Falls Technology ServicesScammers target older adults because they're often trusting and polite. A few simple rules, and a few settings, prevent most of it. This page is written to share with a parent or grandparent.
Three rules that stop most scams
- Nobody real will ever ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency
- Never read a code from a text message to someone who calls you, whoever they say they are
- Never let a caller connect to your computer, and never call a number from a pop-up
The scams to know
- "Grandma, it's me, I'm in trouble, don't tell Mom": hang up and call the grandchild or their parents on a number you already have
- "This is Microsoft / Apple / your bank, your account is compromised": hang up and call the number on your card or statement
- "You've won a prize, just pay the fees": real prizes never cost money to collect
- Romance and friendship scams that slowly lead to a request for money
Settings that help
- Automatic updates on the computer, phone and tablet
- Silence unknown callers, or send them to voicemail
- A password manager, so passwords are strong and remembered
- Larger text and a simpler home screen, if it helps
- A trusted family member who knows who to call for help
If something already happened
Don't be embarrassed: these scams fool smart people every day. Call the bank straight away, change the affected passwords, and report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. If money was sent, the sooner the bank knows, the better the chance of stopping it.
We give patient, one-on-one tech lessons at home, and can set up a parent's devices so they're safer and easier to use.
Need a hand?
More about our tech lessons and training help. Or tell us what's going on and we'll get back to you.
Send us a message or call (208) 745-2981, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.