Stay Safe Online

Hey there! Welcome!

I'm the SKTS Dude, and I'm here to help you stay safe online! Scammers are getting sneaky, but don't worry - by the end of this course, you'll know exactly what to watch for. Let's do this together!

But first — what's your name?

What You'll Learn

• Why seniors are targeted by cybercriminals
• 7 key clues to spot a scam email instantly
• What to do if you've been targeted
• Prevention tips to stay protected

This course takes about 10-15 minutes. Ready to become a scam-spotting expert? Let's go!

Why Seniors Are Targeted

Here's the deal...

Scammers aren't targeting you because you're not tech-savvy. They're targeting you because you have something they want: trust, money, and often both.

Cybercriminals specifically target seniors for several calculated reasons:

• Financial assets: Seniors often have retirement savings and good credit
• Trusting nature: You grew up in an era when people were more trustworthy
• Less reporting: Many victims don't report scams due to embarrassment
• Isolation: Scammers exploit loneliness and social isolation
• Health concerns: They prey on worries about health and Medicare

Quick Knowledge Check

Alright, let's test what you know! Don't worry - there's no wrong answer, just learning opportunities. Take your best guess!

Let's Try Another!

Pro Tip from the Dude:

Legitimate companies NEVER pressure you to act immediately. That urgent feeling? That's exactly what scammers want you to feel so you don't think clearly!

One More Brain Teaser!

Hint from me: Think about what real companies would NEVER ask you to do via email...

7 Key Clues to Spot a Scam

Okay, this is the good stuff! Memorize these 7 clues and you'll be able to spot almost ANY scam email. I've got your back!

Dude's Golden Rule:

If even ONE of these clues is present, be suspicious. If you see TWO or more? Delete it immediately and don't look back!

How to Protect Yourself

Prevention is WAY easier than dealing with the aftermath. Here's how to stay protected!

Do This:

• Think before you click: Pause and evaluate every email requesting action
• Verify independently: Call the company directly using a number YOU look up (not from the email)
• Use strong passwords: Different passwords for different accounts, and consider a password manager
• Enable two-factor authentication: Adds an extra layer of security to your accounts
• Keep software updated: Updates include important security patches
• Trust your gut: If something feels off, it probably is

Never Do This:

• Click links in suspicious emails: Go directly to the website by typing it in your browser
• Share personal information via email: No passwords, SSN, or account numbers
• Pay with gift cards: No legitimate business asks for gift card payments
• Rush your decision: Urgency is a scammer's favorite tactic
• Download attachments from unknown senders: They can contain malware

When in doubt, call SKTS!

Seriously! If you're not sure about an email, give us a call at 540.303.2410 — we'd rather you ask than fall for a scam. That's what we're here for!

What To Do If You've Been Targeted

First - don't panic! Even if you clicked something you shouldn't have, there are steps we can take right now to minimize damage. Let's do this together.

If You Clicked a Link or Downloaded Something:

• Step 1: Disconnect from the internet immediately (unplug ethernet or turn off WiFi)
• Step 2: Don't enter any passwords or personal information
• Step 3: Call SKTS right away at 540.303.2410
• Step 4: We'll run security scans and check for malware

If You Gave Out Personal Information:

• Passwords: Change them immediately on all accounts (use a different device if possible)
• Credit card/bank info: Call your bank/credit card company right away
• Social Security number: Contact the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov and consider a credit freeze

If You Sent Money:

• Contact your bank immediately: They may be able to stop or reverse the transaction
• Report it: File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• Document everything: Save all emails, texts, and records of the scam

Final Challenge!

You've learned a ton! Let's see if you can spot the red flags in this realistic scenario. You've got this!

Answer Breakdown:

Red flags: Urgency ("3 hours!"), suspicious sender (not amazon.com), generic greeting, threats ("permanently suspended"), pressure to click, fake deadline. This email is a scammer's greatest hits compilation!

You should be proud of yourself!

You just learned how to spot scam emails, recognize phishing tricks, protect your passwords, and know exactly what to do if something sketchy happens. That's HUGE. The bad guys don't stand a chance against you now. Not even close.

Next time a suspicious email lands in your inbox, you're going to see right through it. Stay sharp out there — you've got this!

Need Help? We're Here!

If something ever looks suspicious, or you just want a second opinion — call us. That's literally what we do.