Senior News Line: Seniors and social media

The list of scams against seniors keeps getting longer and longer. Just when we have a handle on the various types of fraud, here come new ones. But there’s one area where we do have some control: social media.

One place I’ve always been concerned about — and therefore have never joined — is the small neighborhood social media chat groups.

So much gets talked about, and people generally feel safe because, after all, they’re chatting with their neighbors. But you never really know who’s watching online.

And you never really know what small piece of information could be the one that puts you at risk — especially if a thief has been following the group and assembling your innocent chat as clues.

Beware what you say online. If you announce on social media that you’re about to take a vacation, that’s a clue to a thief that your house will be empty at a certain time.

Or, if you announce online that you’ll be joining an art class every Tuesday morning, or if you post your unlisted phone number in reply to someone’s question, and so forth.

Another place that’s jam-packed with information is newspaper funeral notices that are posted on social media.

The “survived by” information is gold for thieves. With those names, plus the date and time of the funeral, thieves know when a house is likely to be empty.

Friend requests are another source of concern with social media. Beware, and be selective. Be certain you know who you’re letting in.

Never click a link in social media, or anywhere else. Just don’t. You don’t really know where it goes.

Before you take your first step into social media, be certain you know how it works. Get good advice on how to fix your privacy settings so you’re not as vulnerable.

Remember: Seniors are targets.