Happy Wednesday, friend! I've got something super important to chat about this week on Secret Mom Hacks. This episode is all about cyber scams—because, let's face it, the scammers are getting sneakier, especially during the holiday season! 😱

Want to help keep your family—especially those seniors in your life—safe from con artists? Then read on and tune-in because we’re diving deep into the murky waters of digital deception. [Catch the full episode HERE!]

Here’s a sneak peek at what we covered this episode

First things first, did you know that Americans over 60 lost over $3.4 billion—yes, with a B—to cyber scams in 2023? That's a whopping 11% jump from 2022. My heart goes out because it hit close to home when someone I care for was scammed by con artists posing as the FTC and the Social Security Administration, losing tens of thousands of dollars. 😢

With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and all the other holiday sales coming up, now is the time to get savvy about scams! Here are the big ones covered in today's show:

1. Phishing: Not fishing at your local pond, but phishing emails and texts from “trusted sources” like banks or government programs. These jerks ask you to click a link or share personal info. Spoiler alert: It’s a scam!

2. Fake shopping sites: These sites mimic real retailers, but just want to steal your info or money. If the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is!

3. Tech support scams: You get a call from “Microsoft” saying your device has a virus. They ask for remote access or payment. Newsflash: IT'S A SCAM. Hang up!

4. Prize or sweepstakes scams: “You’ve won a million dollars!”—but first, pay a processing fee or share your bank details. Sound sketchy? Because it is.

5. Charity scams: 'Tis the season for giving, but not to these scammers posing as charities. Always double-check before donating!

🚩 Red flags to be aware of 🚩

Now, let's talk red flags, because you need to be on the lookout for these:

  1. Urgent language: Phrases like "Act Now" or "Only 24 hours left" are meant to rush you. Take a breath, pause, verify!
  2. Requests for personal info: Legit companies will never ask for your Social Security number or banking info through unsolicited email, texts, or phone calls.
  3. Weird payment methods: Gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies? Huge red flags. Legit businesses don’t operate this way.
  4. Sketchy email addresses & URLs: Look closely. Scammers use email addresses and links that look right but have small differences. Hover over links without clicking to check where they lead.

How to share this wisdom with your loved ones

When talking to the seniors in your life, approach them with empathy, not judgment. Try this: “I know you're careful, but these scammers are getting really sneaky, and I just want to help keep you safe.”

Here’s a quick action plan:

  • Create a pause and call routine: Encourage them to pause whenever they get unsolicited messages asking for info or payment and call YOU before they do anything.
  • Recommend resources: AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, the FTC’s Scam Alerts page, and Charity Navigator are your new best friends.
  • Cybersecurity essentials: Strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) can work wonders. Suggest a password manager too!

Final thoughts

Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Protect your loved ones by having this important conversation before the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear.

And, of course, if anyone falls prey to a scam, report it to all relevant agencies, such as the local police, the FBI, Secret Service, your local district attorney, your State Attorney General's office, the Department of Justice, the SEC (if it's relevant), and FINRA (if a brokerage account was involved). Reports should also be filed with whomever the criminals were posing as.

I hope this episode empowers you to keep your loved ones safe. Until next time, you've got this, momma! 💪

Hugs,
-Krista-

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