🔒 Online Safety for Seniors

🚩 Common Email Scams to Avoid

• Emails claiming your account will be closed unless you click a link
• Requests for immediate action or 'urgent' responses
• Messages from 'banks' or 'government agencies' asking for personal info
• Lottery winnings or inheritance scams
• Romance scams from people you've never met in person

✅ Safe Email Practices

• Never click links in suspicious emails - type website addresses directly
• Look for spelling/grammar mistakes in 'official' emails
• Check sender email addresses carefully (scammers use similar-looking domains)
• When in doubt, call the company directly using a number from their official website
• Keep your email software updated with security patches
• Use spam filtering and report suspicious emails

Creating Strong Passwords

Password Management Tips

• Use a different password for each important account
• Make passwords at least 12 characters long
• Include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
• Consider using a password manager (like LastPass or 1Password)
• Write passwords down and keep them in a secure, private location
• Never share passwords with strangers or over the phone

🚩 Phone Scam Red Flags

• Calls claiming to be from IRS, Medicare, or Social Security
• Threats of arrest or legal action if you don't pay immediately
• Requests to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• Calls about computer viruses or 'warranty expiration'
• High-pressure tactics or refusal to call back later

✅ Safe Phone Practices

• Hang up on suspicious calls - legitimate callers will call back
• Never give personal information to unsolicited callers
• Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry
• Use caller ID and don't answer unknown numbers
• If unsure, ask for the caller's name and company, then verify independently
• Report scam calls to your phone carrier and the FTC