Tips for Protecting Yourself, Friends and Family Members Against Elder Fraud
Protect Your Computer
- Make sure that you have installed and run updated anti-virus and anti-malware software. Both viruses and malware can leave your computer vulnerable to attack and intrusion. Anti-virus & anti-malware software is especially important if you are using a broadband Internet connection like DSL, cable, or satellite.
- Install a firewall, either software or hardware. A firewall will prevent attacks on your computer through the Internet by determining if a requested connection is malicious or not. A firewall is especially important if you are using a broadband Internet connection such as DSL, cable, or satellite.
- Keep your Internet browser, anti-virus, anti-malware, and firewall up to date by visiting the manufacturer's website and checking regularly for software and security upgrades.
- Watch out for public Wi-Fi. Public connections are not very secure, so don’t perform banking transactions on a public network. If you need to access your account, try disabling the Wi-Fi and switching to your mobile network. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) app to secure and encrypt your communications when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network.
PINs and Passwords
- Memorize your PINs and passwords and keep them confidential.
- Change your passwords periodically.
- Avoid selecting PINs and passwords that will be easy for an identity thief to figure out.
- Do not carry PINs and passwords in your wallet or purse or keep them near your checkbook, credit cards, debit cards or ATM cards.
Telephone and Internet Solicitations
- Be suspicious of any unsolicited offer made by telephone, on a website or in an email.
- If you receive a phone call that seems to be an attempt to gain information, hang up or end the call. Be aware that area codes can be misleading. If your Caller ID displays a local area code, this does not guarantee the caller is local.
- Do not respond to an unsolicited email that requests any personal identifying information.
- Before responding to a telephone or Internet offer, determine if the person or business making the offer is legitimate.
Miscellaneous
- Use common sense and be suspicious when things do not seem right.
- Be suspicious of any proposed transaction that requires you to send an advance payment or deposit by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card.
- Be wary of any requests that seem urgent or threatening.
