Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. What better way to show your love for family members than to provide them with the necessary tools to protect their finances and personal information online?
Emails
Even when an email looks legitimate, it probably isn’t. Remind your loved one not to open links or provide personal information via email. Their bank will never ask for your PIN, account number, or passwords via email. If your loved one is unsure an email concerning finances is legitimate, tell them to call or visit their bank in person.
Update software regularly
If your loved one has trouble staying on top of software updates, remind them to ask a family member or friend to help. Antivirus and anti-spyware software can help protect a senior online.
Safer is better than sorry
Remind your loved ones to use secure and reputable websites when purchasing online. Remind them to shop online only using trusted vendors.
Limit access to accounts
Hackers and scammers will attempt to access accounts with easy access. Make sure your loved one is changing passwords regularly. Passwords should include lower and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Also, remind them to use two-person authentication where offered and save passwords in places no one else can access.
Offer help
Your parent or grandparents didn’t grow up with the technology we did. They may feel embarrassed about asking for help, especially when it comes to money. Make sure they know that you are available to help, that it’s not a weakness on their part, and you are happy to help.
If you have any questions about how best to protect your loved ones from cyber crimes, please do not hesitate to visit one of our branches in New Berlin, Springfield, Modesto, or Palmyra.