Cybercrime is increasing, and even the best antivirus software can't always stop scammers
who trick people into giving away personal or financial information. These scams are
known as "social engineering," where fraudsters use tricks and emotional manipulation to
deceive people.
For example, Barry Heitin, a 76-year-old retired lawyer, lost about $740,000 to scammers
pretending to be bank and government oIicials.
People of all ages can be targeted, but older Americans are particularly at risk because
they may have more savings and are seen as less familiar with technology. Scammers now
have more ways to reach us, such as through text messages, social media, dating sites, or
online groups. Even a simple personality quiz on Facebook could be a scam to gather your
personal details.
Amy Nofziger from AARP Fraud Watch Network says that criminals are getting better at
connecting with us because of the devices we carry with us all the time. She warns that
there are million-dollar losses every day due to these scams.
No one expects to become a victim, but scammers are always improving their techniques.
Here are some tips to avoid falling for these schemes and what to do if you or someone you
care about gets caught.
How to Avoid Scams
1. Stay Informed: DiIerent scams target diIerent people. For example, young graduates
may be oIered fake jobs, homebuyers may be tricked into sending money to scammers,
and older people might be contacted by someone pretending to be a government oIicial.
It’s important to know the common scams and stay updated. You can get alerts from the
Federal Trade Commission and the F.B.I.
2. Control Your Emotions: Scammers often play on your emotions and create a sense of
urgency. For example, a pastor in Florida almost fell for a scam when the fraudster said
they would harm her daughter. Another person lost $100,000 in a romance scam because
he was lonely and emotionally vulnerable. Always be cautious and think before you act.
3. Know What Not to Give: Scammers may ask for things like prepaid gift cards, Bitcoin,
gold bars, cash, or your Social Security number. Legitimate government and law
enforcement agencies will never ask for these things, especially through phone calls.
4. Practice Online Safety: Slow down and check suspicious emails, don’t download
software that gives remote access to your device, and avoid clicking on ads or pop-ups that
could contain harmful software. Scammers can make their phone numbers look real, so
always call back using numbers you find yourself, like the ones on the back of your bank
card.
If You Become a Victim
1. What to Do First: If you realize you've been scammed, contact your bank immediately. If
you sent money through a wire transfer, ask the bank to try and recall or reverse the
payment right away.
2. Reporting to Authorities: Don’t feel ashamed to report the scam. Contact your local
police or file a complaint with the F.B.I.’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). This helps
law enforcement track scams and possibly catch the criminals.
3. Getting Help: If you need support, the National Elder Fraud Hotline run by the Justice
Department and the AARP Fraud Watch Network can guide you through the process.
4. Recovering Money: It’s sometimes possible to get your money back, but it depends on
the scam and how quickly you act.
If Your Device Is Compromised
1. Cleaning Your Computer: If a scammer accessed your computer, have it checked and
cleaned by a professional. This might involve resetting the computer to its factory settings
to remove any hidden threats.
2. Handling Phone Issues: If you think your phone has been compromised, contact your
mobile provider, review your account settings, and consider resetting your phone to factory
settings. Also, set up a security PIN with your mobile carrier.
Protecting Others
Falling for a scam doesn’t mean someone is experiencing cognitive decline, but it can be
an early sign. If you’re concerned about a loved one, consider placing trusted contacts on
their financial accounts or using services like Carefull, which monitors accounts for
unusual activity.
Adapted from New York Times
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is "social engineering" in the context of cybercrime?
- a) A type of software protection
- b) A method scammers use to trick people by manipulating emotions
- c) A legal term for cybersecurity laws
- d) A strategy for building strong online communities
2. Why are older Americans more vulnerable to scams?
- a) They spend more time online
- b) They are more likely to have accumulated savings
- c) They use more social media platforms
- d) They are required to share their financial information more often
3. Which of the following is NOT a recommended step if you become a victim of a scam?
- a) Contacting your bank immediately
- b) Reporting the scam to law enforcement
- c) Ignoring the scam and hoping it goes away
- d) Keeping all paper and digital evidence
4. What should you do if a pop-up on your computer says your device is under attack?
- a) Follow the instructions on the screen
- b) Turn oI your computer and disconnect from the internet
- c) Call the number provided in the pop-up
- d) Ignore the warning and continue using your computer
5. What is the first step to take if your phone has been compromised by a scammer?
- a) Call the scammer and ask for help
- b) Visit your mobile carrier’s store or call them from another phone number
- c) Send a text message to the scammer
- d) Ignore the issue until your phone stops working
True or False Questions:
1. Older Americans are particularly at risk of scams because they may be less familiar with
technology.
True/False
2. If someone asks for your Social Security number over the phone, it is safe to provide it.
True/False
3. You should contact the Federal Trade Commission to get alerts about common scams.
True/False
4. It’s usually easy to get your money back after falling for a scam.
True/False
5. Downloading software that provides remote access to your device is a safe way to get
help with computer issues.
True/False
Download the document to see the answer key.
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