Question 

Last week we discussed a situation in which a parent was the prime target for scams. I promised that this week I would provide steps to take to help protect your father. 

Answer 

There are measures that everyone should take to secure their assets and thereby protect themselves and their future. 

First, we must all understand that each and every one of us is a potential target. The technologies humans have developed have made it possible to scam each other and there are individuals that make their living taking money from people, the elderly being the most susceptible. So, each of us needs to take these minimal steps to secure our assets and assist our parents to protect themselves: 

1. Start with cell phones. Everyone needs to establish a passcode that unlocks their screen. That passcode should be as complex as your phone allows. Six to eight digits depending on your phone type. The number should be known to you alone and it should not be 1,2,3.... Your phone can easily be taken or lost. You want to make it difficult to get to your information, which gives you time to report it stolen and then disabled. 
2. Make sure that ALL passwords you use are different from each other and difficult. 25 digits is recommended. They need to include upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers and special characters. The shorter and simpler the password the easier it is for a hacker to figure it out. Storage of these passwords is key. Never, never write and leave on the device. Oddly, people do this all the time. Passwords need to be stored safely, and a password manager is the best. If your parent feels the need to have a hard copy saving in a safe or safe deposit box is the most secure. Always say no to letting your computer save the password for a website when asked. 
3. For any website that involves your money, two step verification is essential. That means either a code is sent to your phone or an authenticator is used to provide a code. 
4. Never give out personal information to a caller, text, or via email. Always verify via with a phone call using a legitimate phone number that you have independently researched. 
5. If someone asks you for money, sends you money, tells you that you won something, or anything odd, contact the “buddy” you have established to discuss it before proceeding. Nothing is really urgent, and scammers always make it sound urgent. Never, never send money to anyone without verification and discussion with your buddy. Anything that sounds too good to be true, is. 
6. Keep all software and devices updated when prompted. When scams are discovered, updates are released to protect your machines, but you do need to accept them. 
7. Watch for online romance scams. If someone wants money, it is a scammer. Period. 
8. Never give anyone access to your computer that contacts you. This is always a scam, 
even if it seems to be from a company like Apple or Microsoft. They NEVER call you. 
9. Check your accounts regularly to catch any inconsistencies. 
10. Do not click on links or attachments unless you have asked for the attachment. It is so easy to  upload a problem with a simple click. Be suspicious even of organizations whom you are 
familiar with. It is quite easy to look legitimate. 
11. Be aware that the technology is now available to fake your voice and your face, as well as 
that of others. If asked for money or personal information, it may not be who you think it is. Hang up and call the trusted number you have for the person who just called or video called you. 
12. Avoid using paper bank checks. They can be stolen and the bank data used to access your accounts. 
13. Never put your name or personal information in an AI application. The information becomes public. 
14. I recommend the use of credit cards. Credit card companies will allow you to report a theft and avoid payment. Review your charges each month before payment to make sure they belong to you. Debit cards are riskier as the money is instantly withdrawn from your account. 
15. Check the internet regularly for the latest scams. The information is easily found. 

These are the minimal, yet basic steps to protect yourself and your parents from being separated from their money. We are all at risk. It is our obligation to protect ourselves and to help our parents navigate this increasingly complex digital world. I wish you success.