Survey Reveals Two-Thirds of Seniors in the US Cheated Online
OMAHA, Neb, February 16: Approximately 97 percent of seniors
age 70 and over are utilizing the internet no less than once a week to check
email, control money and stay in contact by means of social media. All this while
online is putting them at jeopardy for cons and hacks, together with tax deceit.
To aid seniors appreciate likely threats and how to avert deception, Home Instead
Senior Care® cooperated with the National Cyber Security Alliance to commence a
countrywide public education program, Protect Seniors Online, obtainable at
www.ProtectSeniorsOnline.com.
"We understand the stress seniors feel when they
perceive their financial security – and their independence – may be at
risk," revealed Jeff Huber, CEO of Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the
Home Instead Senior Care® network, adding, "Unfortunately, we know
scammers often target seniors. That's why we're committed to educating and
empowering seniors to proactively protect themselves. Implementing simple
cybersecurity best practices can go a long way in helping seniors protect
sensitive information and reduce their risks online."
A fresh survey by Home Instead discovered that two-thirds
(67 percent) of U.S. seniors online have been the prey or object of no less
than one widespread online scam or hack. Over one-third (38 percent) report
that somebody has attempted to con them online, and 28 percent of assessed seniors
have erroneously downloaded a computer virus.
Resembling younger generations, numerous seniors are utilizing
the internet to control their assets, with 41 percent banking online and over
one-in-four (26 percent) giving bills online. And almost one-quarter of seniors
(21 percent) file their taxes online. As seniors' funds shift online – together
with what scammers see as recognized fiscal safety and a gullible nature –
seniors are a key object for scammers. Roughly one in 10 seniors (9 percent) revealed
they had been a prey of offenders feigning as the IRS and claiming instant
payment of taxes.
Michael Kaiser, executive director of the National Cyber
Security Alliance, explains that encouraging seniors to protect themselves
online can go a long way in protecting sensitive identity and financial
information, stated, "Cybersecurity is about risk reduction. It's
difficult to achieve perfect security. But you can help older adults work to
make themselves a more difficult target," adding, Kaiser.
The Protect Seniors Online program presents free of charge resources
and guidelines to aid seniors appreciate how scammers function, acquaints
themselves with the most familiar cons aimed at seniors, and gives practical
steps seniors and caregivers can take to defend delicate facts. The resources comprise
the online "Can You Spot an Online Scam?" test to check seniors'
cyber safety understanding.
For additional facts one can log on to www.ProtectSeniorsOnline.com.
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