Don’t Be the Victim of Cyber Fraud

Janet Bodnar
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Eric Iversen is the author of “How to Be Cyber Safe + Savvy,” A guide for seniors, compiled by the National Cryptologic Foundation offers senior advice.

Question: Why is a senior guide so important?

Answer: Seniors need to learn how to navigate the internet. This makes them vulnerable to deceit and trickery. For internet scams, people over 50 are more likely to be targeted than any other age group. We want them all to understand that their data should be treated the same as their health.

Question: How can you gain confidence using your devices?

Answer: Devices that are larger and more efficient do not mean they are easy to use. Do not be afraid to experiment with new ideas. Although it is understandable to be afraid that all will disappear, every operation is so small that it is almost impossible to achieve that.

Question: What should you do first when you receive a new smartphone?

Answer: The default settings may transmit more information than necessary to enable the device to function properly. You can protect your privacy by going to Settings and disabling the ad tracker. This will prevent it from sending data about your phone’s use.

Question: Any other questions?

Answer: “Location services” While they can tell a lot about you, they are often not relevant when it comes to apps. Limit access to apps by choosing a smaller option in Settings, rather than the default.

Question: How can I create a secure password?

Answer: A six-character password will be stronger than four on your phone. Online accounts passwords can be more difficult. Each password should be unique and at least 10 characters in length. It must also contain numbers, uppercase and special characters, as well as numbers and uppercase letters.

Question: Aren’t they sometimes difficult to remember?

Answer: You should create a password-building program. You should always use a strong base password of 8-10 characters that is easy to remember. Next, add a different ending to each account. Your base password might be Casablanca, which is a 1943 film. “19Ca$a43” Then you can add “Amaz!” Amazon “Elec!” Electric utility.

Question: What is the best way to save your passwords?

Answer: It is acceptable to keep your passwords safe by writing them down in an organized notebook. You can use LastPass, 1Password, or Dashlane as a password manager to keep your information safe.

Question: Is public Wi-Fi safe?

Answer: Only if it is password-protected. Use your phone’s mobile network to protect yourself and only trust websites that start with https (the secure part is the s).

Question: Did you know that seniors are more susceptible to fraud?

Answer: Scammers are used to convince people to divulge sensitive account information, personal information, or money. The emotional content of these scams—which often involve Medicare, Social Security, romance or helping family members—is especially effective with seniors. If you are asked for personal information out of the blue, do not give it.

(Janet Bodnar, editor-at–large at Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Kiplinger.com has more information on these and other money topics.

©2023 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed via Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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