As a retiree you may now enjoy having time to pursue your hobbies or find new ones. But keep your guard up. It’s crucial to be vigilant about cyber risks that could threaten your financial security and personal information.
What to know and What to do
- Investment scams are cruel and abundant. Fraudsters target retirees out-of-the-blue with promises of high returns and little or no risk. REMEMBER: If it sounds too good to be true…it is.
- Cybercriminals are more sophisticated every day. Phishing tricks to prompt you to reveal sensitive information may look like they come from legitimate sources. Don’t click on that email or text. Instead go directly to the website for the institution supposedly making the request or offer.
- Members of the Lonely-Hearts Club are truly vulnerable. Romance scams are cunning. Predators use dating websites and social media to exploit your need for companionship.
- Grandparents are vulnerable, too. Scammers pretend to be relatives, especially a grandchild, in distress. Call the distressed person directly. Do not go through the caller.
- Online quizzes and games seem harmless, but they collect details on you and your behaviors. These games can lead to identity theft.
What can you do?
- Stay up to date on the latest threats and scams. If your financial advisor sends out a newsletter: read it. AARP often posts articles on the newest scams and how to detect them. Your local senior Center may offer workshops.
- Be a skeptic. Unexpected investment opportunities or requests for personal information should be carefully investigated.
- Check your financial accounts regularly, this includes your credit card bills. Early detection is critical to stop financial losses.
- Limit the personal information you share on social media. Do NOT announce pending travel. Thieves will know your house is empty. Do NOT post photos of your grandchildren. Social media is open to the world to see. Private sites are only private until the first person in the group shares something.
- Be a lifelong learner. Take cybersecurity awareness training or workshops designed for seniors. Many senior communities, senior centers, and financial institutions offer these programs. If they don’t…ask for them.
Cybercriminals do not rest. They are always changing, learning, and watching. If you think you’ve been targeted, act quickly. Contact the institutions involved. Consider freezing your credit with a reporting agency.
To enjoy a secure retirement in this digital age, stay informed and implement these protective measures to reduce your cybersecurity risks.