Protect Your Privacy
We live in a digital age. If you use social media or shop online, chances are your information is out there. Unfortunately, there are people who steal information and use it illegally. For the most part, your information is safe, but the possibility that it falls into the wrong hands is still there. It can be scary, and in some cases, a huge hassle. Protecting your privacy in this age is very important.
Why Seniors are More Susceptible to Digital Fraud
What is actually a wonderful trait among the majority of seniors, can actually be one of the biggest reasons they are more likely to be targeted. Seniors are trusting and it could lead to people taking advantage of them. More and more seniors are using computers, tablets, and smartphones. They’re spending time on social media websites, shopping online, and using email more than ever.
An email that reads, “You’re a Winner! Click Here!” can be a sure sign to those that know what malicious emails are to not open that email and delete it immediately. People that are trusting and are unsure may open the email and click the link. This could download a virus on your computer or device and not only cause computer problems, but could also sift through your device for sensitive information that can be used to financially harm you.
What Information is Vulnerable?
Some of the most sensitive information being taken from people, especially seniors, is social security numbers, credit card information, and personal info. All this information can be used to steal your identity. That means that someone may make unauthorized purchases with you credit card, or open up accounts with your social security number. This can cause a ripple of havoc in your life. It can be very difficult to recover from such an act, not impossible, but an extremely stressful hassle.
What can be done to protect your privacy?
One of the easiest ways to protect your information online is to simply limit what information you give out. Only view trusted, popular websites. These website will generally have a lot of safeguards in place so that no one takes your info. If you’re shopping online use websites like Amazon or eBay. For social media, stick to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. There are certainly a lot more websites that can be trusted with your information, but these are the most popular. Also, sometimes even trusted websites can have issues that can allow scammers to sneak past. It’s rare, but it does happen.
On social media, make sure your privacy is looked into. You may want the most strict privacy option available, that way only people you actually know and are friends with can view your information. This will limit who sees your info and possibly save you from identity theft.
Another good thing to do is to always be keeping a close watch on your financial activity. Regularly checking your bank account for unusual charges can keep your finger on the pulse of something nefarious. Also, make sure that you only open emails and click links from trusted sources. If an email says you’ve won something, it’s generally not real and could be hazardous. Of course, maybe you actually did win something. Just make sure that before you go clicking around in the email, you trust the email address from the sender.
One of the best ways to get a look at things is to sign up for identity theft protection. Companies will monitor personal and financial information over a variety of places and alert you of any unusual activity. In the unfortunate case that your privacy is violated and your identity is stolen, they can make it easier to restore than it would’ve been without their help.
Conclusion
No matter how you chock it up, the internet is a great tool for the modern age, but unfortunately, it’s also a great tool for scammers to do bad things. Limit their abilities by limiting the information that you put out there. Be safe.
Bonaventure Senior Living
At Bonaventure Senior Living, we have Retirement Perfected, Living Perfected, and Dining Perfected. The best way to see for yourself is to Book-A-Tour today and discover how you can live life on your own terms. We specialize in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care, that way, no matter what your current situation is, we have all levels of care covered if your needs ever change.
Independent Living
With Independent Living, we want you to enjoy Simplified Living, allowing you to have the freedom to do what makes you happy. Our Independent Living is designed to accommodate the exceptional senior lifestyle that you’ve earned. What’s even better, is that with Independent Living we offer whatever supportive services that you may need at any time you may need them. Now that’s Retirement Perfected.
Assisted Living
Assisted Living at Bonaventure Senior Living is simple: all the lifestyle benefits of our Independent Living, but with any extra support that you may need. Our philosophy is based on three simple things: choice, independence, and dignity. Now that’s Assisted Living at its finest.
Memory Care
Every senior is a unique person, and our Memory Care approach is no different. We tailor our Memory Care by connecting with family members and taking time to understand each person’s specific circumstances. This includes mental, emotional, and physical health. Our Memory Care creates an honorable and professional plan to make sure that each person lives their life to the fullest. That’s the way Memory Care should be.
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