Key Highlights
avigating the digital world can be daunting, especially for older adults who may not be as familiar with the ins and outs of online safety. In today's interconnected society, scammers are constantly devising new ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals, with older adults often being prime targets.
With this checklist, older adults can stay savvy, spotting scams before they fall for them. It's all about giving them the confidence to surf the web safely and avoid those tricky scams.
A handy, printable checklist with key points to help identify potential Social Media scams.
- Review Privacy Settings: Regularly review and update your privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see your posts and personal information.
- Be Selective with Friend Requests: Only accept friend requests from people you know and trust. Be wary of requests from strangers or accounts with suspicious profiles.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Information: Refrain from sharing sensitive information such as your address, phone number, or financial details on social media platforms.
- Be Cautious of Unsolicited Messages: Be skeptical of unsolicited messages or friend requests that ask for personal information or financial assistance.
- Verify Information Before Sharing: Before sharing news articles, posts, or links, verify the information from credible sources to avoid spreading misinformation or scams.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create strong passwords for your social media accounts and change them regularly.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA on your social media accounts for an added layer of security.
- Be Wary of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of emails, messages, or posts that ask for personal information or prompt you to click on suspicious links.
- Educate Yourself About Scams: Stay informed about common social media scams, such as fake giveaways, phishing attempts, and identity theft schemes.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter any suspicious activity or believe a social media scam has targeted you, report it to the social media platform and relevant authorities immediately.
Important: Always research and verify before acting on any suspicious communication. If in doubt, consult a trusted friend or family member. Remember, saying no or hanging up on unsolicited calls is okay. Ensure this checklist is handy and refer to it when in doubt.
