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.
This page will offer reqular tips from Marin Villages tech volunteers and members and will tap into some of the great videos and other information on the internet that are geared to providing technology assistance to seniors.
Technology / Computer Help Office Hours
Issues with your printer? iPhone not syncing properly? If so, join our volunteer tech support group for the answers to these and all of your other burning technology questions! We look forward to continuing to help solve your frustrating tech problems. This is a space where you can "drop in," ask questions, and receive personalized, individually focused, expert tech advice from some of our wonderful tech volunteers. Even if you'd just like to sit in to learn a little more about technology, we'd love to have you participate! So bring your questions about your computers, tablets, phones, smart watches and smart TVs etc., and our dedicated tech volunteers will do the rest. This opportunity is available to all Marin Villages members and volunteers. Please join us at this link!
Tip of the Month - Scams and Phishing
Tip of the Month - Scams and Phishing
Every year, roughly 7 million adults, 65 and older, fall victim to senior scams and while seniors are 20 percent less likely than younger people to fall for scams the median loss is often much greater. Marin Villages continues to prioritize education on helping its members avoid scams.
An in-person event is being planned on August 14th with several tech volunteers, to delve in deeper and answer your specific questions on scams and phishing. 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.
An in-person event is being planned on August 14th with several tech volunteers, to delve in deeper and answer your specific questions on scams and phishing. 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.
Credit Card & Debit Card Hacks
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. Regularly review all your financial statements. 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 ("phishing") 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 perhaps it’s from an online payment website or app you use for online shopping.
The bad actors
Scammers use various tactics to gain your trust, often leveraging personal information available on the web. They may exploit grief or emotional instability during major life changes, use intimidation tactics, and try to isolate you from authorities, trusted friends, and 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.
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. Regularly review all your financial statements. 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 ("phishing") 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 perhaps it’s from an online payment website or app you use for online shopping.
The bad actors
Scammers use various tactics to gain your trust, often leveraging personal information available on the web. They may exploit grief or emotional instability during major life changes, use intimidation tactics, and try to isolate you from authorities, trusted friends, and 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.
• Shopping sites offering amazing discounts off brand merchandize – the sites are fake.
Their goal is to extract money and personal information 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.
Suspect a scam?
• Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media.
• Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media.
• Scammers will often use pressure tactics to make you panicked so you make quick decisions - be cautious if you are told to take immediate action and verify who has contacted you.
• Banks warn customers to "never return any unexpected funds without calling them first".
• Never send money to someone you have only spoken to online or by phone - it could be a romance scam.
• Unless you 100% know who you are talking to, never give remote access to your device.
• Never accept help from strangers at an ATM and always be vigilant when making withdrawals.
• Do not send money or click any links indicating that you have won a prize.
Common scams
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, Government 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 this article.
How to make it more difficult for scammers
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, Government 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 this article.
How to make it more difficult for scammers
Credit Freeze and Financial Verification:
• Place a credit freeze with the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
• Regularly review your financial statements.
Verify Contacts:
• Trust but verify. Pause before taking any action and double-check the identity of the person or organization initiating contact.
• Be aware that voices can be cloned ("voice-printing") and phone numbers can be spoofed ("smishing”).
Enhanced Authentication:
• Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) with a trusted authenticator app, using biometrics where available. This is more secure than two-factor authentication (2FA) via text message.
Password Management:
• Use complex passwords and a password manager (such as Apple’s KeyChain, Google Password Manager, or a reputable 3rd party password manager).
• Utilize device biometrics (FaceID or fingerprints) via passkeys where available.
• Secure your mobile devices with strong PINS.
Anti-virus and Malware Protection:
• Consider using anti-virus and anti-malware software.
• Keep all your devices updated with the latest software.
• Replace devices where the operating systems are no longer supported.
Phone and Communication Safety:
• Don't answer calls from unrecognized numbers and be suspicious of CallerID.
• Set up secret verbal codewords and phrases with children, grandchildren, family members, and trusted friends - a word or phrase only you and those closest to you know.
Secure Secret Questions:
• When setting up "secret questions" don't use personally identifiable data - make up answers.
Social Media and Online Presence:
• Review your friends' lists on social media accounts and keep your accounts private by setting them to "friends and family."
• Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media and the internet.
• Avoid sharing your correct birthday and never post upcoming travel details.
Tips Checklist - Summary:
• Resist Pressure: Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal information is a scammer.
• Resist Pressure: Anyone who pressures you to pay or give them your personal information is a scammer.
• Disengage: Immediately cease any communications with a suspected scammer. Don’t click on links or attachments in email or messages.
• Protect Personal Information: Do not provide or verify any personal, or financial information.
• Safeguard Finances: Do not part with any money, including gift cards, cashiers checks, peer-to-peer payments (Venmo etc) cyber currency etc. Regularly review statements and credit reports.
• Confirm Identity: Use predetermined secret words and phrases established with family and close friends to check identity.
• Verify Independently: Contact organizations directly using a verified phone number.
• Seek advice: Call Marin Villages, a trusted individual such as a family member, friend, or a reputable organization for advice.
• Report to Authorities: Report the incident to the relevant authorities.
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!).
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!).
Resources:
AARP
AARP is a great resource (well worth joining) - they have a comprehensive area covering scams and phishing activity - currently listing examples of around 70 different types of scams https://bit.ly/ExamplesofScams. Additionally, check out their podcast - The Perfect Scam https://bit.ly/ThePerfectScam 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.
AARP is a great resource (well worth joining) - they have a comprehensive area covering scams and phishing activity - currently listing examples of around 70 different types of scams https://bit.ly/ExamplesofScams. Additionally, check out their podcast - The Perfect Scam https://bit.ly/ThePerfectScam 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.
AARP Podcast - The Perfect Scam
https://bit.ly/ThePerfectScam
AARP Fraud Watch
https://bit.ly/AARPFraudWatch
https://bit.ly/ThePerfectScam
AARP Fraud Watch
https://bit.ly/AARPFraudWatch
AARP Scam Tracking Map
Other Resources:
FBI - Internet Crime Complaints (IC3)
https://www.ic3.gov
https://www.ic3.gov
Department of Justice
https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice
https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice
Anti Phishing Working Group
If you have received a suspicious or obviously malicious email you can forward those to [email protected] at the Anti Phishing Working Group (APWG) for analysis.
Better Business Bureau
Information on How to spot a scam
Consumer Action
Information on and sign-up for scam alerts.
Consumer League / Fraud!Org
Information on common scams and prevention tips
Washington Post Tech Column (subscription required)
When do you need to share your social security or driving license number?
Information on when you might have to share your s/s number or Driver's ID.
Articles worth reading
Other Tech Tips:
Name Drop
WatchOS10
iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch Tips
How to use the Apple keychain to manage passwords
Membership > Member Benefits Membership FAQs Membership Application
Programs > Events Calendar Newsletters Tech Tips
Volunteer > Volunteer Sign-in Volunteer Application Form
Donate Contact
Programs > Events Calendar Newsletters Tech Tips
Volunteer > Volunteer Sign-in Volunteer Application Form
Donate Contact
Local Villages: Mill Valley Novato Ross Valley San Rafael Tiburon Peninsula Twin Cities
Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected] •
4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121
Marin Villages is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization • Fed Tax ID# 27-0281669 • 415-457-4633 • [email protected] •
4340 Redwood Highway, Suite F-142 San Rafael, CA 94903-2121
