Hey everyone,
I'm looking for some solid advice on preventing scams, especially since my parents are in their 60s and not very tech-savvy. Last year, my mom received one of those scam texts from USPS, and unfortunately, she ended up giving away some personal info which allowed scammers to access her Chase bank account. They were able to change her credit card and transfer out points worth about $700 to $1000. Thankfully, she noticed quickly, and I was able to help her reverse everything and set up stronger security measures, like two-factor authentication and a password manager.
Things got worse though when my dad, who manages some admin for their small business, received a scam call from someone claiming they were investigating him for impersonation. He unwittingly shared his driver's license and banking information before we realized what was happening. I've tightened security on both their accounts, but I'm looking for more ways to keep them safe from future scams. I've already frozen their credit and set up call screening on their iPhones. What additional steps can I take to further insulate them from financial fraud?
3 Answers
As a retired electrical engineer, I've seen my share of scams. Even tech-savvy folks can fall for them! One thing I learned the hard way is to regularly check account settings and be aware of any strange activity. Just because you're secure one day doesn’t mean it's forever. Encourage your parents to be proactive with these checks and make sure they set up alerts for any transactions.
Honestly, the most foolproof solution is to limit their internet access. I know it sounds extreme, but without the internet, it's hard for them to fall victim to online scams. Replace their devices with a simple TV and a landline, and let them know to hang up on any unrecognized calls. It might not be ideal, but it’s secure!
It sounds like you've taken a lot of great steps already. Just a heads up, though: they really need to understand the importance of not sharing personal info over the phone or online, no matter what. Educating them on this can be a game changer! Also, setting up parental controls as you mentioned will help a lot. Keeping them aware and monitoring their accounts is key. Maybe subscribe them to a robocall blocking service too?
Yeah, I've actually looked into that! Keeping them educated is my priority, and I'll definitely get them on a robocall service.
I get what you’re saying; it’s definitely a thought. I want to give them some freedom, though, since they do use video calls. I’ll have to weigh the options!