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My Computer is Frozen! Dealing with Alarming Tech Support Pop-ups (Without Calling the Scammers)
There you are, minding your own business. Maybe you’re looking up a recipe for pot roast, or trying to figure out what your grandkid meant when they texted you “bruh.” Suddenly your screen turns bright red. A siren starts blaring…
Too Good to Be True ‘Winnings’: Understanding the ‘Pay to Play’ Lottery & Sweepstakes Scams
Picture this: You’re shuffling through today’s mail. Between the electric bill and a coupon for a pizza place you’ve never visited, you spot it. A thick, official-looking envelope featuring a majestic bald eagle, a gold foil seal, and your name…
‘IRS Calling’: How to Know if a Government Notice is Legitimate (and Not a Scammer)
You’re sitting in your favorite chair, maybe watching Jeopardy, when the phone rings. The caller ID boldly announces: “Internal Revenue Service.” You pick it up, and a robotic-sounding man named “Officer Steve” informs you that a warrant has been issued…
The Sweetheart Who Needs a ‘Loan’: Spotting Emotional Manipulation in Online Romance Scams (Before Money is Mentioned)
Back in the good old days, if you wanted to meet a potential sweetheart, you had to attend a church picnic, eat three scoops of potato salad, and try to figure out if your date’s weird uncle was a dealbreaker.…
The Unsubscribe Maze: Spotting ‘Dark Patterns’ That Trick You Into Subscriptions or Hidden Fees
Have you ever signed up for a seemingly innocent “free 7-day trial” to read a single article about gardening, only to discover that canceling the trial requires a blood sacrifice, a treasure map, and a notarized letter delivered by a…
I Gave My Bank Account Number to a Scammer: What to Do Right Now
By Chris Clark, founder of Senior Tech Cafe “I gave my bank account number to a scammer.” If that’s you, call your bank’s fraud department first, using the number on the back of your card or on your statement. An…
Did My Netflix Expire? Spotting Phony Subscription Renewal Emails
Picture this: It’s 7:00 PM. You’ve just microwaved a pristine bag of popcorn, settled into your favorite armchair, and mentally prepared to watch four consecutive episodes of a British baking competition. But before you can grab the remote, your tablet…
The ‘Too Good to Be True’ Investment: Recognizing Investment Scams That Promise Fast Riches
By Chris Clark, founder of Senior Tech Cafe Investment scams are schemes that talk you into handing over money for an investment that doesn’t exist, usually with a promise of big, guaranteed returns and a reason you have to act…
Does Social Security Call You? How to Tell the Real Government From the Phonies
By Chris Clark, founder of Senior Tech Cafe Does Social Security call you? Sometimes, yes. Social Security does call people it already has business with, such as someone who recently applied for benefits. What it never does is call out…
When Love Asks for Money: Common Excuses in Online Romance Scams (and How to Say No)
You finally met someone wonderful online. They are charming, they appreciate your witty banter, and they actually ask about your day. They don’t even mind that your dog snores louder than a freight train. For a few weeks, everything is…
