Stay Safe & Connected: Cybersafety Tips
Simple, practical tips that help older adults stay safe in today’s digital world — and one step ahead of scammers. With AI’s ability to mimic voices and emails, it’s important to stay up to date on cybersafety precautions.
1. Pause and Verify: Scammers often try to create a sense of false urgency. They want to create a sense of panic so you don't feel you have time to think clearly. For example:
- The "Grandparent" Scam: If a caller sounds like a loved one who is in trouble and asking for money or gift cards, hang up. Call your loved one back on their known, trusted number to verify.
- Check the Sender: AI can mimic logos and writing styles perfectly. If you get an unexpected email or text asking for your information, don't open or click it. Delete it, go directly to the company’s official website, and contact a customer service representative.
According to the AARP, "Most scams begin with three red flags: an unexpected contact, a surge of emotion and a sense of urgency. When you see these signs, take an 'active pause.' This gives you time to process what’s happening and can help you avoid fraud.
If you think you have been scammed
You are not alone. It happens to millions of people every day.
Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network (877-908-3360) for free support and guidance.
2. Secure Your Accounts
- Two-Factor Authentication: Turn on his setting for all of your online accounts. This setting sends a quick security code to your phone to prove it’s really you. It is the most effective way to keep hackers out of your email and bank accounts.
- Unique Passwords: Avoid using the same password for every site. A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols make the best defense against hackers.
- Never share passwords or security codes with anyone who calls.
3. Safe Browsing & Shopping
- Stick to Your Wi-Fi at Home: Avoid checking your bank account or entering credit card info. while using "Public Wi-Fi" (like at a library or coffee shop). Public networks are not secure like your Wi-Fi at home.
- Initiate Contact: Organizations like the IRS, your bank and Medicare will never call, text or email you out of the blue to ask for your Social Security number or password.
- Ignore pop-up warnings: If a window pops up saying that your computer has a virus, close the window and restart your computer. Do not contact the number or email on the screen.
4. Be Social Media Savvy: Scammers "lurk" on social media to find answers to your security questions.
- Check Your Privacy Settings: Set your profiles to "Friends Only" so strangers can't see your personal details or your location.
- Avoid Random Quizzes: Avoid any "get to know you" posts that ask for your first pet’s name, your mother’s maiden name, or the street you grew up on.
5. Install Updates: When your phone or computer prompts you for a "Software Update," say yes. These updates often include "security patches" that fix new holes scammers have found.
6. Use AI as a Helper, Not a Decision-Maker: AI can be a helpful tool for drafting letters or exploring ideas. However, important decisions involving your health, finances or legal decisions should always involve a trusted human professional.
Senior Focus Classes
WCC offers free classes for all Washtenaw County residents ages 65+. Classes are designed with seniors in mind, and often at the recommendation of our senior community.
Technology-Focused Classes
- AI and Cybersecurity Workshop
- Exploring Smartphones & Tablets
- Creating a Digital Scrapbook with Your Smartphone
All Classes
Senior Centers that offer classes
The following centers, located throughout Washtenaw County, offer free classes to all county residents 65 years and older before the start of the semester:
1320 Baldwin Ave., Ann Arbor
734-794-6250
Chelsea Adult Learners
P.O. Box 134,
Chelsea
734-292-5540
Chelsea Pines
1320 Baldwin Ave., Chelsea
734-433-9130
Chelsea Senior Center
512 E. Washington St.,Chelsea
734-475-9242
Center
7720 Ann Arbor St., Dexter
734-426-7737
Glacier Hills
1200 Earhart Rd., Ann Arbor
734-929-6781
Jewish Community Center
2935 Birch Hollow Dr., Ann Arbor
734-971-0990
Manchester Senior Center
912 City Rd.,
Manchester
734-428-7628
Center
9101 Main St.,
Whitmore Lake
734-449-2295
Parkridge Community Center
591 Armstrong Dr., Ypsilanti
734-483-7700
Pittsfield Senior Center
701 W. Ellsworth Rd., Ann Arbor
734-822-2117
Saline Area Senior Center
7190 N. Maple Rd., Saline
734-429-9274
1015 N. Congress St.,
Ypsilanti
734-483-5014
Ypsilanti Township Community Center
2025 E. Clark Rd., Ypsilanti
734-544-3800
Did you know?
Emeritus Scholarships are for Washtenaw County Residents 65 and older. The scholarship allows us to offer credit and personal enrichment classes for county residents for free.