As technology continues to advance, so do the tactics employed by scammers. To help our community, especially our senior citizens, stay safe online, here is some guidance on recognizing and avoiding scams, phishing emails, and viruses.
Spotting the Signs of Trouble:
● Suspicious Emails:
○ Unexpected emails: Be wary of emails from unknown senders, especially those with urgent requests, threats, or promises of easy money.
○ Typos and grammatical errors: Legitimate companies rarely send emails with poor grammar or spelling mistakes.
○ Links and attachments: Avoid clicking links or opening attachments from suspicious emails, even if they appear to be from a trusted source. Hover over the link to see the actual URL before clicking.
○ Requests for personal information: Be cautious of emails asking for sensitive information such as passwords, social security numbers, or bank account details.
● Suspicious Phone Calls:
○ Robocalls and spoofed numbers: Be wary of unsolicited calls, especially those from unknown numbers.
○ High-pressure tactics: Legitimate companies will not pressure you to make immediate decisions or provide personal information over the phone.
○ Requests for remote access: Never allow anyone you don’t know to access your computer remotely.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam:
● Don’t panic: Take a deep breath and assess the situation calmly.
● Don’t respond or click: If you suspect a scam email or phone call, do not respond to it. Do not click on any links or open any attachments.
● Be Bold: It’s not your fault if a criminal has taken your money. Their tactics are every bit as evil as someone strong-arming you to give up your wallet. Let a family member, trusted friend, or business professional help you.
● Contact your bank: If you believe your financial information has been compromised, contact your bank immediately.
● Change your passwords: If you suspect a scam involving your online accounts, change your passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
● Report the incident: Report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also report phishing emails to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at ic3.gov.
Preventing Future Scams:
● Install and update security software: Protect your computer and mobile devices with up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software.
● Be cautious with online transactions: Only use secure websites for online shopping and banking.
● Review your bank statements regularly: Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges.
● Consider a password manager: A password manager can help you create and securely store strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
● Attend workshops: Check with your local computer store to see if they can provide your group with internet safety workshops. You can also check with senior centers, education organizations, and libraries to see if they offer any classes.
Remember:
● Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest scams and phishing techniques by reading articles and attending workshops.
● Be cautious: Always be skeptical of unsolicited communications, whether by email, phone, or text message.
● Don’t hesitate to ask for help: If you’re unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a trusted friend, family member, or a local expert.
Computer Link Northwest is at 1318 Commerce in Longview and 140 3rd Street in Cathlamet. Their team of caring professionals offers free consultations to scam victims and can provide resources to help them recover their privacy and protect themselves. They are open Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 4 pm for walk in appointments. They can also be found online at www.CLNW.com or at 360.795.5000