THE CYBER

CLARITY

PROJECT

Educating Seniors for a

Safer Digital Life!

Introduction

Hi, my name is Katelyn and welcome to The Cyber Clarity Project, a program aimed at educating seniors to give them a safer digital life. With cyber scamming becoming ever more prevalent and sophisticated, it is important that we educate and protect ourselves. The Cyber Clarity Project was created to teach people about the sources, methods, and types of online scamming, providing practical and simple tips that they can use to navigate the digital world with confidence. Ultimately, this will spread awareness, leading to a safer cyber world for all!

I hope this information helps and make sure to share this resource with family and friends! Thank you!

What is a digital Scam?

  • A digital scam is a trick used by someone online to steal your personal information, money, or identity.

  • Scammers pretend to be someone you trust such as your bank, a trusted company, or even a friend or family member.

  • Scammers contact you through a number of different online platforms:

    • Emails, phone calls, websites, and text messages

  • Scams performed by cybercriminals:

    • Individuals, Hackers, Organized Crime Groups

  • Scammers hide their identity and location through:

    • Fake names, fake emails, fake phone numbers

Why are scams so believable? What are the tactics and strategies that scammers use to hook us?

Scammer Tactics

1) Fear and Urgency

2) Catching you off guard

3) False Authority

4) Fake email addresses and Websites

What are a few specific types of scams that we will come across when interacting on the internet?

Different Types of scams

  • Phishing scams

  • Phone call scams

  • Social Media Scams

  • Romance Scams

AI Deepfake Scams:

  • Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create fake videos, photos, or audio that looks and sounds real

  • One of the most dangerous threats on the internet

  • Are becoming more and more realistic

  • Includes the “Grandparent Scam”

  • Create family password

  • Please, continue to spread awareness about these scams!

Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxXpB9pSETo

Passwords

  • Passwords = the keys to your digital house

  • Important to create strong, unique, complex passwords

    • Try a passphrase for more security

    • Utilize multi-step verification (MSF)

    • Avoid using personal information

  • Use different passwords for different accounts

  • Keep passwords in a safe place

  • Wants you to act fast

  • Asks for money, gift cards, or odd forms of payment

  • Tells you to keep the message a secret

  • Has spelling or grammar mistakes

  • Email/Number doesn’t match the company’s real info

  • Unrecognizable sender/caller

  • Sounds too good to be true

  • Makes you feel unsure, nervous, or confused

How to identify a Scam

  • Stop and take your time

  • Don’t click on links from unknown sources

  • Never give out personal information

  • Be suspicious of urgent messages

  • Hang up on strange phone calls

  • Don’t send money to unfamiliar contacts

  • Check the sources

  • Talk to a friend or family member

  • TRUST YOUR GUT!

Responding to scams

It happens to the best of us! Do not feel embarrassed or ashamed! It is never your fault!

What if I have fallen for a scam?

  • Don’t panic

  • Stop communication

  • Contact your bank/company

  • Call someone you trust

  • Report to law enforcement

Scam Examples

Want to test your knowledge?

Watch the video for current scam examples and activities to practice your skills!

Praise for the cyber clarity project

  • "Excellent Katelyn -- I loved this presentation, so helpful! Thank you so much!"

  • "Very informative and professional presentation. Thank you Katelyn!"

  • "Thank you, excellent presentation. Well presented with great explanation!"