September Meetings 2022
Sept 1, 2022 - AARP's List of Top Scams Aimed at Seniors, How to Sell Stuff Online,
"If you’re going through hell, keep going,
just don't click on any unknown links."
- Winston Churchill
Club Questions
"If you’re going through hell, keep going,
just don't click on any unknown links."
- Winston Churchill
Club Questions
Top Scams Aimed at Seniors
Frauds aimed at older adults are becoming more creative. “Scammers stay on top of whatever is new, such as the popularity of Zoom, COVID-19 vaccines and online shopping,” and then move fast to create ploys that best fit the moment, says Amy Nofziger, AARP's director of fraud victim support. Here are six such frauds happening widely right now.
1. Zoom phishing emails
Con artists registered more than 2,449 fake Zoom-related internet domains in the early months of the pandemic, just so they could send out emails that look like they're from the popular videoconferencing website, according to the Better Business Bureau.
The scheme: “You receive an email, text or social media message with the Zoom logo, telling you to click on a link because your account is suspended or you missed a meeting,” says Katherine Hutt, national spokesperson for the BBB. “Clicking can allow criminals to download malicious software onto your computer, access your personal information to use for identity theft, or search for passwords to hack into your other accounts.”
How to avoid: Never click on links in unsolicited emails, texts or social media messages, Hutt says. If you think there is a problem with your account, visit Zoom's real website at Zoom.us and follow the steps for customer support.
2. COVID-19 vaccination card scams
Many who got a COVID vaccine posted selfies on social media showing off their vaccination card. Scammers immediately pounced.
The scheme: “With your full name, birth date and information about where you received your shot, scammers have valuable data for identity theft, breaking into your bank accounts, getting credit cards in your name and more,” Hutt says.
How to avoid: If you want to inform friends and family that you got your shots, a selfie with a generic vaccine sticker will suffice. “Or use a Got My Vaccine profile picture frame on social media,” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody suggests. And review your social media security settings to choose who can see your posts.
3. Phony online shopping websites
Phony retail websites aren't new, but they look more real today than ever before. “Fake sites are using photos from real online retailers and mimicking their look and feel,” Hutt says.
The scheme: You click on an ad online or on social media, see stuff you like at a great price, enter your credit card info … and never receive a product. “Or you receive a lower-quality item shipped directly from an overseas seller,” Hutt says.
How to avoid: Never click on an ad to go to a retailer's website. Instead, bookmark the URLs of trusted shopping websites you visit frequently and use those, suggests Tyler Moore, professor of cybersecurity at the University of Tulsa. “Don't bother with trying to figure out whether the web address is real. Attackers adapt and change them frequently.”
4. Medicare card scams
Scammers are emailing, calling and even knocking on doors, claiming to be from Medicare and offering all sorts of pandemic-related services if you “verify” your Medicare ID number.
The scheme: The offers include new cards they claim contain microchips. Some posers are asking for payment to move beneficiaries up in line for the COVID-19 vaccine.
How to avoid: Hang up the phone, shut the door, delete the email. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare will never contact you without permission for your Medicare number or other personal information. And it will never call to sell you anything. Guard your Medicare number and never pay for a COVID vaccine. It's free.
5. Social Security scam calls
Scammers are using “spoofed” phone numbers that look like they're coming from Washington, D.C., to appear credible.
The scheme: You get a scary phone call saying your Social Security number was used in a crime — and you'll be arrested soon if you don't send money to fix it. “They may say your number was used to rent a car where drugs were found and that the Drug Enforcement Agency is on their way to your house,” Nofziger says. “The caller may refer you to a local law-enforcement website where you can see the person's picture. You think you've checked it out, call them back and send money.”
How to avoid: “Don't pick up the phone unless you absolutely know who's calling,” Nofziger says. “If it's important, they'll leave a voicemail.”
6. Account takeover scam texts
Scammers are sending fake text messages alleging there's big trouble with your internet account, a credit card, bank account or shopping order on Amazon. They want you to click on links and provide personal info.
The scheme: The urgent-sounding text message may have a real-looking logo. “People don't expect scammers to use text messages, so they're more likely to click,” Moore says.
How to avoid: Remember, don't click on links in emails and texts that you haven't asked for. Call your bank or credit card company to check for a problem. Installing security software on your computer and keeping it updated is also crucial.
Frauds aimed at older adults are becoming more creative. “Scammers stay on top of whatever is new, such as the popularity of Zoom, COVID-19 vaccines and online shopping,” and then move fast to create ploys that best fit the moment, says Amy Nofziger, AARP's director of fraud victim support. Here are six such frauds happening widely right now.
1. Zoom phishing emails
Con artists registered more than 2,449 fake Zoom-related internet domains in the early months of the pandemic, just so they could send out emails that look like they're from the popular videoconferencing website, according to the Better Business Bureau.
The scheme: “You receive an email, text or social media message with the Zoom logo, telling you to click on a link because your account is suspended or you missed a meeting,” says Katherine Hutt, national spokesperson for the BBB. “Clicking can allow criminals to download malicious software onto your computer, access your personal information to use for identity theft, or search for passwords to hack into your other accounts.”
How to avoid: Never click on links in unsolicited emails, texts or social media messages, Hutt says. If you think there is a problem with your account, visit Zoom's real website at Zoom.us and follow the steps for customer support.
2. COVID-19 vaccination card scams
Many who got a COVID vaccine posted selfies on social media showing off their vaccination card. Scammers immediately pounced.
The scheme: “With your full name, birth date and information about where you received your shot, scammers have valuable data for identity theft, breaking into your bank accounts, getting credit cards in your name and more,” Hutt says.
How to avoid: If you want to inform friends and family that you got your shots, a selfie with a generic vaccine sticker will suffice. “Or use a Got My Vaccine profile picture frame on social media,” Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody suggests. And review your social media security settings to choose who can see your posts.
3. Phony online shopping websites
Phony retail websites aren't new, but they look more real today than ever before. “Fake sites are using photos from real online retailers and mimicking their look and feel,” Hutt says.
The scheme: You click on an ad online or on social media, see stuff you like at a great price, enter your credit card info … and never receive a product. “Or you receive a lower-quality item shipped directly from an overseas seller,” Hutt says.
How to avoid: Never click on an ad to go to a retailer's website. Instead, bookmark the URLs of trusted shopping websites you visit frequently and use those, suggests Tyler Moore, professor of cybersecurity at the University of Tulsa. “Don't bother with trying to figure out whether the web address is real. Attackers adapt and change them frequently.”
4. Medicare card scams
Scammers are emailing, calling and even knocking on doors, claiming to be from Medicare and offering all sorts of pandemic-related services if you “verify” your Medicare ID number.
The scheme: The offers include new cards they claim contain microchips. Some posers are asking for payment to move beneficiaries up in line for the COVID-19 vaccine.
How to avoid: Hang up the phone, shut the door, delete the email. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare will never contact you without permission for your Medicare number or other personal information. And it will never call to sell you anything. Guard your Medicare number and never pay for a COVID vaccine. It's free.
5. Social Security scam calls
Scammers are using “spoofed” phone numbers that look like they're coming from Washington, D.C., to appear credible.
The scheme: You get a scary phone call saying your Social Security number was used in a crime — and you'll be arrested soon if you don't send money to fix it. “They may say your number was used to rent a car where drugs were found and that the Drug Enforcement Agency is on their way to your house,” Nofziger says. “The caller may refer you to a local law-enforcement website where you can see the person's picture. You think you've checked it out, call them back and send money.”
How to avoid: “Don't pick up the phone unless you absolutely know who's calling,” Nofziger says. “If it's important, they'll leave a voicemail.”
6. Account takeover scam texts
Scammers are sending fake text messages alleging there's big trouble with your internet account, a credit card, bank account or shopping order on Amazon. They want you to click on links and provide personal info.
The scheme: The urgent-sounding text message may have a real-looking logo. “People don't expect scammers to use text messages, so they're more likely to click,” Moore says.
How to avoid: Remember, don't click on links in emails and texts that you haven't asked for. Call your bank or credit card company to check for a problem. Installing security software on your computer and keeping it updated is also crucial.
How to Sell Stuff Online
There are almost as many online sites you can sell your stuff on, as there are things you can sell. Some of these digital marketplaces are newer and have recently gained traction. Others, like eBay and Craigslist, have been around for quite a while. Either way, a few best practices can help you find a buyer and get rid of unwanted items. For an overview of seniors online selling tips from AARP, take a look at this article. Or for more specific tips on which sites to sell on, take a look at this article. Or if y0u prefer videos, take a look at the videos below.
There are almost as many online sites you can sell your stuff on, as there are things you can sell. Some of these digital marketplaces are newer and have recently gained traction. Others, like eBay and Craigslist, have been around for quite a while. Either way, a few best practices can help you find a buyer and get rid of unwanted items. For an overview of seniors online selling tips from AARP, take a look at this article. Or for more specific tips on which sites to sell on, take a look at this article. Or if y0u prefer videos, take a look at the videos below.
|
|
|
|
Sept 8, 2022 - Best Online Payment Apps, Stop Google From Tracking You,
TikTok vs YouTube,
"It's fun to do the impossible, as long as you
don't click on any unknown links."
- Walt Disney
Club Questions
TikTok vs YouTube,
"It's fun to do the impossible, as long as you
don't click on any unknown links."
- Walt Disney
Club Questions
Best Online Payment Apps
In the virtual world of the Internet, cash may be on its way out, but there are still plenty of ways to send and receive money from the comfort of your smartphone. With only a few taps on your device you can easily send money around the world, but it's important to know how these apps work and what fees you might be charged for using them. To learn more about smartphone payment apps, take a look at this article.
In the virtual world of the Internet, cash may be on its way out, but there are still plenty of ways to send and receive money from the comfort of your smartphone. With only a few taps on your device you can easily send money around the world, but it's important to know how these apps work and what fees you might be charged for using them. To learn more about smartphone payment apps, take a look at this article.
How to Stop Google from Tracking You
It's well known that Google's business model includes the collection of a lot of personal data from its users, but it doesn't have to be that way. In recent years, due to public outcry and law suits, Google has created features that make it easier for its users to turn off Google's trackers and even delete data that Google has already collected. To learn more about how to turn off Google tracking, take a look at this article, which includes a video that shows you how to turn off Google tracking on your cellphone.
TikTok vs. YouTube
Both TikTok and YouTube are video platforms, but they are very different. One is dedicated to short form videos and the other covers a wider spectrum of online video content, including long form videos and even movies. So, which one benefits you as the viewer by keeping you entertained and bringing you consistent high-quality content? For a side by side comparison of TikTok and YouTube, take a look at this article. For more info on how to use TikTok and YouTube, take a look at our video page.
Both TikTok and YouTube are video platforms, but they are very different. One is dedicated to short form videos and the other covers a wider spectrum of online video content, including long form videos and even movies. So, which one benefits you as the viewer by keeping you entertained and bringing you consistent high-quality content? For a side by side comparison of TikTok and YouTube, take a look at this article. For more info on how to use TikTok and YouTube, take a look at our video page.
Sept 15, 2022 - How to Use Parental Controls on YouTube, How to Search for People Online, Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2022,
"Talent wins games, teamwork and intelligence wins championships,
but losers click on unknown links."
- Michael Jordan
Club Questions
"Talent wins games, teamwork and intelligence wins championships,
but losers click on unknown links."
- Michael Jordan
Club Questions
How to Use Parental Controls on YouTube
YouTube offers a wide variety of videos, both long and short form, but not all of YouTube's content is suitable for kids. Never fear, YouTube has several solutions to this problem; they offer a stand alone kids version of the YouTube app, they also offer many different ways you can limit the types of videos or amount of time your kids spend on YouTube. For an overview of these options, take a look at the video below.
For those of y0u just wanting an overview of what YouTube offers and how to best take advantage of their content, take a look at this article.
YouTube offers a wide variety of videos, both long and short form, but not all of YouTube's content is suitable for kids. Never fear, YouTube has several solutions to this problem; they offer a stand alone kids version of the YouTube app, they also offer many different ways you can limit the types of videos or amount of time your kids spend on YouTube. For an overview of these options, take a look at the video below.
For those of y0u just wanting an overview of what YouTube offers and how to best take advantage of their content, take a look at this article.
How to Find People Online
Wondering where your best friend from high school is now? or maybe you're looking for a niece or nephew you lost touch with. There are a lot of ways to search for old friends and acquaintances online, from social networking sites to search engines designed specifically for people searches. Most of the dedicated people search sites will give you a little info for free, but many will charge a fee to learn more about the person you're looking for. To learn more about which are the good ways to search for people online (yes, Google is one of them), take a look at this article.
And if you prefer to do all your people searching on Google, here's an article with some good tips on how to do that.
Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2022
Ever wanted to take your music into your friends backyard party? or maybe you just want to give your laptop speakers a little more oomph, there is a solution to your sound problem. Bluetooth speakers have been around for a number of years now, but they just keep getting better. For those who want to increase the quality and volume of your digital sound systems, take a look at the lists of best bluetooth speakers below, which cover every budget.
CNET's 22 Best Bluetooth Speakers for 2022
TechRadar's 14 Best Bluetooth Speakers for 2022
Tom's Guide 12 Best Bluetooth Speakers for 2022
Ever wanted to take your music into your friends backyard party? or maybe you just want to give your laptop speakers a little more oomph, there is a solution to your sound problem. Bluetooth speakers have been around for a number of years now, but they just keep getting better. For those who want to increase the quality and volume of your digital sound systems, take a look at the lists of best bluetooth speakers below, which cover every budget.
CNET's 22 Best Bluetooth Speakers for 2022
TechRadar's 14 Best Bluetooth Speakers for 2022
Tom's Guide 12 Best Bluetooth Speakers for 2022
Sept 22, 2022 - Amazon Prime Music, Microsoft Outlook, Best Cord Cutter Services 2022,
"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.
Oh, and don't click on unknown links."
- Marilyn Monroe
Club Questions
"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.
Oh, and don't click on unknown links."
- Marilyn Monroe
Club Questions
Amazon Prime Music
If you're an Amazon Prime member (or even if you aren't) there is a lot of music to be had on their service. There are actually three tiers of Prime Music, including a free one which is open to non-members and supported by ads. Like other streaming services, Amazon Prime Music lets you stream music on demand over your internet connection. That can be on your phone, but it can also be on your computer or via an Amazon Echo smart speaker. The latter is one of the most convenient ways to access Prime Music since you can simply ask Alexa to play a song, album or playlist. To learn more about how to use Amazon Prime Music, take a look at this article.
If you're an Amazon Prime member (or even if you aren't) there is a lot of music to be had on their service. There are actually three tiers of Prime Music, including a free one which is open to non-members and supported by ads. Like other streaming services, Amazon Prime Music lets you stream music on demand over your internet connection. That can be on your phone, but it can also be on your computer or via an Amazon Echo smart speaker. The latter is one of the most convenient ways to access Prime Music since you can simply ask Alexa to play a song, album or playlist. To learn more about how to use Amazon Prime Music, take a look at this article.
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft's email app has gone thru many iterations, it is currently called Microsoft Outlook and can handle all your email needs. It can organize your emails and easily handles all kinds of email providers, including Gmail, Yahoo Mail, HotMail even AOL email. The user interface hasn't change a lot since it's beginnings as Outlook Express, and follows the same basic user interface you might find on Word or Excel. For more info on how to properly use Microsoft Outlook, take a look at this article. Or take a look at the video below.
Microsoft's email app has gone thru many iterations, it is currently called Microsoft Outlook and can handle all your email needs. It can organize your emails and easily handles all kinds of email providers, including Gmail, Yahoo Mail, HotMail even AOL email. The user interface hasn't change a lot since it's beginnings as Outlook Express, and follows the same basic user interface you might find on Word or Excel. For more info on how to properly use Microsoft Outlook, take a look at this article. Or take a look at the video below.
Best Cord Cutter Services for 2022
Cutting the cable cord and moving to an online streaming service has become more popular than ever before, partly due to the savings you can enjoy, but also due to the ability to choose the channels that you want to watch. If your TV can access the Internet, as most modern TVs can, then you might want to consider cutting your cable and moving to a streaming service. The streaming service you choose depends on what you like to watch on TV and how much you want to pay. To learn more about the best streaming services available in 2022, take a look at the links below.
CNETs Best Live Cord Cutting Services 2022
PC Mags Ultimate Cord Cutters Guide 2022
Tom's Guides Best Cable Alternatives for 2022
Cord Cutters News Best Live TV Streaming Services 2022
Sept 29, 2022 - YouTube: A Beginners Guide, How to Set Up Apple ID,
Best Streaming Devices for 2022,
"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
If you click on unknown links, you lose everything"
- Mark Twain
Club Questions
Best Streaming Devices for 2022,
"If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
If you click on unknown links, you lose everything"
- Mark Twain
Club Questions
YouTube: A Beginners Guide
YouTube is a popular video site and also the Internet's second biggest search engine (behind Google.com), but there is so much more to YouTube. You can search for videos of all kinds, subscribe to YouTube channels, create a YouTube channel of your own, listen to music, watch films and tons of other stuff. And if you're a DIYer, there are as many videos showing you how to fix something as there are things that break. To learn more about how to best use YouTube, take a look at this article that goes over everything from watching videos to starting your own channel.
YouTube is a popular video site and also the Internet's second biggest search engine (behind Google.com), but there is so much more to YouTube. You can search for videos of all kinds, subscribe to YouTube channels, create a YouTube channel of your own, listen to music, watch films and tons of other stuff. And if you're a DIYer, there are as many videos showing you how to fix something as there are things that break. To learn more about how to best use YouTube, take a look at this article that goes over everything from watching videos to starting your own channel.
How to Set Up Apple ID
Apple ID is an authentication method used by Apple for iPhone, iPad, Mac and other Apple devices. Apple IDs contain the user's personal information and settings. When an Apple ID is used to log in to an Apple device, the device will automatically use the settings associated with the Apple ID. To learn how to set up your Apple ID, take a look at this article. To learn more about what you can use your Apple ID for, take a look at the video below.
Apple ID is an authentication method used by Apple for iPhone, iPad, Mac and other Apple devices. Apple IDs contain the user's personal information and settings. When an Apple ID is used to log in to an Apple device, the device will automatically use the settings associated with the Apple ID. To learn how to set up your Apple ID, take a look at this article. To learn more about what you can use your Apple ID for, take a look at the video below.
Best Streaming Devices 2022
Once you decided you want to cut the cable with your TV provider, you'll need two things, one a streaming service that supplies you with the TV channels you want (to see options on these services, take a look at last week's "Cord Cutter" article.), and two, you'll need a device that you connect to your TV, to connect to the Internet. These devices are most often small, about the size of a thumb drive, and come with a remote control (yes, one more remote to add to your collection). Below are some trusted sources picks for best streaming devices for 2022.
Tom's Guide Best Streaming Devices for 2022
Digital Trends Best Streaming Devices for 2022
PC Magazine Best Streaming Devices for 2022
Tech Radar Best Streaming Devices for 2022
