Seniors are prime targets for cyber crime because many of them have been preparing for retirement and have sizable savings. Their lack of familiarity with technology can set them up to be deceived or hacked. Scammers are going to elaborate lengths to hide their deception. It's important to be aware of their schemes.
Today’s guest is Scott Schober. Scott is the CEO of Berkeley Varitronics Systems. As a cyber security and wireless technology expert, Scott has had regular appearances on Bloomberg TV, ABC, CBS, FOX News, Good Morning America, CNN, CNBC, and many more. Scott is the author of Hacked Again, Cyber Security is Everybody’s Business, and his latest book, we’ll talk about today, Senior Cyber.
Show Notes:
- [1:10] - Senior Cyber is a little different than Scott’s other books. Scott was inspired to write it as he has helped his parents and grandparents with technology.
- [2:22] - As he was looking for resources for his parents and grandparents, he found that the books tended to talk down to the audience. It makes the audience feel intimidated.
- [4:36] - Typically, seniors have a little bit more disposable income because they’re saving for retirement. It makes them targets of scams.
- [5:09] - Scott points out that seniors also tend to be more innocent and naive when it comes to trusting hackers. Hackers can more easily use phishing attacks.
- [6:41] - Chris and Scott discuss the familiarity gap between generations. Bringing in terms like cryptocurrency and bitcoin is a way that confuses older generations.
- [7:23] - There are many seniors who have taken the time to learn, become comfortable with, and embrace technology including online bill pay and communication.
- [8:27] - Scott shares how he has heard from some readers of his book who said that through reading the book, it opened younger family members up to helping older family members navigate online.
- [9:18] - Chris shares an experience with a friend who’s father went missing which caused Chris to really start thinking about his own parents and led to a great conversation with them.
- [12:23] - Scott describes a similar story of his daughter seemingly going missing while on a trip many years ago. Technology didn’t enter their mind as a solution, but now it can be helpful in making sure others are safe.
- [14:00] - Using his own father as an example, many seniors who have a brilliant mind, feel discouraged because they can’t always remember usernames, passwords, and processes to stay safe online.
- [15:20] - Imagine someone who has never used computers, listening to current buzzwords like phishing attacks, encryption, ransomware, etc.
- [16:01] - Making it clear that seniors are not inherently doing anything wrong, communicating cyber security strategies in a way that is relatable to them is key.
- [16:53] - In his experience, Scott sees most seniors accessing the internet through a computer and typically have their passwords written down in plain view.
- [18:10] - Doing some “house cleaning” when it comes to cyber security for the seniors in your life can be very helpful. Remove unused apps and clean out things that aren’t necessary.
- [19:38] - Scott shares a story about a credit card expiring and cutting it up.
- [21:14] - Sharing stories with others can have a larger impact on those you are helping than making them feel like they are being lectured.
- [23:04] - Scott explains that the scams that impact the elderly the most are always tied to emotions. Recently, there have been scams surrounding vaccines.
- [24:09] - If something sounds a little fishy, pause and ask the questions.
- [24:39] - Phone calls and emails asking for information to put you on a list for a vaccine are rampant right now.
- [24:59] - Because it is also tax season, there are a lot of tax scams going on. Remember that the IRS is not going to call you.
- [25:53] - Scott learns about a new scam every single day. It keeps changing and evolving.
- [26:55] - When someone calls and volunteers a small amount of personal information about you asking for you to confirm the rest and tries to do so very quickly, those are red flags of a scam.
- [28:37] - An older generation was taught to answer the phone because it is courteous while a younger generation may screen calls or prefer texts.
- [29:56] - Even if a senior has a smartphone and attempts to screen calls, call spoofing is so easy for scammers to do. Scott shares how he tried it himself and demonstrates just how easy it is.
- [31:40] - Scott points out that seniors are more likely to respond to calls which causes them to keep calling and probing for more information.
- [32:42] - Scott shares a personal story about his grandfather becoming a victim to a scam.
- [34:26] - Fortunately in the case of his grandfather, the cashier performing the wire transfers knew of a scam and asked questions.
- [35:19] - Once a scam is successful, even more calls and emails will come to try to scam again.
- [37:05] - Some scammers will also try to coach you to lie to cashiers or banks. That is a red flag. You shouldn’t have to lie to access your funds.
- [39:47] - Chris shares that some people he has helped, especially if they are older, tend to think that they are personally targeted. But it is really that everyone is targeted and a lot of people get the same calls.
- [41:18] - Scott describes how he was able to talk with a scammer and how when he got caught, he became extremely angry.
- [43:59] - When Chris and Scott answer these calls and talk to scammers knowing what they are trying to do, they are at least gaining knowledge on how they operate.
- [45:26] - Chris explains a newer scam called brushing in, which is when packages are delivered to you that you did not order to cause you to reach out and give information to get the package to the right person.
- [47:53] - Scott’s book, Senior Cyber, is available on Amazon and his website.
- [49:24] - Throughout the book, there are “Senior Tips” that bullet point quick tips and facts that are easy to understand. There is also a senior workbook that is enjoyable and educational. You can reach out to Scott to receive one of those.
Thanks for joining us on Easy Prey. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast on iTunes and leave a nice review.
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