Scammers are increasingly using text messages to target seniors. These fraudulent messages often impersonate banks, government agencies, or even family members to trick recipients into revealing personal information or sending money. Protecting seniors from these scams is crucial to safeguarding their finances and personal security. Here are some practical ways to help seniors avoid falling victim to text scams.
1. Educate Them on Common Scams
One of the best ways to protect seniors is to make them aware of the most common text scams, including:
Phishing Scams: Messages claiming to be from banks or government agencies asking for sensitive information.
Prize or Lottery Scams: Texts stating that they’ve won a prize but must pay a fee to claim it.
Family Emergency Scams: Fraudsters impersonate distressed relatives, asking for urgent financial help.
Fake Delivery Notifications: Messages pretending to be from shipping companies, prompting them to click on a malicious link.
Please encourage them to be skeptical of any message that demands urgent action or personal information.
2. Teach Them Not to Click on Suspicious Links
Scammers often include links in their messages that lead to fake websites designed to steal personal data. Remind seniors to:
Never click on links from unknown senders.
Verify the legitimacy of messages by contacting the company or family member directly.
Look for spelling errors or strange website addresses, which are common red flags of scams.
3. Help Them Block and Report Scammers
Most smartphones have built-in features to block spam messages and unknown numbers. Show seniors how to:
Block unwanted numbers on their device.
Report spam messages to their phone carrier by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).
Use apps like RoboKiller or Truecaller to filter out scam texts automatically.
4. Encourage Them to Keep Personal Information Private
Remind seniors never to share sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, banking details, or passwords, over text messages. Legitimate institutions will never request such information through text.
5. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
For extra security, help seniors enable two-factor authentication on important accounts. This adds an additional layer of protection, making it harder for scammers to access their accounts even if they obtain login credentials.
6. Monitor Their Accounts for Suspicious Activity
Encourage seniors to regularly check their bank statements and online accounts for unusual transactions. If they receive a suspicious text related to an account, they should call the institution directly using a verified phone number.
7. Create a Support System
Ensure seniors have a trusted family member or friend they can consult before responding to any unexpected text message. Encourage them to ask for help if they ever feel unsure about a message they receive.
Final Thoughts
Protecting seniors from text scams requires education, vigilance, and support. By teaching them to recognize fraudulent messages, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and report scam attempts, you can help safeguard them against financial and personal harm. Encourage open conversations about digital safety and let them know they can always turn to you for guidance when in doubt.
