Seniors and Social Media
Caregivers in Awahtuckee AZ
The Pew Research Center published a report late last year that noted that two-thirds of American adults are using social media and networking sites. And amazingly, the percentage of seniors age 65 and older has tripled since they began tracking social media usage more than a decade ago in 2005. And why not?
After all, social media is a great way to reconnect with people from their past; to seek out support groups and/or information for the chronic diseases they have and are dealing with; and to bridge generational gaps and foster connections with family and friends.
But there are safeguards that must be employed any time you’re using technology because there are some people who do nothing but take advantage of others, and seniors are prime targets, often because they’re more trusting, and certainly more vulnerable.
Other than the usual things, like checking privacy settings to ensure prime security; not “friending” unknown people; guarding passwords and user names; and not revealing too much personal information on social media sites, there are some other ways in which your loved one can guard their data. As their family caregiver, you may want to help them.
- Watch out for fake freebies and discounts. Scammers set up fake social media sites that look like legitimate companies and claim to offer very good or free deals on products and services. What they do is gather your loved one’s name, address, phone number, email address and other personal information. They may also collect credit card information to supposedly pay a small amount for the products, or to cover shipping & handling charges. The information is then used or sold for the purposes of identity theft on the black market. Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Don’t tweet questions to comments to companies, even if you think they’re legitimate. Scammers often set up Twitter accounts that seem like the real thing. If you tweet them something about your account, for example a bank or credit card, a scammer posing as a legitimate person may respond providing a link to a fake website that requests your loved one’s log in information and account number. With that simple action, they have your loved one’s information. If questions or comments about a company they do business with, it’s much better to go directly to their web site, or call them on the phone.
- Offers of products and services through social media. Oftentimes, if you click on these “ads” they will lead you to a fake web site, again offering your something special or a product you may like, based on your social media activity. It’s a clever, fraudulent way to get your personal information. Instead, go directly to the manufacturer’s website and place an order that you may want. But make sure the website address starts with “https” before giving your credit card information. You will also see a small icon of a padlock, further indicating the site is secure.
Resource: www.aarp.com
If you or your loved one could benefit from caregivers in Awahtuckee, AZ, and the surrounding areas, contact the caregivers at Right at Home East Valley Phoenix. Call (480) 632-1100 for more information.
