Senior Cyber Safety Briefing – October 30, 2025

 

🚨ALERT – AI‑powered voice & document scams targeting seniors during Medicare Open Enrollment

👉Why it matters – Scammers are now using voice‐cloning and fake medical paperwork to pretend they’re calling from Medicare, asking for your Medicare number or banking info. WRGB+1
📣Call to Action – If someone calls asking for your Medicare number or bank details “right now” because of a benefit change, hang up and call the official number on your Medicare card.

📈ECONOMY & SECURITY – End of support for Windows 10, leaving older machines at risk
👉Why it matters – Microsoft officially stopped regular security updates for Windows 10 on Oct 14, meaning systems still running it are vulnerable to new hacks. CrowdStrike+1
📣Call to Action – If your home PC is still on Windows 10, strongly consider upgrading (to Windows 11 or a new device) or at least enable extended security updates if available.

🧠MUST‑READ – New review of scam patterns targeting older adults reveals deep vulnerabilities
👉Why it matters – A recent article highlights how older folks are specifically at risk because of habit‑based trust, outdated devices, and complex tech setups. WeLiveSecurity
📣Call to Action – Identify one trusted loved one (child, friend, neighbour) you’ll call before acting on any scary or urgent request online or by phone—make them your verification buddy.

🔥PRIVACY & BIG TECH – Fraud warning letters from Social Security Administration impersonators flood mailboxes
👉Why it matters – Fake “Supreme Court” styled letters are being mailed to seniors telling them their Social‑Security number is compromised and they must send money or info. The Sun
📣Call to Action – If you receive an unfamiliar letter saying your account is “under investigation,” don’t respond. Report it to SSA and shred it.

💡OPPORTUNITY – Take advantage of the slow season between scams and breaches to boost your senior cyber‑safety fundamentals
👉Why it matters – With the big threats out in the open, this is the perfect time to check the basics while things are quiet.
📣Call to Action – Spend 10 minutes this week: 1) update your main devices (PC, phone) and apps, 2) enable multi‑factor authentication on your key accounts, 3) write down who you trust to check any “urgent” call before action.

✅Quick Safety Tip of the Day
If a caller or message screams urgency (“act now or lose benefits!”), pause, hang up, and call the official number—not the one they give you.

(AI was used to create this article.)

🙋Closing Note
Stay safe, stay secure, stay curious, and remember my friends—you’re never too old to outsmart a scammer👋
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