Wiregrass Seniors Magazine December 2017 DECEMBER ISSUE | Page 11

WiregrassSeniorsMagazine.com
Page 11
Computer Tips - For Seniors
Seniors Should Be Wary of Online Holiday Scams
Seniors can unfortunately be vulnerable to online scams,
especially during the holidays when scams targeting seniors
are said to peak. Learn more about these recent online holiday
scams and how to avoid them this season.
“Santa isn’t the only one keeping track of who is naughty and who is nice!
Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to beware of these common holiday scams…”
Scams targeting senior loved ones over the holidays include:
E-cards: Recently, electronic cards are be-
ing used to try to obtain additional information
from victims. When you receive an e-card, be sure
the sender’s name is apparent and that you rec-
ognize the sender before opening or filling out
any other information.
Emergency scams: This has long been a
scam targeting seniors, but be cautious if you get
a call or email from a distant family member or
friend claiming to have an emergency while trav-
eling outside the country. Never send money in
this situation, unless you can confirm with another
family member or friend that the emergency is
true.
Fake shipping notifications: Recently, fake
attachments or links to sites with malware have
been attaching to shipping notifications. This
malware then attaches to your computer and
attempts to steal identities and passwords from
victims.
Look-alike websites: Recently, scammers
have been taking advantage of consumers and
senior shoppers online, copying well-known com-
pany and store websites and only slightly chang-
ing the URL. Use only legitimate websites and
double-check URLs when shopping online.
Online shopping: This year — with the rise
of chip card readers — in-store fraud is down, so
scammers have primarily moved online. Use a
credit instead of a debit card when shopping
online to deter fraud.
Phony charities: Recently, there has been
a rise in false charity solicitations through email,
social media and even texts to seniors. Visit
charities at give.org to confirm their authenticity
before donating.
Social media gift exchange: This holiday
exchange — like most others — sounds like a
deal, but it’s really a variation on an illegal pyra-
mid scheme. Try to be wary of any social media
gift exchange.
Temporary holiday jobs: Recently,
scammers have been soliciting as retailers that
need additional help during the holidays, but be-
ware. The retailer’s store or website is the best
place to find out who is truly hiring.
Unusual forms of payment: This year,
there has been a rise in scammers trying to use
holiday purchases to obtain debit and gift card
payments that cannot be traced or undone. Try
not to fall for this ploy that will allow scammers to
use your information for identity theft.
Here are a few tips to stop seniors from becoming online victims over the holiday season:
Never give out personal information online or over the phone
Never wire money to someone you don’t know
Watch out for offers that are too good to be true