| Dishonest individuals scamming senior citizens out of | | | | the internet to take money from unsuspecting |
| their money appears to be happening more often | | | | victims. Because of the fact that the internet is |
| than ever before. Seniors are targeted most often | | | | relatively new, these scams continue to grow and |
| by criminals due to the fact that it can sometimes be | | | | develop. |
| easier to gain the trust of a senior trust and also due | | | | While almost all age groups have their own distinct |
| to the fact older, retired people are more likely to | | | | vulnerabilities and risks when making online |
| have some savings set aside and therefore become | | | | transactions, seniors unfortunately seem to be at the |
| a more lucrative target. It can be helpful to keep | | | | greatest risks for internet phishing scams. Many scam |
| some of the following tips in mind to help you or | | | | artists are tailoring complex schemes specifically |
| your loved ones who are older protected against | | | | targeted to exploit internet users who are older. |
| scams and frauds, especially when shopping or | | | | Many of the online scams will target seniors with |
| working online. | | | | nearly unbelievable deals on low-cost insurance and |
| Todays seniors say that staying in touch with family | | | | discount prescriptions. Scams will also often target |
| members and friends remains the main reason that | | | | older internet users with documents that seem |
| they use the internet. According to recent research | | | | genuine such as phony 'bank notices' and 'final |
| by the American Association of Retired Persons, | | | | warnings'. |
| seniors are the segment of the online community | | | | Just like in the 'real world', you should take care when |
| that is growing the most quickly. It is estimated that | | | | revealing your date of birth, social security number or |
| more than 27.5 million senior citizens are using the | | | | credit card information over the internet. Search for |
| internet today. These numbers have risen significantly | | | | web addresses on one of the major search engines |
| from about 10 years ago, when it was estimated | | | | instead of clicking links that you receive in e-mails. |
| that just over 10 million seniors were online. | | | | Then, use that address to contact the company and |
| Increasingly, these seniors are putting their | | | | inquire about the message you received. Once you |
| computers to use doing online shopping and banking, | | | | have verified that you are on a legitimate website, |
| and people 55 and older are becoming quite a popular | | | | you can save that address in your broswer as a |
| target for internet marketers. Unfortunately, some of | | | | 'favorite'. You will then be able to return there again |
| those marketers are actually criminals who are using | | | | safely in the future. |