As digital technology continues to advance, seniors are at a particularly high risk of being targeted by fraudsters, experts say.
That’s important senior citizen Finding the balance between enjoying the benefits of the internet and being safe, according to Tom Kamber, founder and executive director of the National Nonprofit Elderly Technical Services (OATS), a part of AARP.
“Now, everyone needs to use the internet for a lot of basic activities,” New York-based Kamber said in an interview with Fox News Digital.
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Experts have shared some of the main barriers and threats faced by older people when it comes to technology.
The non-profit senior technology service will train “tens of thousands” on digital safety through a new initiative with Verizon. (istock)
Scams and frauds
No.1 digital Risks for the elderly Kamber said AARP’s investigation found that the main obstacle to using technology is the fear of privacy violations.
“When you’re older these days, you have a target on your back because people try to disproportionately target senior fraud,” the expert warned.
Many seniors are scamed from money through AI deepfake online By phoneKamber pointed out. This can be difficult to differentiate without proper knowledge of what is not reality.
Experts recommended that older people develop skills to enable password protection and learn how to recognize deepfakes. (istock)
“It’s very unfair and really challenging, but older people are five times more likely to lose money from fraud than younger people.”
According to Kamber, it can help you avoid scams such as phishing by checking your website and email address to make sure you’re trustworthy.
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In another interview with Fox News Digital, Authorized social worker and gerontologist Macy Smith advised older people not to answer calls that could come from “spam callers” or “unknown callers.”
“Perhaps you were the person who didn’t share your number and you didn’t give them permission to call you,” said the South Carolina-based expert.
AI Voice Cloning could create calls that sound like a loved one, experts warned. (istock)
“Don’t click on emails, texts or links sent by someone new to you on social media.”
If someone receives a characterless message from a social media contact, Smith recommends picking up the phone and calling an individual to confirm, as the sender’s profile may have been replicated by a scammer.
AI-driven threat
meanwhile artificial intelligence Kamber warned that AI-generated content on social media, which can be burned into phone scams and includes fake photos and videos, is another “common” issue for some seniors.
“Therefore, there are many challenges for now with access to true and reliable information,” he said. “It allows you to recognize certain characteristics of a presentation and give you a clue that something is a little bit farther away.”
If something on the internet seems “too good,” there could be more to it, Kamber warned. (istock)
Kamber encouraged older people to build “social common sense” and “Street Smarts” and apply it to online behavior.
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“Common sense is probably one of the great assets for older people who learn to navigate this new world,” he added.
Overcoming barriers
To protect yourself from potential threats, Kamber recommends that seniors continue to have an open dialogue Family and friends Someone who can serve as a resource for technical questions.
To protect themselves from potential threats, seniors should seek guidance from family and friends for technical questions. (istock)
“We’re all talking about what’s realistic and what’s not online for the next 50 years,” he said. “We need to constantly nurture… our help supports the channel so that we can be more resilient.”
Smith suggested that older people share their login information with trustworthy and tech-savvy people.
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“This way, if you have concerns or questions, you can help a person determine the reliability of the information and source,” she said.
Smith is important to not restrict seniors from operating in the “current digital landscape.”
“It’s important for us all to keep us up to date with excellent digital hygiene,” one expert said. (istock)
“Some of the things they rely on, such as Social Security benefits, need to be managed online,” she said.
Social media also helps in combat Loneliness and loneliness In the elderly, experts pointed out.
“Older people are five times more likely to lose money from fraud than younger people.”
“We want to provide as many safeguards as possible to reduce or eliminate the risk of fraud while continuing to engage in society.”
Teaching digital wellness
OATS offers free technology and training programs to Americans over 50, Kamber shared. The organization recently partnered with Verizon to participate in a digital wellness initiative.
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OATS offers free digital wellness lessons at Verizon stores and senior centers, focusing on helping people mow The Benefits of Technology While using it safer and more effective.
“We encourage people to balance potential risks and learn how to mitigate them,” Kamber said.
Seniors should be encouraged to learn how devices work, rather than being blocked from the digital world, experts recommend. (istock)
Verizon’s Chief Responsible Business Officer, Donna Epps, highlighted the need for digital literacy training among seniors.
“AI Voice Cloning – You may get a call, and it sounds like a loved one who is in trouble and wants money. It’s a common new scam from online criminals.”
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“It’s important for us all to be really up to date with good digital hygiene. What are the strategies and what do we need to be aware of?”
