I'm really worried about my mom's safety online. She seems really susceptible to scams and misinformation, which is scary because we've lost a lot of money already. For example, she got tricked into spending nearly $2,000 trying to book me a flight, among other scams. When I try to talk to her about being cautious, she gets defensive and says she's careful, but her actions say otherwise. She even believes misleading videos and insists on following advice from my uncle, who tells her to limit her phone use without understanding the bigger picture. I've tried helping her secure her devices, but she just gets frustrated with me. I need some advice on how I can support her without making her feel like I'm taking over her life or privacy. Any suggestions? Thanks!
2 Answers
You might want to consider setting up a separate user account on her devices that has limited access. This way, she can still use her phone or computer but won't be able to make any major changes or download potentially harmful apps. I've done this for some family members, and it really can help prevent them from getting into messes without them even realizing it. Just be careful not to say too much about what you're doing to avoid causing any drama!
Another way to help her is by adjusting her browser settings. Switch her to Firefox and install some protective extensions like uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger. These tools can block ads and phishing sites she might accidentally click on. That way, she can surf safely without really needing to change her browsing habits too much.
Good idea! I could probably manage that without her noticing. Hopefully, she wouldn’t get upset about it. Just keeping her safe is my priority!
That sounds like a solid plan! I might be worried about her finding out, though. I definitely don’t want to create any family drama. But if it keeps her safe, it might be worth it!