Canadian private investigators have delivered a warning to the elderly. Slimy fraudsters are working overtime to scam you during the pandemic, and it’s working. There is a rise in the number of seniors making complaints.
Scammers are targeting you because you’re lonely and vulnerable. The pandemic has sheltered you away from the world for too long. If you feel like you fall into this category, we’ll look at a few ways you can protect yourself.
1. Spend More Time With Family
Thankfully, the world is starting to open up. It’s a little easier to spend time with a few close loved ones without worrying about your health. Are you comfortable letting your family spend more time with you during the day?
If you’re not feeling as lonely, you’re less likely to send all your money to a stranger you fall in love with. When someone calls pretending to work at the bank, you’ll be able to ask your family if it’s safe to give away your details.
2. Choose A Caregiver To Help
I know you won’t always have a family to keep you company through the day, but do you have a caregiver or neighbor you trust? Once you find someone you trust, you can speak to them before handing over personal information.
Ask them to help when you need to buy things online, or when anyone asks you to give them your card details. Don’t be afraid to ask someone for help. Even if you feel a bit embarrassed, it’s better than losing your life savings.
3. Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor authentication is becoming huge these days. If you enter your password on specific websites, it will ask you to enter a code. You’ll usually have to look at an app on your phone to get the code.
There are a few different ways the technology works, including texting codes to your mobile number, but each one is great at preventing fraud. You just need a cheap smartphone to get the codes in the first place.
4. Stop Clicking Random Links
Type your bank’s website address into the browser when you want to access your account. You should do this for every website that asks you to enter your card details. Don’t click on random links in your emails.
Sometimes it’s easy to spot fake links that send you to a third-party website, but you only need to visit one scam site to give your details to fraudsters. You should only click on a link when you know who sent it.
5. Don’t Trust Anyone Online
Millions of people think it’s okay to scam someone online because they can’t see them. I bet they don’t appreciate the fact they’re committing a crime. It’s not something they would ever think of doing in real life.
I would stop trusting anyone you come across online. Stick to reputable websites when you’re spending money. There are still good people in the online world, but it’s too hard to figure out who they are without getting burned.
It’s Just Common Sense
If you use common sense these tips might feel a little obvious, but scammers take advantage of you because it’s harder to think properly when you’re lonely and vulnerable.