Black Friday is just around the corner, and seniors are prime targets for eCommerce scammers and cybercriminals. Bad actors know that seniors are more likely to have disposable income and also tend to be less tech-savvy than younger generations. So, they come up with all sorts of schemes to try to take advantage of unsuspecting seniors.
From phishing scams to fake online stores, seniors are at risk of being defrauded if they're not careful. Here are some tips to help seniors in Mesa avoid eCommerce scams and cybercrime this Black Friday:
Don't Click Links
Don't click on links in emails from retailers, even if they look legitimate. These could be phishing attempts that lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal information.
Don't Open Attachments
Seniors should also avoid clicking on or opening attachments from retailers, even if they know the sender. These could contain malware that could infect their computer or mobile device.
Don't Click Ads and Pop-Ups
Scammers use ads and pop-ups to promote fake products or redirect users to malicious websites. In many cases, these pop-ups and ads offer extremely good deals that are too good to be true. So, seniors should exercise caution and only click on ads from trusted sources.
Perform Thorough Research Beforehand
Before purchasing from an online store, seniors should do their homework to make sure the store is legitimate. They can do this by checking reviews from other customers, confirming that the store has a physical location, or looking for red flags like a lack of contact information. Scammers often set up fake online stores that disappear after a short period, so this research is crucial.
Only Use Secure Websites
When shopping online, seniors should only use secure websites that have "HTTPS" in the URL. These websites have an extra layer of security that helps protect users' personal and financial information.
Pay With a Credit Card
When making an online purchase, seniors should use a credit card instead of a debit card. This is because credit cards offer better protection against fraud. For example, if a senior's credit card information is stolen, they can dispute the charges with their bank. But if a senior's debit card information is stolen, the money could be gone for good.
Keep Personal Information Private
When shopping online, seniors should avoid giving out their personal information, such as their Social Security number or bank account number. They should also be careful about what they share on social media, as scammers can use this information to target them.
Use a Strong Password
When creating an account on an online store, seniors should use a strong password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. They should also avoid using the same password on multiple websites.
Install Security Software
To help protect their device from malware, seniors should install security software and keep it up to date. This software can help detect and block malicious websites and emails.
Update Their Operating System
It's also important for seniors to keep their operating systems up-to-date, as this can help fix security vulnerabilities. They can typically do this by going to the Settings menu on their device and selecting Update.
Monitor Accounts
After shopping online, seniors should monitor their bank and credit card accounts for any unauthorized charges. If they see anything suspicious, they should report it to their bank or credit card company immediately.
Following these tips can help seniors avoid eCommerce scams and cybercrime this Black Friday. By being aware of the risks and taking steps to protect themselves, they can stay safe while shopping for great deals online.
Seniors can also employ the services of Senior Helpers, Mesa's premier provider of in-home senior care. The caregivers at Senior Helpers can assist with all aspects of the shopping process, from researching products to paying for them. Seniors in Mesa, Apache Junction, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, or Cave Creek who would like to take advantage of our holiday shopping assistance can contact us today.