Tech Tips
Marin Villages helps older adults manage their technology, from smartphones, smart tablets, smart watches, smart TV and of course laptop and desktop computers.
Technology / Computer Help Office Hours
Tip of the Month - Scams and Phishing
An in-person event is being planned with several tech volunteers, to delve in deeper and answer your specific questions on scams and phishing – more details soon. In the interim, please check out the guidance at the end of the article on how to make it difficult for the bad actors. If you have been a victim of a scam or fraud, contact the office for help and advice.
The majority of frauds reported by members relate to credit and debit card theft, which is a slighly different category to the scamming and phishing activity, discussed below. It is strongly recommended you set up alerts on your credit cards so you are informed of all transactions and can quickly deal with any fraudulant items. Usage of debit cards is not advised, but if you have to use one, limit the amount than can be withdrawn on a debit card. Using a digital wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay on your phone or smartwatch can provide additional security as long as your devices are properly secured.
Social Engineering
Scammers use various communication methods to try and obtain your personal information and data – emails, text messaging, voice calls, social media, fake websites, pop-ups on browsers, etc. They particularly target passwords, your date of birth, account numbers, credit card details, “secret questions” or Social Security numbers and Medicare information.
You might get an unexpected email, phone call, or text message that looks like or sounds as if it’s from a company you know or trust - a bank or a credit card utility company, a government organization, or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app you use for online shopping.
The bad actors
The scammers will use various tactics, to try and gain your trust often using personal identifiable information but will often exploit grief or emotional instability due to a major life change. They may resort to intimidation tactics and will try and ensure you remain isolated and don’t communicate with the authorities, trusted friends or family members. It's important to stay calm.
Typical Tactics From Scammers:
• Say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts on your account — they haven’t.
• Claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t.
• Want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware, and you may be supplying your credentials.
• Tell you your computer has been infected with a virus or pornography – it has not.
• Say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t.
• Email an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake.
• Claim a close relative is in some trouble - they aren't.
• Say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam.
• Offer employment opportunities or way to earn additional revenue – with some upfront payment – it’s not a real job.
• Offer free stuff, lottery winnings or prizes — it’s not real.
Their goal is to extract money and they are very good at it!
As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important you know how to spot a scam and how to avoid them.
• Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media.
Common categories of scams, especially those targeting seniors include Investment, Debt relief/reduction/collection, Technology, Romance, Grandchild in peril, Lottery / Prizes, Pets, Social Media Account takeovers, and Charities.
Payment methods requested by the scammer will be “unusual” and hard to trace - cash, gift cards, reloadable debit cards, cashier checks, crypto, casino withdrawals, requests from peer-to-peer apps (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal etc.). The scammers will want you to take immediate action and not to pause or carefully think through what you are being asked to do. Remember gift cards are for birthdays - nothing else!
AARP has a very comprehensive website detailing over 70 different scams https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud.html#frc Other resources are listed at the end of the article.
The aftermath of a fraud
Victims of scams feel very embarrassed, they can’t believe they have been duped. They feel "stupid". They don’t want to be “victim shamed” and will often hide the fraud from their family and friends. However, it is very important to reach out and report the scam and seek help and counselling. Remember, you are not alone – it’s not your fault and it can happen to anyone (and does!).
What steps can you take to make it more difficult for the bad actors
You can be pro-active, and while nothing is 100% secure, you can make it much more difficult for potential scammers:
• Place a credit freeze with the three major credit reporting agencies https://www.usa.gov/credit-freeze (Equifax, Experian,Transunion) - using the links below:
https://www.equifax.com/personal/help/article-list/-/h/a/place-lift-remove-security-freeze
https://www.experian.com/freeze/center.html
https://www.transunion.com/credit-freeze
Reqularly review your financial statements.
• Trust but verify! Take a moment to pause before taking any action, and carefully double-check the identity of the person or organization who is initiating contact. Remember that voices can be cloned and phone numbers spoofed.
• Set-up multi-factor authorization (MFA) with a trusted authenticator app using biometrics where available (this is more secure than using two-factor authentication (2FA) via text message).
• Use complex passwords and a password manager (Apple’s KeyChain (if a Mac user), Google Password Manager, or a reputable 3rd party password manager) and use device biometrics (FaceID or fingerprints) via passkeys where available.
• Consider using anti-virus / anti malware software.
• Keep your devices updated with the latest software.
• Don't answer calls from unrecognized numbers and be suspicious of CallerID. Don't engage.
• Set up secret verbal codewords with your children grandchildren, family members and trusted friends - a word or phrase that only you and those closest to you know.
• When setting up "secret questions" don't use personally identifiable data - make up answer
• Review your friends lists on your social media account - keep your accounts private by setting to "friends and family".
• Limit your personal information on social media and the internet. Don't give out your correct birthday. etc unless absolutely necessary.
AARP
AARP is a great resource - they have a comprehensive area covering scams and phishing activity - currently listing examples of around 70 different types of scams https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud.html#frc. Additionally, check out their podcast - The Perfect Scam https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/ which is very educational and great for those who enjoy true crime stories. (transcripts are available on the site). Plus if you want some video “entertainment” the site lists 12 movies about con-artists https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2022/tv-shows-movies-documentaries-about-scams.html
https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam/
AARP Fraud Watch
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network/
1-877-908-3360 – for reporting scams and obtaining help and advice.
How to recognize and avoid phishing scams:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
https://www.idtheftcenter.org
https://www.idtheftcenter.org/post/preventative-tips-on-how-to-protect-your-identity
https://www.ic3.gov
https://www.ic3.gov/Media/PDF/AnnualReport/2022_IC3ElderFraudReport.pdf
https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/elder-fraud-abuse/overview
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/02/17/scam-tips-columnist-50k/
When do you need to share your social security or driving license number?
https://www.idtheftcenter.org/help_center/when-are-you-required-share-social-security-drivers-license-number/
Articles worth reading
Other Tech Tips:
Name Drop
WatchOS10
iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch Tips
How to use the Apple keychain to manage passwords
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4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121
