and older adults can be particularly susceptible. Fraudsters now use social media, dating apps, and even gaming platforms to form emotional connections with seniors, only to eventually ask for money. It’s important to be cautious when forming online relationships, especially with people they haven’t met in person. Advise them to avoid sending money to someone they haven’t met or who pressures them for financial help.
LibertyID Identity Theft Solutions for Individuals, Couples, and Families* provides its subscribers with 360° fully managed identity fraud concierge restoration services. We are experts in resolving all common forms of identity fraud. Our subscribers can also enroll in our Proactive Detection, which monitors and sends alerts when their SSN, Address, Dark Web, criminal record, and credit reports change.
*LibertyID defines an extended family as you, your spouse/partner, your parents and parents-in-law, and your children under the age of 25.