Let’s be real: scammers don’t sleep. And while it’s a terrible thing to say, many of them actively target seniors—assuming that we’re less tech-savvy, more trusting, or less likely to report when something feels off.
Well, not today, scammer. Not today.
Whether it’s a suspicious phone call, a phishing email, or a friendly stranger asking for “just a little information,” there are ways to spot the red flags and stay protected. This post is your no-nonsense guide to avoiding fraud and identity theft, written with a dose of humor and a big helping of common sense.
1. Don’t Give Out Personal Info Over the Phone. Ever. ☎️
Let’s start with the golden rule: if someone calls you asking for your Social Security number, Medicare ID, or bank info, hang up. I don’t care if they say they’re from the IRS, your bank, or your cousin’s dog groomer. Legitimate agencies don’t call you to collect sensitive information.
🚩 Scammers often say things like:
- “Your account is suspended.”
- “We detected fraud on your card.”
- “You owe back taxes and must pay immediately.”
- “You’ve won a prize! Just confirm your info…”
✅ What to do instead:
- Hang up and call the official number from the organization’s website.
- Never give out information unless you initiated the call.
💡 Mark’s Tip: My dad once asked a scammer, “Which account is this about?” The guy paused, then said, “Your main account.” That’s not even a thing. Blocked and done.
2. Watch Out for “Too Good to Be True” Emails and Texts 📧
If an email says you’ve won $5,000 and a cruise to Bermuda, or that Amazon needs you to confirm a package you never ordered—guess what? It’s not your lucky day. It’s a scam.
🚩 Phishing emails often:
- Use fake logos that look almost real.
- Contain weird links or typos.
- Try to create urgency: “Act now or lose access!”
✅ What to do instead:
- Don’t click links from unknown senders.
- Hover over the link to see where it actually leads.
- Use a spam filter and update your antivirus software.
💡 Mark’s Tip: If the email starts with “Dear user” instead of your name, trash it. Amazon knows who I am—and they’re not sending me a cruise.
3. Keep Your Documents and Mail Safe 📬
Your mailbox and home filing cabinet are goldmines for identity thieves.
✅ Shred anything with your name, address, or account numbers.
✅ Don’t leave bills, checkbooks, or Medicare cards lying around.
✅ Opt for paperless billing when possible.
💡 Mark’s Tip: We got my mom a locking mailbox after someone fished out her utility bill. Now it’s secure—and bonus points, it looks classy too.
4. Use Strong Passwords (And Don’t Write Them on Sticky Notes!) 🔐
We all do it. One password for everything. Maybe your dog’s name and your birthday. But here’s the thing—scammers love that. Once they get one password, they try it everywhere.
✅ Create strong, unique passwords.
✅ Use a password manager (yes, they’re easy to use).
✅ Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
💡 Mark’s Tip: My trick? I taught my mom how to use a password manager. Now she logs into her email with one click, and I sleep better at night.
5. Monitor Your Financial Accounts Regularly 💳
Scammers count on you not noticing the little charges. A $4.99 “test” charge can snowball into a spending spree if you’re not watching.
✅ Check your bank and credit card statements every week.
✅ Report any suspicious charges immediately.
✅ Set up account alerts so you get notified of activity.
💡 Mark’s Tip: I helped my in-laws set up automatic
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