Computers and cell phones are rich sources of information and connection. But as with any “neighborhood,” you need to be aware of your surroundings. Scams targeting older adults are increasing in both number and sophistication every year, and the FBI estimates that folks 60 and older lost a total of $3.4 billion in 2023.

But take heart! There are many ways to stop bad actors in their tracks and keep your personal information private. And who better to show you how to protect yourself than Ron Miller, one of our resident computer gurus at Blue Skies of Texas retirement community in San Antonio. Here are his five top tips for fighting back against senior fraud.

1. Never Click an Email or Text Link, Even if It Seems to Be From a Company You Know

Ron, who earned his computer chops in the Air Force and Navy, says folks are always asking him what to do about links that appear in legitimate-sounding text or email messages. “I’ve seen it all,” he laughs, “from credit card ‘alerts’ to package delivery messages from the ‘Post Office.’”

His advice is always the same. “Do not click any link—even if it appears to be from a government agency!” Ron stresses. “That link might be a vehicle for phishing, which is when a cybercriminal uses your credit card details, social security number or other information to steal your identity.”

“If the message is from a company you do business with, go to their website and log into your account. If the message is legitimate, it should appear on your personal page.” Ron adds that you can also call the customer service number on the website and ask about the message in question.

And while we’re talking about websites, Ron also tells folks to look out for sketchy sites. “Surfing the web is like traveling to an unfamiliar city,” he explains. “If you stick to reputable neighborhoods and stores, you’re less likely to run into problems. Also keep in mind that official sites usually end in .gov or .edu, so if you land on a site with an address like IRS.com or IRS.org, it’s a huge red flag.”

2. Watch What You Share on Social Media

You arrive home from your granddaughter’s birthday celebration and post a picture to social media with the caption “Happy fifth birthday to my sweet grandbaby Molly.” Unfortunately, your family and friends might not be the only people interested in your post.

“When you share names and birthdays on social media, you put all that information out there for potential fraudsters to find,” Ron explains. “You’re much safer writing something like ‘what a great party we had’ without listing identifying details.”

Ron also advises seniors to never publish or share their phone number or email address on social media platforms. “Personal contact information is often crawled by bots and used for identity theft or phishing,” he says.

Another way to protect your contact information is by carefully reading the privacy policies and terms of service of any social media platform you use. “You want to make sure your personal information is handled securely and not shared with third parties without your consent,” Ron says.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Hang Up the Phone

Were you brought up to be polite and agreeable—or to avoid asking uncomfortable questions? That may grease the wheels of everyday social interactions, but it could land you in trouble when you receive an unsolicited phone call.

“If it’s not something you’re interested in, just hang up,” Ron urges. “Unsolicited phone calls waste time and most seniors have better things to do. Also, unscrupulous companies can record your voice—particularly the word ‘yes’—and use it to approve purchases you didn’t actually make.”

Another tip for fighting senior fraud: If you hear a long silence after answering the phone, you can be pretty sure there’s a computer or telemarketer on the other end. “If you talk to them, even for a minute, they’ll know they have a ‘live one’ and it won’t be the last time you hear from them,” Ron laughs.

You should also be aware of emotional manipulation tactics, like callers claiming to be a grandkid in distress. “Scammers scour public records and social media for names and it’s very easy to be taken in,” Ron says. He adds that having a code word that only you and your grandkids know can help separate truth from fiction.

And as for threatening calls from the IRS? Ron can’t say it often enough: “The IRS will never call (or email) you, so just hang up!”

4. Think Twice Before Using a Debit Card Online

Plastic is plastic, right? Not necessarily. When it comes to fighting senior fraud, credit cards are the way to go for major purchases. “With debit cards, the money is withdrawn directly from your checking or savings account,” Ron explains. “If you become the victim of a scam, that money is hard, if not impossible, to recover.”

“But with credit cards, there are usually better protections in place. Many companies cap the amount you can lose and have policies that let you contest suspicious charges.” You can also opt to be notified of purchases exceeding a certain amount, so if it’s a transaction you didn’t authorize, you can address it immediately.

Remember, too, that banks typically make it known what your rights are regarding fraudulent charges. “I know it’s a hassle to read the fine print,” Ron laughs, “but it’s better to grab your reading glasses before you get into trouble.”

5. Learn to Spot Charitable Scams Targeting Seniors

The people who live at Blue Skies of Texas senior living community in San Antonio have spent decades serving as educators, health care professionals, military personnel and more. No wonder they’re among the most generous folks you’ll ever want to meet. And you likely have a few causes close to your heart as well. Be careful, however, because there are some less-than-charitable scams out there.

“A few years ago, I read an article about a guy who was supposedly collecting money for the American Red Cross, only he called it the ‘U.S. Red Cross,’ ‘Red Cross USA’ or some other variation,” Ron says. “You won’t be surprised to learn that the money was going straight into his pocket.”

Fortunately, there’s an easy way for seniors to avoid most charitable scams, as Ron explains. “If you really want to give to a particular organization, contact them directly by phone or through their website. That way, you know your money is going to the right place.”

At Blue Skies of Texas, Folks Look Out for One Another

One of the things that Ron and his wife Barbara love most about Blue Skies of Texas retirement community in San Antonio is how residents take care of their neighbors. If folks have a question about a suspicious email or strange text, they can always contact Ron or another member of our volunteer team of resident tech experts.

To speak to a sales counselor or schedule your tour, click here or call (866) 553-5389.