The RCMP are reminding seniors about online safety, as part of Seniors Week.
Seniors Week is from June 2 to 8 this year, and the Okotoks, High River, and Turner Valley RCMP are encouraging older adults and their caregivers to learn about how they can stay safe online and avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
More seniors are using the internet for their day-to-day living, which includes online shopping, banking, social media, and dating, and because of that, the RCMP say it is important to understand the risks associated with those activities and take steps to protect yourself.
Seniors are often targeted by those committing fraud by exploiting their trust, unfamiliarity with technology, or desire for companionship.
But the RCMP says there are ways scams can be avoided.
Some tips the Okotoks, High River, and Turner Valley RCMP are offering include creating passwords that are at least eight characters in length that include upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. They also suggest to never reuse passwords across different accounts.
On top of that, the RCMP is encouraging people to keep their computers, smartphones, and tablets secure with updated antivirus software and automatic system updates.
The RCMP is reminding seniors not to be afraid to say no, and if someone is pressuring them to send money or provide personal information right away, simply end the conversation.
"You’re not being rude -- you’re being safe," the RCMP stated in the release.
High-pressure sales tactics, requests for secrecy, urgent demands, or presents upfront fees are signs of potential fraud, and if you are unsure about a message, email, or phone call, it's best to talk to someone you trust.
If the company seems suspicious, visit their official website and call their verified contact number to confirm if what you are being told is correct.
Any call or message that claims you have won a prize, especially one that requires a fee to collect the prize, should be met with suspicion.
If a business or government agency is legitimate, it will never ask for payment to be completed by using a gift card, as this is a common tactic used by scammers.
On top of never giving out personal information, which includes banking information, it's encouraged to set up a family safe word that can be used to verify if they are truly who they claim to be.
If the person can't provide the safe word, hang up immediately and call the person they claimed to be directly.
With online relationships, the RCMP says romance scams often target seniors who are looking for a connection, so they suggest being skeptical of anyone who is quick to profess their love or asks for money.
Any suspicious activity should be reported, as reporting this behaviour helps to protect others.
To learn more, click here.