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Speaker Series Protect Yourself Online

Recap

Senior scams are a profitable business, according to Lt. Jeff Kool, Roseville PD when he spoke at the Cybersecurity Speaker Series
th
on Oct. 17 . “Most scammers are crews working out of the country.” The Romance Scam was responsible for losses of $2.6 million
in Roseville among ages 40-65. The FTC says Americans reported losses of $1.3 billion to romance scams in 2022 with median
losses of $4,400. California leads the nation in the number of elderly victims of fraud, and the collective amounts of reported losses
incurred in California was $624,509,520 in 2022.

1. Be careful when answering unsolicited phone calls and emails.
2. Verify without falling victim. Hang-up, research the company on your browser, call the 1-800 business number to verify.
3. If you bank from your computer, use 2-factor identification.
4. When using your bank card, opt for “credit” vs debit. The credit function is similar to a credit card; it’s secure. Using the “debit
function” allows direct access to your checking account. Once the bank debits your account, the money is gone.
5. Get virus protection for your PC and Macintosh computer
6. Update your software regularly as it contains security enhancements
7. Pop-up ads may contain malware or a virus. The majority of malware is from clicking on a link.
8. Use password safety – The “keychain” password app. on the iphone is difficult to crack
9. Disconnect your computer from the Internet if you suspect a virus
10.If you’ve been scammed, don’t be ashamed. Tell your story to protect others.

How to Report if you have been the victim of a scam:

Roseville Police 916-774-5000 Federal Trade Commission FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
Placer County Sheriff 530-889-7800 https://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov https://www.ic3.gov or 916-746-7000

November 2023 Page 24