Technology

How criminals are exploiting personal information to target vulnerable seniors in elder fraud

Published

3 days ago

July 4, 2024

How criminals are exploiting personal information to target vulnerable seniors in elder fraud

Scammers are using leaked personal information to rob older Americans of their hard-earned money.

In 2023, people over 60 lost a whopping $3.4 billion to scams, a 10.6% increase from 2022, according to the FBI’s IC3 reports.

Tech support scams are the most common, affecting the most people and causing the biggest financial losses. Other common scams include investment fraud, romance fraud and identity theft.

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A man working on his laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How criminals use your personal data against you

According to the FBI’s IC3 reports analyzed by the data removal company Incogni, criminals are able to scam older folks because they have access to their personal data. They gain access to this data through data brokers who collect personal information from public records and sometimes also source it privately. This data can include anything from your name, contact number, address and financial details to your relationship status, the electronic gadgets you use and more.

When a criminal has your personal information, they can use many tactics to scam you. I discuss some of the common ones below:

1. Investment fraud: Criminals perpetrating investment fraud use personal information, such as financial details, names and contact numbers, to trap their victims. This type of fraud affected 6,400 individuals in 2023, causing total monetary losses of $1.2 billion.

2. Tech support scam: It’s one of the more common scams where a criminal uses information like your contact number and the electronic gadgets you use to scam you. They may also try to impersonate popular e-commerce companies like Best Buy and Amazon. Around 18,000 individuals have been affected by tech support scams in 2023, losing over $589.8 million.

3. Confidence or romance fraud: Personal data like income level, credit rating and assets owned can help criminals choose viable targets for this type of scam. Over 6,700 Americans have been affected by confidence or romance fraud and have lost over $356.9 million.

Other examples of ways criminals scam elderly people include government impersonation, identity theft and harassment.

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A woman using her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

‘UNSUBSCRIBE’ EMAIL SCAM IS TARGETING AMERICANS

What is the scale of these scams?

Seniors in the States have been significantly impacted by scams involving personal data. In 2023, there were a total of 101,068 reports filed by individuals over 60 years old, resulting in total losses of $3.4 billion. This represents a 14.5% increase from the 88,300 reports filed in 2022 and a 10.6% increase in the total amount of money lost (up from $3.1 billion in 2022).

The numbers become even more shocking when you take reports from the last five years. Between 2019 and 2023, a staggering 455,000 reports were filed, with seniors losing a total of $10 billion. In 2023, the average amount lost per victim was $33,900, a slight decrease (3.38%) from the $35,100 in damages reported in 2022.

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A man working on this laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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10 ways to protect yourself from criminals exploiting personal information

If you think you’re at risk or have been affected by one of the many scams I discussed, follow these steps to protect your digital privacy and safety.

1. Invest in data removal services: While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

2. Place a fraud alert: Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) and request a fraud alert to be placed on your credit file. This will make it more difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name without verification.

3. Be cautious of phishing attempts: Be vigilant about emails, phone calls or messages from unknown sources asking for personal information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing sensitive details unless you can verify the legitimacy of the request.

The best way to protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have strong antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

4. Check Social Security benefits: It is crucial to periodically check your Social Security benefits to ensure they have not been tampered with or altered in any way, safeguarding your financial security and preventing potential fraud.

5. Change your password: If you think your personal data has been compromised, you can render it useless to thieves simply by changing your password. Opt for a strong password, one you don’t use elsewhere. Even better, consider getting a password manager to generate one for you.

6. Regularly monitor your financial accounts: Check your bank accounts, credit card statements and other financial accounts regularly (at least every two weeks) for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. This allows you to catch fraud early and take action.

7. Be cautious on social media: Be careful about the personal information you share on social media, as scammers can use details like birthdays, vacation plans and family/friend connections to target you.

8. Use multifactor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on your important accounts to add an extra layer of security beyond just a password. This requires a second step like a code sent to your phone to log in.

9. Back up your data: Regularly back up important data from your devices to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This protects you if your device is lost, stolen or infected with malware.

10. Use updated security software: Keep security software like antivirus and anti-malware programs updated on all your devices to protect against the latest threats.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Your data is now more valuable than gold for scammers and bad actors. They can use your personal information to cause not only financial but also mental harm. These bad actors especially target individuals above 60, knowing that they are vulnerable. It’s important that you stay extra careful when navigating online and don’t address unsolicited advice from anyone on the web or over the phone.

Do you think government authorities should do more to prevent seniors from falling victim to online scams? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Epic says its EU iOS app store is approved but that Apple wants a change

Published

6 hours ago

July 7, 2024

Press Room

Epic says its EU iOS app store is approved but that Apple wants a change

The Epic Games Store app for EU iPhones has passed Apple’s notarization process, putting the alternative app store a step closer to selling apps directly to iOS users outside of the App Store. AppleInsider reports that while Apple confirmed the app had passed, it has asked Epic to “fix the buttons” in a future submission to the company’s app review process.

But the approval is just “temporary,” posted Epic CEO Tim Sweeney, who puts Apple’s request differently. He says the company is “demanding we change the buttons in the next version,” vowing that the company will “fight this.” The apparently conditional approval is just the latest part of the back-and-forth saga between Apple and Epic. Previously, Apple reinstated Epic Games Sweden’s European developer license after EU regulators started investigating its decision to pull it.

Technology

Let's take your Windows PC's security to the next level with these simple steps

Published

6 hours ago

July 7, 2024

Press Room

Let's take your Windows PC's security to the next level with these simple steps

Are you tired of the same old Win+L routine to lock your Windows PC?

There are some alternative security features you might not know about. From face recognition to dynamic lock, we’ve got a few other options to explore.

So, let’s dive in and discover how to lock down your Windows PC.

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Windows PC home screen. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The basics: Accessing your lock options

First things first, let’s get to where the magic happens:

Click the Windows icon in the bottom left corner

Steps to access your lock options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Next, tap Settings, which looks like a gear icon

Steps to access your lock options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

In the Settings window, look for “Accounts” and click on it

Steps to access your lock options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Now, find and click on Sign-in options

Steps to access your lock options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Here, you can find a list of standard options to lock your computer. You can set up Face Recognition and Fingerprinting (with compatible devices), PINs, Security Keys and Passwords. You can set up, change or remove any of these options.

Steps to access your lock options. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Password: The classic choice

Don’t forget the good old password:

Under “Password,” click “Add” if you haven’t set one up yet
Create a strong password and confirm it
You can also change or remove your password here, if needed

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PIN: Quick and easy

Want something simpler than a password? Try a PIN:

Under “PIN,” click “Add”
Create a PIN that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess
Confirm your PIN, and you’re all set

Windows Hello PIN option. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Face recognition: Let your face be your password

If your device supports Windows Hello face recognition, here’s how to set it up:

Under “Face Recognition,” click “Set up”
Follow the on-screen instructions to scan your face
Look directly at the camera and stay still while it does its thing
Once done, you can use your face to unlock your PC. How cool is that?

Windows Hello Face option. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Fingerprint: Unlock with a touch

Got a fingerprint reader? Let’s put it to use:

Under “Fingerprint Recognition,” click “Set up”
Choose which finger you want to use
Place your finger on the reader and lift it when prompted
Repeat this process until your fingerprint is fully scanned

Windows Hello Fingerprint option. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Security Key: For the extra cautious

If you have a security key, here’s how to set it up:

Under “Security Key,” click “Manage”
Follow the prompts to set up your security key
Insert the key when prompted and follow any additional instructions

Security Key option. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The Dynamic Lock: Your phone becomes your key

Now, here’s a neat trick — using your phone to lock your PC automatically.

Scroll down to “Dynamic Lock” in the Sign-in options

Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Make sure your phone is connected to your PC via Bluetooth. If not, let’s do that:

Click “Bluetooth & other devices” in the left sidebar.

Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Click “Add Bluetooth or other device”

Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Verify the PIN on both devices

Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Now, tap “Pair” on your phone and “Connect” on your PC

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Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Go back to the Sign-in options by clicking the arrow pointing left in the upper left of the screen

Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Under “Dynamic Lock,” check the box that says, “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away.”

Steps to use your phone to lock your PC automatically. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Now, your PC will lock itself when you walk away with your phone. How’s that for convenience?

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Kurt’s key takeaways

There you have it, folks. A smorgasbord of options to keep your Windows PC locked up tighter than Fort Knox. Whether you’re all about that face recognition life, prefer the classic password or want your phone to do the work for you, Windows has got you covered. Remember, the best security is the one you’ll actually use, so pick the method that works best for you.

Have you ever experienced a security breach, and how did it change your approach to digital security? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

Technology

NASCAR shows off an EV prototype

Published

13 hours ago

July 6, 2024

Press Room

NASCAR showed off a new EV prototype stock car at the Chicago Street Race today as part of a presentation on its sustainability initiatives, which it has a new partner for in Swedish electrification firm ABB. The car, which looks more like a performance crossover like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, is in many ways a total departure from the traditional stock car. Don’t expect the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype to replace the fuel-burning V8 anytime soon, though.

NASCAR says the car has three electric motors — one in the front and two in the back — powered by a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery that can generate 1,000kW “at peak power,” according to today’s announcement.

NASCAR writes that the EV sits on a modified version of the Next Gen chassis NASCAR introduced in 2022, which was designed with an eye toward transition to alternative fuels. Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota helped with its development, the organization writes.

Before its unveiling, the $1.5 million prototype had only been driven by NASCAR driver David Ragan, reported The Associated Press. Ragan told the outlet that his fastest lap at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia was “two-tenths of a second slower” than a typical racer, despite it having almost twice the acceleration. Unsurprisingly, the weight was a big factor, slowing him down in the turns.

Traditional stock cars aren’t heading for their final left turn, though there are rumors it will introduce hybrids in a few years. Still, it could do something similar to the ABB-sponsored, all-electric Formula E series; NASCAR says it “may explore possibilities around high-performance racing,” according to NBC News.