Community Corner
Learn How to Avoid Scams at Norwalk Senior Center
An upcoming program at the Norwalk Senior Center will show seniors how to avoid phishing schemes and other scams.
Seniors are increasingly falling victim to Internet scams, as cyber criminals continue to exploit their lack of Web savvyness.
In particular, the elderly are falling victim to “phishing” schemes, in which cyber criminals send an email or text message, that appears to come from one of the victim’s relatives or friends, with a link to a bogus website in order to get the senior to click on that link.
Once the senior lands on the bogus website they are then prompted to give up personal information, or worse, the website will install malicious software (malware) onto their computer, which can then track their keystrokes in an effort to skim credit card numbers and other personal information. From there, the cyber criminals can commit credit card fraud and identity theft.
Find out what's happening in Norwalkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A Darien resident recently fell victim to this type of scheme, as was reported recently on Darien Patch, and police in all towns are constantly warning people to be aware of these and other types scams targeted at the elderly.
Using the computer can be challenging enough for most seniors — and many can’t tell the difference between a “bogus” email that includes a phishing scam and a legitimate one from a family member — so how can they be trained to avoid such scams?
Find out what's happening in Norwalkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
An upcoming “Consumer University” program sponsored by the Office of the Attorney General, in conjunction with the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program of New Britain, at the will show seniors how to avoid phishing schemes and a .
“From home improvement fraud to phony sweepstakes and fake checks, , and our goal is to teach seniors when to be suspicious, how to respond and how to protect themselves and their money,” Attorney General George Jepsen said in a release.
The event will include speakers from the Department of Consumer Protection, the FBI and People's United Bank, whose presentations will be followed by a luncheon discussion with officers of the .
In addition representatives from several state agencies and nonprofit groups will be distributing literature and answering questions.
The program will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wedneday, Nov. 2, at the Norwalk Senior Center, 11 Allen Road. Pre-registration is required by Wednesday, Oct. 26. To register, call 203-663-7332.
