Understanding how cybercriminals operate is the first step to avoiding their traps. Older people are one of the main targets of cybercriminals. From emails and WhatsApp messages that mimic official letters or messages from family members to fake exclusive discounts, digital scams against this population group continue to grow. Scammers operate on a simple logic: they seek to make a profit with minimal risk. In this scheme, the elderly become an attractive target due to a combination of factors. Many of them have savings or stable incomes (pensions). Added to this is the trust of this generation in institutions and authorities, so a ‘call from the bank’ or an ‘official email’ does not immediately arouse suspicion.
Loneliness and isolation also open the door to emotional fraud, such as romantic scams or fake personal relationships. In addition, digital overload and the use of outdated devices or passwords increase vulnerability to fake messages and websites, which increasingly mimic the real ones perfectly. A few years ago, artificial intelligence was added to the mix, allowing voices to be cloned or fake videos (deepfakes) to be created that mimic the victim’s acquaintances or public figures.
The most common scams
- Phishing: emails or messages that impersonate banks, health agencies or government institutions. They contain a link that, when clicked, opens a fake website controlled by cybercriminals. There, they can intercept credentials, passwords, credit card numbers, etc.
- Fake technical support: many are advertised on Google as help for solving problems related to streaming platforms, mobile lines or cable TV, among others. They ask the user to install an application that actually gives the fraudster remote access to steal information or money.
- Romance scams: they start with an emotional connection that, over time, turns into requests for money for fictitious emergencies.
- Relative in distress scam: a call that mimics the voice of a child or grandchild, asking for money to be sent urgently. Emotions play in favour of the scammers.
- Fake investments: promises of quick profits or non-existent projects that end up in total losses.
How to prevent digital fraud: the importance of family dialogue
Prevention starts at home. Open conversations, without accusations, reprimands or judgements, are an important tool for preventing digital isolation. Discussing this topic with empathy can be very important. After all, we can all fall into the trap. Some tips for starting this dialogue:
- Explain how scammers work and how cybercriminals operate, giving concrete and familiar examples, without using technical terms.
- Suggest rules for family emergency calls, for example, choosing a keyword to verify identity in calls or WhatsApp messages.
- Share real experiences (your own or those of others) to normalise the possibility of making mistakes.
Practical and easy-to-apply cybersecurity measures
Best practices in computer security are not complex and are not the prerogative of experts. Anyone can apply them and they are easy to learn:
- Do not click on links received by email or in unsolicited WhatsApp messages.
- Do not download applications from links received in technical support chats. Only download applications from the Google Play Store or Apple Store.
- In WhatsApp chats with an official entity or company, check for the blue tick next to the name. Do not pay attention to the profile photo.
- Use unique and secure passwords.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) in applications whenever possible.
- Enable pop-up blocking and automatic call blocking on your mobile phone.
