SENIORS
REAL ESTATE
\\MARCH, 2020
Give web fraudsters the flick CYBERSECURITY is a real threat to everyone, from millennials who are afflicted with ‘‘optimism bias’’, through to seniors who lack general cybersecurity knowledge. According to the ACCC, scammers cost Australians half a billion dollars in 2018, via various schemes including internet-enabled theft, fraud, and exploitation, so it is important for those who didn’t grow up with technology to protect themselves from some of the most common types of online fraud. Nick FitzGerald, senior research fellow at ESET, said: “Optimism bias, loneliness, and deteriorating cognitive abilities are key leverage points that scammers use to target their victims. By understanding the potential risks and identifying the signs, those who grew up without technology can better
protect themselves in 2020.” Cybersecurity experts at ESET have outlined some tips to keep all internet users, including seniors, safe from common types of online scams. 1. Be sceptical Never assume that a stranger online is a trustworthy person. Always consider the possibility that any unexpected message may be a scam attempt, noting anything unusual about the message or sender. Additionally, caution should still be exercised if the message comes (or seems to come) from someone well known via email, instant messaging apps or social media. If in doubt, throw it out. 2. Don’t click It’s important to never automatically assume that any material received out of the blue is authentic, no matter how official it looks. One of the most pervasive
online cons, phishing, usually begins with an unsolicited email or social media message in which the fraudster impersonates a trusted entity using social engineering techniques, and attempts to persuade the victim to hand over sensitive data, such as credit card details or login credentials. 3. Say no to ‘freebies’ Fraudsters have also been known to send emails congratulating people on their “win’’ in a lottery or sweepstake that they never entered, or as the apparent only remaining relative of a y wealthy person who is genuinely deceased. Asking for personal details, requesting small payments and instilling a sense of urgency are all signs of a scam. 4. Never wire money to strangers Some $60.5 million was lost by Australians in 2018 to dating and romance fraud. Victims are tricked into
Living
STAY ALERT: Scammers could be lurking behind your next email, so be aware of the signs and never give out your personal details. Picture: Contributed
sending money or personal information to a false admirer, making lonely seniors particularly susceptible. 5. Hang up
Tech support fraud is a common technique where the con artist advises potential victims that their computers have been compromised by malware.
Never give remote access to a device unless you called a help desk directly, even if the caller claims to represent a reputable vendor or your ISP.
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