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.