Online Scams Targeting Seniors Are Increasing

Cyber experts say they are seeing an increase in online and text message scams targeting senior citizens. According to a Scripps News report, modern-day scammers are using technology to trick victims into giving up personal information or access to bank accounts and money.

One popular scam involves pop-up messages. One involves a warning message that pops up on your screen, but when you click the link, it installs a virus on your computer. Experts say that typically, there is a phone number associated with the pop-up message claiming to be tech support. When the unsuspecting victim calls that number, they are asked to provide a credit card to fix the problem. The problem is never fixed, and they are out a great deal of money.

Another common scam involves text messages. It will claim that you owe money or have unpaid tolls and instructs you to click a compromised link, which installs a virus.

Cybersecurity experts warn everyone, but especially seniors, to “avoid clicking links, don’t trust anyone asking for your information, and change the passwords to your accounts.”

The Seniors Trust is committed to helping protect Social Security, and that includes providing important information to seniors on how to prevent fraud. We also want to see Congress pass the Social Security Expansion Act. It will give retirees an immediate benefits increase of about $200 a month, a fair annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), increased minimum benefits, and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program.