4
Subscribe online! See how on p. 43
J U N E 2 0 2 1 — WA S H I N G T O N B E A C O N
Technology &
Innovations These strategies can thwart online thieves By Ann Marie Maloney Whether it’s fake online shopping sites, identity theft or scam artists using phone or email, fraud is on the rise, with a record 1.3 million cases in the first nine months of last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Although anyone can become a victim, FTC data show that consumers age 80 and older are far more likely to be scammed by phone and lose the most money, a median of $1,250. By now, you probably know not to give out sensitive information to anyone contacting you — and that credit cards offer more protection against fraud than debit cards. With a credit card, the most you’ll be responsible for is $50. Debit cards, however, could leave you paying for all of a thief’s spending spree if you don’t report it within 60 days. But there’s a lot more to guarding against fraud than knowing which card to use. In fact, it’s the things you may not know that could cost you the most money.
Even savvy consumers can be defrauded Fraudsters don’t just target the gullible. “I see victims from all walks of life and all professions,” said Alisa Bralove-Scherr, deputy director of mediation in the Maryland Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. The biggest mistake people make is to think they’re immune, said Bryan Roslund, assistant state’s attorney for Montgomery County, Maryland. Thieves keep honing their craft, using whatever new scheme they can to take over your bank or retirement account. “This is where they excel,” he said, by finding new ways to take advantage of you. For example, Roslund said, if you challenge a caller who warns that you have not shown up for jury duty, a scammer knows how to shift tactics immediately — usually by admitting you’re right and that they were working from the “wrong list.” Some criminals even monitor emails to intercept lucrative transactions. Roslund had a case where a financial agent lost
$30,000 when he wired money to a restaurant because someone made a tiny change to the recipient’s email address.
How identity thieves often find you According to the FTC, you’re more likely to suffer fraud through online purchases, and COVID-19 has only encouraged this equal-opportunity crime to flourish as more Americans turn to websites for shopping. A 2020 Pitney Bowes survey found that 45% of shoppers bought more than half of their goods online, three times the pre-pandemic level. Scammers capture buyers — especially those looking for deals or hard-to-find products — with convincing emails and websites that appear to be from a known company. In November 2020, for instance, the FTC filed a complaint against the operators of 25 websites claiming to be Lysol or Clorox with high-demand products for sale. Consumers should scrutinize URLs for subtle misspellings or punctuation at the end, which can be signs of a bogus compa-
ny website. A site with an “https” address is more secure but not necessarily legitimate. With emails, check for irregularities by hovering your mouse over a sender’s address before opening a message that appears to be from a known source.
A credit freeze is not a credit lock To prevent identity theft, you may consider a credit freeze or a credit lock, which are not the same. Freezing your credit deters someone from obtaining a loan, phone or credit card in your name. A freeze restricts access to your credit report, which most institutions require before approving a new account. You will need to contact all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Trans-Union and Experian) to get a PIN or password. “It took me about 15 minutes to do,” said John Buzzard, a financial fraud and security expert with Javelin Strategy & Research during a recent AARP webcast. You will need to lift the freeze when apSee THWART THIEVES, page 5
How to learn new technology skills Dear Savvy Senior, that sell computers. Your Area Agency on Can you recommend some good Aging may also be able to help you. Visit technology classes or online the Eldercare Locator at Ellearning resources for inexdercare.acl.gov or call 1-800perienced seniors? I have a 677-1116 to get your local computer and a smartphone, number. but my knowledge and skills are pretty limited. GetSetUp.io —Tech Challenged Senior GetSetUp.io is one of the Dear Tech Challenged, best online learning websites There are many different that partners with guides to technology teaching tools provide training on tech tools available to older adults that for adults 50 and older. They SAVVY SENIOR can help you learn new tech provide more than 350 online By Jim Miller skills so you can better utilize classes taught in real-time by your devices. Here are some good options retired educators and tech industry exto consider: perts in a way that lets older adults learn by doing, versus just watching a video. Local classes or workshops Their technology classes — all taught Depending on where you live, there via Zoom — cover things like learning how may be community resources that offer to use smartphones and tablets, how to set beginning computer and personal technol- up and use Zoom, how to utilize Gmail feaogy classes, be it online or in-person, for tures, how to recognize online scams, how older adults that are new to technology. to sell your stuff online and much more. To find out what’s available in your area, Most of their classes are free; however, contact your local public library, senior some charge a small fee. center, college or university, or local stores
SeniorPlanet.org Created and sponsored by national nonprofit OATS (Older Adults Technology Services) and recently joining forces with AARP, Senior Planet offers 60-and-older adults a wide variety of free online courses, programs and activities. Instructors teach live classes to help seniors learn new technology skills, as well as save money, get in shape and make new friends. Some of their more popular tech classes include “All Things Zoom,” “Everything Smartphones,” and an “Introduction to Social Media.” They even offer a “lunch & learn” tech discussion group at various times throughout the year where you can ask questions as well as share your struggles and experiences. And, if you ever have a technology question that pops up during the week, you can call their National Senior Planet Hotline for tech help at (920) 666-1959 anytime Monday through Friday during working hours.
for older adults provides more than 10 lowcost/free online computer, internet and mobile technology courses for beginners. And when the pandemic dies down, they will resume offering beginner tech classes in their 27 locations (located in nine states) throughout the country.
CandooTech.com This company provides fee-based online tech support and training to help older adults feel more comfortable with phones, computers, tablets, home safety devices and more. Their specially trained tech concierges will teach you how to use your technology, fix what’s not working and install software, as well as learn how to set up and use email, video chat, social media, online shopping and entertainment, ride sharing services and more. Candoo offers one-hour, one-on-one or small group sessions for $50, or you can become a member and get two 90-minute training sessions plus unlimited quick sup-
OasisEverywhere.org This nonprofit educational organization
See NEW TECH SKILLS, page 5
