Boomers, Beware! Top 3 Online Phishing Traps to Avoid

Welcome back Boomers,

Happy Friday, I hope everyone enjoys their morning walks!

Let’s get down to business. In the digital age, staying vigilant is key, especially for Boomers who might not always be familiar with the cunning tactics of online scammers.

This issue of our newsletter focuses on the top three online scams targeting Boomers and provides practical advice to keep you safe. Make sure to read till the end for a video where you can watch the scammers get scammed. It’s not only informational, its hilarious!

Government Scams

Government Impersonation Scams

Government impersonation scams involve fraudsters who contact you pretending to be from government agencies such as the Social Security Administration or the IRS. They may claim that you owe money or that there's an issue with your personal information, demanding immediate payment or sensitive data.

These scammers often use threatening language to create a sense of urgency, pushing you to act hastily and against your best interest. Here are a few tips to avoid being the victim of a government impersonation scam:

How do I verify if a government agency is really contacting me?

Always remember that genuine government agencies will not ask for personal information or payments over the phone. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and contact the agency directly through their official website or phone number.

What should I do if I receive a suspicious call or email?

Do not engage or provide any personal information. Hang up and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local authorities to help prevent future scams.

How can I protect my personal information from scammers?

Be cautious with your personal information. Never share it over the phone unless you initiated the call to a number you know is legitimate. Additionally, keep your social security number, Medicare ID, and other sensitive details secure and only share them when absolutely necessary.

Medical Scams

Medicare Scams

Medicare scams target Boomers by pretending to offer help with Medicare services or by claiming to need your Medicare number for verification purposes. Scammers might call or email, claiming to be from Medicare and requesting personal information or money to renew your card or offer new benefits. These scams exploit the trust seniors place in Medicare services to steal personal information and commit fraud.

How can I ensure a caller is actually from Medicare?

Medicare will never call you to ask for your Medicare number or personal information. If you get such a call, it's a scam. Always contact Medicare directly through their official contact information if you need assistance.

What steps can I take if I suspect a Medicare scam?

Immediately hang up and report the call to the Medicare fraud office. By reporting, you help protect yourself and others from future scams.

How can I safeguard my Medicare number?

Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number. Only provide it to your healthcare provider or when you are absolutely sure you are dealing with Medicare directly.

Tech Support

Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams mislead Boomers into believing that their computer has a serious problem, such as a virus or security breach. The scammer, posing as a tech support representative from a well-known company, will offer to fix the issue for a fee or request remote access to your computer, which can lead to data theft or malware installation.

How do I know if a tech support call is a scam?

Legitimate tech companies do not make unsolicited calls offering to fix your computer. If you receive a call like this, it is a scam.

What should I do if I'm targeted by a tech support scam?

Hang up immediately and do not follow any instructions given by the caller. Never give remote access to your computer to someone who contacts you unexpectedly.

How can I protect my computer from scammers?

Keep your computer's security software updated and only download software or apps from official sources. If you suspect a problem, contact the tech support department of the company directly through verified contact details.

And as promised, we've got a special treat for you. Mark Rober's latest video showcases his brilliant tactics against online scammers, employing glitter bombs and cockroaches to hack and humiliate them in a hilariously just fashion.

Pranks Destroy Scam Callers- GlitterBomb Payback

It's a masterclass in scammer payback that you won't want to miss. However, a word of caution: while it's incredibly satisfying to watch, we don't recommend trying this at home. Let's leave the scam-busting to the professionals and continue protecting ourselves with knowledge and caution.

Thanks for staying informed with us, and remember, stay vigilant and stay safe.

Until next time,

The Boomer Byte