Phishing for Seniors: Don't Take the Bait!

Phishing scams are one of the most common types of online fraud, and they often target seniors. Phishing occurs when someone pretends to be from a trusted source, like your bank, a government agency, or a well-known company, in order to trick you into giving them personal information such as your password, Social Security number, or credit card details. These scams usually come in the form of emails, text messages, or phone calls, and they are designed to look or sound legitimate, which makes them especially tricky to spot.

The goal of a phishing scam is simple: to steal your personal information so they can access your accounts, steal your identity, or take your money. Let’s go over some common signs of phishing scams and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself.

How Phishing Scams Work

In a phishing scam, a scammer will contact you pretending to be from a trustworthy organization. They might send you an email that looks like it’s from your bank, a government agency like the IRS, or a company you frequently shop with, such as Amazon. The message will ask you to take immediate action, usually by clicking a link or calling a phone number. The scammer’s goal is to scare you into acting without thinking so that you give away personal information like login details or payment information.

These messages often say things like:

• “Your account has been locked. Click here to reset your password.”

• “We’ve detected suspicious activity on your account. Call us immediately.”

• “You owe taxes and must pay immediately, or legal action will be taken.”

  
  

Once you click the link or call the number, the scammer will either steal the information you provide or install malicious software on your computer to gather even more of your personal data.

How to Spot Phishing Scams

Here are some common signs that an email, text, or phone call might be a phishing scam:

1. Unsolicited contact

Be wary of any unexpected emails, texts, or calls that ask for personal information. Legitimate companies or government agencies will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account details, or password through email or text message. If you didn’t contact them first, be suspicious.

2. Strange email addresses or phone numbers

One of the easiest ways to spot a phishing scam is to check the email address or phone number of the person contacting you. Scammers often use email addresses or phone numbers that look very similar to the real thing but with slight differences. For example, instead of an email from "yourbank.com," a scammer might send an email from "yourbannk.com" or "yourbank123.com." These small changes are easy to miss if you’re not looking carefully.

How to check an email address:

• Hover your mouse over the sender’s name in the email. This will show the actual email address it came from. If it looks unusual, don’t trust it.

• If it’s a phone call, avoid picking up calls from numbers you don’t recognize. If the call is important, they will leave a message. Scammers often use strange area codes or numbers that are almost the same as a real company’s phone number.

  
  

3. Urgent language or fear tactics

Phishing scams often try to scare you into acting quickly by claiming something bad will happen if you don’t take immediate action. For example, they might say your account has been compromised, or that you owe money and must pay right away to avoid legal trouble. Scammers rely on fear to get you to act without thinking.

Real companies don’t threaten you in this way. For example, your bank won’t lock your account without giving you plenty of warning first, and the IRS will never contact you via email or text message demanding immediate payment.

4. Suspicious links

If you receive an email or message with a link, don’t click on it unless you’re 100% sure it’s legitimate. Scammers often create fake websites that look like the real thing to trick you into entering your information. Once you input your details, they’ll steal it and use it to access your accounts.

How to check a link:

• Hover your mouse over the link (don’t click it!). This will show you the full website address. If the address looks strange or doesn’t match the company’s official website, don’t click.

• If you’re on a phone or tablet, press and hold the link to see the full web address before you decide whether to click.

  
  

Common Types of Phishing Scams

1. Email phishing

This is the most common form of phishing. Scammers will send an email that looks like it’s from a legitimate company, asking you to click on a link or provide personal information. The email might include logos and language that looks official, but don’t be fooled—legitimate companies will never ask for sensitive information via email.

2. Text message phishing (also called “smishing”)

Scammers might send you a text message that looks like it’s from your bank or another trusted organization. These messages often include a link or ask you to call a phone number. Just like with email phishing, never click on links or call numbers in unsolicited text messages.

3. Phone call phishing (also called “vishing”)

Phishing can also happen over the phone. A scammer might call you pretending to be from a bank, tech support, or the IRS, claiming that you need to take immediate action. They might ask for your Social Security number, credit card details, or other personal information. Real companies and government agencies will never ask for sensitive information over the phone like this.

A common phone phishing scam is the “tech support” scam, where someone calls claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple, telling you that your computer is infected with a virus and they need access to fix it. Never give anyone remote access to your computer unless you’ve contacted them first.

What to Do if You’re Unsure

If you receive an email, text, or phone call that seems suspicious, follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Don’t click on links or provide personal information

If the message asks you to click a link or give out personal information, don’t do it. Instead, go to the company’s official website by typing their address directly into your web browser or by using their official phone number (found on the back of your bank card or by searching for the company online).

2. Contact the company directly

If you’re worried that the message might be legitimate, call the company directly using the phone number on their official website—not the number provided in the email or text. This way, you can be sure you’re speaking to a real representative and not a scammer.

3. Look for typos and poor grammar

Phishing emails and messages often contain spelling mistakes or awkward language. Big companies and government agencies usually have professional writing in their communications, so if the message seems poorly written, it’s likely a scam.

4. Report the phishing attempt

Most email services allow you to report phishing emails directly. If you receive a phishing email, mark it as “spam” or “phishing” in your email inbox to block future messages. You can also report phishing to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Anti-Phishing Working Group.

5. Tell someone you trust

If you’re not sure whether a message is legitimate, show it to a family member or a trusted friend. They can help you decide if it’s real or not.

What to Do If You Fall for a Phishing Scam

If you accidentally click on a phishing link or give away personal information, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

1. Change your passwords immediately

If you entered your login information on a phishing website, change your password right away for the affected account. Make sure your new password is strong and not easy to guess.

2. Contact your bank or credit card company

If you gave out your bank or credit card information, call your bank or card issuer immediately to report the issue. They can help you protect your account by freezing it or monitoring it for suspicious activity.

3. Scan your computer for viruses

If you clicked on a suspicious link, run a full virus scan on your computer to check for malware. Many antivirus programs offer free versions that can help detect and remove malicious software.

4. Monitor your accounts

Keep a close eye on your bank accounts and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. If you see any suspicious activity, report it to your bank immediately.

Conclusion

Phishing scams can be very convincing, but by knowing the warning signs and staying cautious, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these scams. Always remember to be skeptical of any unsolicited messages asking for personal information, and don’t be afraid to reach out to family members or trusted friends if you’re unsure. Staying informed and taking your time to verify any suspicious messages is the best way to protect your personal information and financial security.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts—better safe than sorry!