“Hackers are always one step ahead of you.”
It happened to me. A message on my computer told me I had a virus that would seriously compromise my entire system if I did not call this number immediately. I did. That was my first mistake. Second mistake: I followed every instruction from the person I called. Long story short, I watched what seemed like a phantom entity take over my computer screen, and the voice over the phone asked for a credit card and bank account number. I was hacked. I hung up. The Phantom left a virus that really did compromise my computer.
I felt anger, of course, and also disappointed in myself because I was so easily tricked and deceived. I was a prime target for these criminals because I was somewhat computer illiterate. They play the odds of people of a certain age being unaware about anything computer. This can be mentally debilitating, and can open doors to questioning one’s self worth.
As of 2022, nearly 54% of Canadians 65 years and older, experienced a cyber security incident. Stats show that people 60 and up have lost 33% more than other age groups relating to internet frauds and scams. That year, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre reported $530 million in victim losses.
Last year, in Sarnia alone, over $1 million was stolen from a handful of residents by Phantom Hacking and Cyber Scamming.
Types of Scams include: Phishing (victim is tricked to expose financial information), Smishing (same as phishing but using emails), Fake Computer Warnings (what I fell for), and an insidious one called the Grandparent Scam. In this one, the scammer pretends to be the victim’s grandchild needing money. Convincing, emotional pressure tactics push the victim over the edge, ending with money stolen. There are also Romance scams and Impersonation scams.
More often, seniors, or people 60 and up, are targeted because, statistically, they have more money than a younger demographic, and are generally not ‘computer savvy’. They are easily duped by fraudulent tech support, imposters pretending to be helpful and sympathetic.
How does one protect his/herself against this type of victimization? Never engage in anything that is unsolicited: calls, emails, pop-ups, links in emails, messages concerning tech support. Be suspicious when asked for money or your financial specifics, or to take immediate action. Create strong passwords.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website offers great insight about the frauds and scams and cyber thefts. Also, the Government of Ontario website offers information through the ‘programs and services’ section concerning safety and security in these matters. Some banks have online programs to help people protect themselves from these cyber-crimes.
You can get in touch with the Sarnia Police Service if you think you have been scammed/hacked in this manner. Police say it is extremely difficult to track down these criminals. Retribution should not be your motivation if you were one of the victims. Awareness and Protection. These are what will save you from being a victim, like me, like others, no matter what age.
Do not let these Phantoms into your life.