These strategies can thwart online thieves
Whether it’s fake online shopping sites, identity theft or scam artists using phone or email, fraud is on the rise, with a record 1.3 million cases in the first nine months of last year, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Although anyone can become a victim, FTC data show that consumers age 80 and older are far more likely to be scammed by phone and lose the most money, a... READ MORE
How to learn new technology skills
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend some good technology classes or online learning resources for inexperienced seniors? I have a computer and a smartphone, but my knowledge and skills are pretty limited. —Tech Challenged Senior Dear Tech Challenged, There are many different technology teaching tools available to older adults that can help you learn new tech skills so you ... READ MORE
The hazards of ‘buy now, pay later’ plans
Once upon a time, it was common practice to walk into a store and put an item on layaway. You’d put down a deposit, make payments over time, and collect your item once you paid it off. But now, a new service has turned layaway on its head. With Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), you don’t have to wait to bring home something you pay for in installments. Instead, a third party offers you a... READ MORE
Headphone use: How loud and how long?
As our society and culture become more connected through technology, the use of headphones has increased. Headphones allow people to enjoy music and have conversations from anywhere at any time. The ease of headphone use and the mobility that they afford cannot be overstated. This is particularly true as our society spends more time with virtual meetings and headphones, as usage... READ MORE
Here are some great ways to get hacked
Hardly a day goes by without a story of a major data breach on a business, government agency or individual. And, like seeing reruns of the same old television series over and over again, I think that most of us grow tired of being lectured for not paying enough attention to computer security. “Lana” felt that way, writing, “I ignored the advice about computer and mobile device... READ MORE
Technology can help find your lost items
Dear Savvy Senior, Can you recommend any good devices that help with tracking down misplaced items? My wife misplaces everything, including her car keys, eyeglasses, cell phone, purse and more. —Always Searching Dear Searching, There’s actually a wide variety of tracking devices that can help you and your wife find items that are commonly misplaced. Here are some top options... READ MORE
Stay calm and think when con artists call
Want some advice about scams? Stay calm. Con artists use that feeling of alarm to trick victims into acting before they can think. BBB Scam Tracker is seeing reports of a con that claims your Amazon, PayPal or other account has been compromised. Scammers hope you’ll panic and fall for their scheme. How the scam works You receive an email, call or text message informing you there’s... READ MORE
New device beams music to your ears
Imagine a world where you move around in your own personal sound bubble. You listen to your favorite tunes, play loud computer games, watch a movie or get navigation directions in your car — all without disturbing those around you and without headphones or ear buds. That’s the possibility presented by “sound beaming,” a new futuristic audio technology from Noveto Systems, an... READ MORE
Tech Shorts
Tech help on call Technology doesn’t come easily to everyone. In a pinch, who can you call for help? Thanks to a new company call Candoo Tech, a technology “concierge” trained to work with older adults can be on call to answer your questions. The company was founded in 2019 by Liz Hamburg, who was inspired by her father’s frustration. (Her father once left her a voice mail... READ MORE
Offered a free year of Netflix? Not so fast
Between the winter weather and COVID-19, most people are spending a lot of time at home. Streaming services, such as Netflix or Hulu, are more popular than ever. Watch out for scams cashing in on this opportunity. BBB Scam Tracker has gotten numerous reports of a text messaging con tricking would-be watchers with the offer of “free” Netflix for a year. How the scam works You... READ MORE
