The elderly are constant targets of electronic theft. Although all of us are potential targets, the elderly are especially vulnerable because they may have less experience with computers and electronic technology. Adults age 60 and older may not have as much technical experience as younger generations. Furthermore, as we age, we become subject to memory loss, which may cause us to believe we recognize email addresses or senders’ names. However, this makes them more likely to open phishing emails or spam emails that become operative when unsuspecting recipients click on email links. Once unsuspecting email recipients click on these phishing links, phishers can take electronic information stores on their computers, including banking passwords, Social Security numbers and other personal, financial information.
How can you help your elderly loved ones against malicious phishing attacks? You can help them by installing updated anti-virus and malware software programs on their computers. You can also encourage them to keep a close eye on their bank account statements, and if they notice unusual activity, they should contact their banks. You can also teach them to delete spam email without opening them by immediately depositing them into their bank accounts. Finally, you can help them identify spam email as junk email.
Timothy P. Murphy
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