Digi Friend
Topic 2 · 🛡️
Online Safety
Scammers rely on a handful of favorite tricks, and once you know them they stop working - however convincing the message sounds. Here are the tricks aimed most often at older adults, how to make a password nobody can guess, and exactly what to do if something has already gone wrong.
By the end you will
- Recognize the scam patterns aimed most often at older adults.
- Make strong passwords, and install apps only from the official stores.
- Use the most important rule: check for yourself before you trust, tap or send money.
Lessons
2.1 Spot a scam message
Most scam messages give themselves away: odd spelling, a rush, a request for a code or money, or a scary warning with a number to call.
2.2 Calls that pretend to be family
AI can copy a real voice from a few seconds of video. Prize, romance and job scams follow the same script: a story, a rush, and money you must send.
2.3 Strong passwords, safe apps
A favorite phrase plus a number and a symbol is strong and easy to remember. Apps come from the App Store or Google Play - never from a link.
2.4 If something went wrong
Block, call family, report, call the bank. Not sure about a message? Take a screenshot and ask before you do anything.
Remember this
- Hang up. Call the person back on their own number - never trust the voice alone.
- Strong password: a phrase + numbers + a symbol. Never “123456.”
- Install apps only from the App Store or Google Play.
- Not sure? Take a screenshot and ask family or someone you trust before you tap.
- Lost money or information? No shame. Report at IdentityTheft.gov and ReportFraud.ftc.gov, then call the bank.