When it comes to tech safety in today’s digital world, people we need to look out for are the ones from slightly older generations, as they tend to get targeted.
Now, scams and schemes to acquire people’s personal information via their devices are super elaborate, and because they didn’t grow up learning about today’s most common tech, seniors are often victims of what tech pros call ‘grandparent’ scams. Read more about three signs you or a loved one could be falling prey to one of these scams below.
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
1. Distressed Calls From A 'Grandchild'
One of the scariest trends with these types of scams is people imitating others, especially younger, vulnerable people, like grandchildren, in order to trick older individuals.
"The victim receives a call that sounds exactly like their grandchild, sometimes crying and in distress and asking with lots of urgency," explains cybersecurity pro Shlomi Beer. "Voice impersonation tech allows scammers to do this with just a 3-second clip from a TikTok or Instagram video from the real grandchild's account. The grandparent believes they are talking to their family, bypassing the natural suspicion they would have for a stranger."
2. Requests For Payment In Giftcards
A classic sign of scams in general is anything related to gift cards, as they can be easier and more accessible in terms of exchanging money with someone. However, it's incredibly crucial to ensure you're not sending gift cards, crypto, and more to just anyone.
"Requests for payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency," notes crypto recovery expert Chris Brooks. "No bail bondsman, lawyer, or hospital asks for Apple gift cards or Bitcoin. I've seen too many of these transfers to know why criminals love them: once crypto leaves a wallet, the transaction is final, and there's no bank to call and reverse it. That irreversibility is exactly the point."
3. Being Sworn To 'Secrecy'
Finally, when it comes to these types of scams, victims are often highly encouraged to stay tight-lipped and keep their mouths shut about any interactions with them, a tell-tale sign that it's not a good situation.
"Scammers demand secrecy, sometimes with threats," adds Chad Butler. They may warn victims that their situation is part of a federal investigation and that they are legally required to keep everything confidential. Breaking confidence will invite federal criminal prosecution. Scammers know that if victims begin speaking with family and friends, the scam is dead. Oftentimes, the act of verbally explaining the scam to another person will help the victim suddenly realize that they have been duped."
