Michelle WhalenScammers know that the elderly are easier to fool and are quite vulnerable to scams compared to the younger population. This is why family members must protect their older relatives and acquaintances by monitoring their cell phones, along with their social media and online activity, using free cell phone monitoring apps like Auto Forward, so they don’t fall for such scams.
However, although monitoring cell phone activities is quite effective in protecting family members from digital dangers, it is important to teach everyone, especially the elderly and the young children about the importance of responsible use of technology. Knowing how to identify scams and staying away from them can keep their experience of the online world a better and safer one.
Scams Targeting the Elderly
It has been revealed by the National Center for Victims of Crime that from the total annual cost of financial fraud, which is in the $40 billion range, the greatest percentage of losses comes from those over the age of 60. And these losses usually come from senior citizens’ pensions.
The pension that the elderly has is what lures scammers to target them as their victims. And with these seniors being less adept with technology, criminals find it easy to make money off them. Moreover, the older generation are more trusting and friendly than the current and younger ones, making it even easier for scammers to be successful.
Many groups and government agencies are now making an effort to educate the elderly and help them know what to do when they feel they are being targeted by scammers. Being knowledgeable, with the help of cell phone monitoring by family members, can be the key to the security of seniors and their finances.
While the tactics of scammers are ever changing, here are some of the most common techniques they use that everyone should be aware of.
- Grandparent scam where scammers pretend to be a grandchild in need of money
- IRS scam where victims are asked to pay for back taxes
- Fake charities scam
- Law enforcement scam
Scammers would call, send emails or use social media to connect with their elderly target and ask for money, sometimes even demanding it.
Many seniors have already been robbed of their pension, and many still are being victimized. Teaching them about such scams can be a great way to prevent it. But using a monitoring software like Auto Forward will reinforce their security.
Learn how to use Auto Forward now so you can help your grandparents steer clear of scammers and keep their money safe.