If you or a loved one is over the age of 60, you might agree that seniors are at a disadvantage when completing digital tasks via the internet. Technology is becoming increasingly more complex, which may hinder older generations’ ability to operate it. Unfortunately, financial predators are also aware of this digital handicap in seniors. If a financial predator learns that someone is an older individual, they may corrupt emails or links to lure clicks from elders. Here are a few tips to help protect your loved one from fraud.
1. Stay informed on the latest scams to better protect them.
Financial predators can show up in the most unlikely places and some can be trickier than others. Some scammers can disguise themselves as agency partners, old friends, or even concerned neighbors. Whatever their cover may be, their intentions are hardly ever sincere and require thorough research. Informing your loved one of the types of scams out there can help them become more aware of the risks they might face in their everyday lives.
2. Get to know your loved one’s friends (old and new)
For seniors who are more active on social media, “old friends” may pop up “out of the blue” on social media websites. While most connections are legit, you must be vigilant of “new connections” and catfishing situations. It’s always a good practice to stay informed with your loved ones’ connections and always know who they’re meeting up with.
3. Stay in contact and remain vigilant. Monitor their mail and financial accounts.
When connecting with an older loved one after a long time, catch up on their daily whereabouts and companions. Listen for suspicious red flags signaling potential threats of fraud or identity theft. Getting involved with the wrong companies, groups, or internet subscriptions can be worth looking into as a safety precaution.
New technologies can be amazing tools for you or a loved one to stay connected, but they are also used by financial predators to target victims. Regardless of one’s age, it is always crucial to research and follow up to ensure legitimacy and safety. WellPath Partners’ vast network of references is dedicated to securely connecting you with resources for your personal needs.
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