There is little disagreement that we live in a world of technology and artificial intelligence. Technology has transformed the way people communicate, conduct their banking, shop, and access healthcare. While these advances have made every-day life more convenient, they have also created new opportunities for criminals. Identity theft, online scams, and computer theft are among the fastest growing crimes. Although people of all ages can become victims, older adults are more often targeted because scammers believe they may be more trusting, less familiar with rapidly changing technology, and more likely to have savings or retirement funds. The financial and emotional impact of these crimes are devastating. Victims have often lost thousands of dollars, damage to their credit, or suffered stress and anxiety. Understanding how these crimes occur and learning practical ways to prevent them are essential steps in protecting seniors from becoming victims.
Last month members of the Volunteer Scam Prevention Bureau of the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office visited the Edgewater Estates community at Boca Pointe. P.B. Sheriff Officer Volunteer Lt. Melissa Shoer spoke at length on the topic of scamming and identity theft. I want to share with you some of the major points made by Lt. Shoer. I believe that this information will be of value to all Boca Pointe residents, regardless of age. For example, in 2024 the FBI Internet Crime Center received almost a million scamming complaints – totaling $16.6 billion. Seniors accounted for $7.7 billion of that total.
Identity Theft.
Identity theft occurs when someone steals another person’s personal information and uses it without permission for criminal purposes. It happens every minute of every day. Information such as Social Security numbers, driver license details, bank account numbers, passwords, and credit card information are all used to impersonate someone. Criminals obtain personal information through several methods. They may send fake emails or text messages asking the victim to verify account information, steal mail from mailboxes, search through discarded documents, or hack into online accounts. Data breaches involving businesses and healthcare providers can also expose sensitive information.
Once criminals obtain personal information, they can access credit cards, apply for loans in your name, file fraudulent tax returns, or access your bank account. In many cases, victims do not discover the theft until they receive a bill for an account they never opened. Sometimes they will see an unauthorized transactions on their financial statements. Recovering from identity theft can be especially challenging. Older adults may have fixed incomes and fewer opportunities to replace lost savings. They may also find the process of contacting banks, credit agencies, and government agencies confusing or overwhelming.
Online scams
Online scams have become increasingly sophisticated. Criminals use email, social media, text messages, phone calls, and fake websites to deceive people into providing money or personal information. You probably have already received numerous fake emails during the past year. One of the most common scams affecting seniors is the phishing scam. In a phishing scam, criminals pretend to represent trusted organizations such as banks, government agencies, internet providers, or even well-known companies. They often ask victims to click on a link, download an attachment, or provide confidential information. The websites they use often look identical to legitimate web-sites making them difficult to recognize.
When in doubt, do not open any website. It’s probably a scam.
Another widespread scam is the “grandparent scam.” In this scam a criminal will contact an older adult pretending to be a grandchild or another family member in trouble. The caller will claim to have been arrested and/or in some kind of trouble. They might claim that while traveling they were stranded and urgently need money. The scammer will usually ask the victim not to tell anyone. That is the sign thatit’s probably a scam.
Romance scams have also become increasingly common. Criminals create fake profiles on dating websites or social media and may often spend weeks building trust with their victims. Eventually they will invent an emergency involving medical bills, travel expenses, or business problems, and will ask for money. Many victims lose significant amounts because they believe they are helping someone they care about. It’s a scam.
Technical support scams are a growing problem. Victims receive a pop-up warning that their computer has been infected with a virus. The message instructs them to call a support number. Once connected, a scammer convinces the victim to allow remote access to their computer. In some cases, the scammer then can steal passwords and banking information. They may also charge the victim for expensive fees for unnecessary repairs.
It is important to remember that becoming a victim of fraud is not a sign of carelessness or lack of intelligence. Modern scams are carefully designed and use psychological techniques that confuse people of any age. You cannot be too careful. Do not give a stranger the benefit of a doubt.
Warning signs.
It is important to recognize the warning signs which can help prevent fraud. Common warning signs include requests for immediate payment, pressure to act quickly, demands for secrecy, and request to pay using gift cards or wire transfers. It is important to be aware of unexpected emails requesting passwords or financial information. Phone calls claiming a computer has a virus should be ignored. It is important to be aware of offers that promise guaranteed investment returns. When in doubt you should know that reputable companies will almost never ask for your password. If they do it’s probably a scam.
Prevention strategies.
There are many practical steps seniors can take to reduce their risk. Strong, unique passwords should be used for every online account. Passwords containing 15 or more characters provide better protection than do shorter ones. Password managers can help create and securely save complex passwords. Whenever possible, two factor authentication should be enabled, requiring a second verification step in addition to the password. When in doubt be aware that reputable companies will almost never ask for you passwords.
Software updates should always be installed promptly. These updates often contain security patches that protect computers and smartphones from newly discovered vulnerabilities. The use of a personal shredder can be a valuable strategy to protect yourself. Important personal documents should be shredded before disposal to prevent criminals from retrieving sensitive information.
Bank statements and credit card transactions should be reviewed regularly for unauthorized activity. Early detection greatly improves the chances of limiting financial losses.
Computers, tablets and smart phones should always be protected with passwords, fingerprint recognition, or facial recognition. Backups of important files should be made regularly using secure cloud storage or an external hard drive. Backups help recover information if a computer is lost, stolen, or seriously infected with ransom-ware demands. It is strongly recommended that seniors avoid clicking on links and unexpected emails or text messages. Instead, they should contact the organization directly using a verified phone number or website.
What to do if you become a victim?
If someone suspects they have become a victim of identity theft or fraud, immediate action is essential. The first step is to contact banks, financial institutions, and credit card companies to freeze your accounts and to report unauthorized transactions. Passwords should be changed immediately, especially for email and financial accounts. The incident should also be reported to local law-enforcement and to all three of the relevant consumer protection agencies. These agencies are listed below:
EQUIFAX – 1-800-525-6285
EXPERIAN – 1-888-397-3742
TRANSUNION – 800-680-7289
Victims should request copies of their credit reports and consider placing fraud alerts or security freezes on their credit files. If a computer has been compromised, it should be immediately disconnected from the Internet until it has been checked by a qualified technician.
In conclusion, Identity theft, online scams, and computer theft present seniors with significant challenges. In today’s digital world, seniors are particularly vulnerable because criminals deliberately target individuals they believe may have financial resources or limited familiarity with modern technology. The consequences extend beyond financial loss and often include emotional distress, reduced confidence and lasting anxiety.
Fortunately, education remains one of the most effective forms of protection. By understanding common scams, recognizing warning signs, and practicing good cyber security habits, seniors can greatly reduce their risk of becoming victims.
As technology and artificial intelligence continue to evolve, awareness and vigilance will remain essential. It is crucial that people protect their personal information, verify unexpected requests for money, and seek assistance when something seems suspicious. You can take actions to protect your financial security and personal well-being. Through responsible use of technology, seniors can continue to enjoy the benefits of the digital age while minimizing the risks posed by cyber-criminals.
