Digital Safety for Seniors
Stop. Check. Ask.
You do not need to be certain a request is a scam before you stop and check.
Scams can happen to anyone. Even when something feels wrong, wanting to help or cooperate can make it difficult to say no. AI can make messages more convincing, but accurate details about you do not make a request genuine.
At Tech Talk for Seniors, we believe technology can be empowering and life enhancing when it helps people stay connected, informed, and independent. While we do not assist with banking or financial apps, we can provide safety guidelines and education to help you recognize warning signs and know when to ask for help.
The three steps
Stop.
End the call or conversation before taking action. Do not click, pay, or share passwords or verification codes. You can say, “I need to check this first.”
Check.
Contact the person or organization using a number you already trust, not one supplied in the message. Confirm both the situation and what you are being asked to do. An unanswered call leaves the request unverified.
Ask.
Ask someone you trust to help you check the facts. You do not have to figure it out alone.
Red flags to watch for
Eight warning signs that deserve an independent check.
1. They say it must be handled immediately.
Slow down. Real problems can usually wait long enough for you to check.
2. They say your money, account, computer, or identity is in danger.
Do not move money, buy gift cards, use cryptocurrency, or withdraw cash because an unexpected caller or message tells you to.
3. They pretend to be official.
Scammers may claim to be from a bank, government agency, police department, Medicare, Social Security, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, or a fraud department. Hang up or stop replying. Contact the organization using a trusted number.
4. They ask for a password, passcode, or verification code.
Never share your password with anyone. Do not say it out loud, text it, email it, or type it into a link sent by someone else. Passcodes and verification codes are private too. Never share them either.
5. They send a link or attachment you were not expecting.
Do not click, open, or reply. Go to the company’s official website yourself, or ask someone trusted to help you check.
6. They want remote access to your phone, tablet, or computer.
Do not allow it if they contacted you unexpectedly. Fake tech support scams often begin with an urgent call or message.
7. They ask you to keep it private.
A request for secrecy is a major warning sign. Talk to someone you trust.
8. A friendly message turns into a money request.
Do not send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or personal information to someone you have only met online.
What to do if something feels wrong
Do not click. Do not reply. Do not send money. Do not share codes or passwords. Do not give remote access. Save the message if you may need to report it. Then ask someone you trust.
You can say:
- “I need to check this first.”
- “I do not handle this by phone.”
- “I will call back using the number I already have.”
- “I do not share passwords or verification codes.”
- “I am going to ask someone I trust.”
If you’ve already done it
If you have already clicked a link, sent money, shared information, or given someone access to your device, you are not alone, and it is not too late to act. Many people have been in your position, and acting quickly can make a real difference.
Tell someone you trust right away. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Scammers are skilled at what they do, and reaching out for help is the strongest next step you can take.
If money or banking information was involved, promptly contact your bank or payment provider using a trusted number. Ask about protecting your accounts and reversing or recovering the payment. Recovery is not guaranteed.
If you shared a password, change it as soon as possible. If you can, use a different device to do this. If someone had remote access to your computer or phone, ask a trusted person or technician to help check the device.
Save any messages, emails, or phone numbers involved. They may be useful when reporting what happened.
For families and helpers
Someone may fear that asking for help will lead others to question their independence. Listen first, ask how they would like you to help, and keep them involved in decisions.
Safety matters more than politeness.
You do not need to stay on the phone, keep texting, or continue a conversation just to avoid seeming rude. It is always okay to walk away and ask someone you trust.
When something doesn’t feel right, Stop. Check. Ask.
Why we say yes when we doubt
Allie’s research explores why suspicious requests can feel difficult to refuse, and how support can respect independence.
Read the story behind Allie’s research →See something suspicious? We’ll take a look together. Bring it to a Tech Talk session.
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