By Trust Nerds – Your Friendly Tech Support Blog.
Last Tuesday afternoon, I got a knock on my door.
It was Mr. Clark — my 68-year-old neighbor. Kind man, former school teacher, always wears the same green sweater. But he looked worried.
“Hey,” he said, “someone called me and said my computer was sending out error messages. They asked me to install something… I didn’t know what to do.”
He was almost scammed. And he’s not alone.
You’re Not Alone, Either
If you’re over 60 and using a computer, tablet, or smartphone — first of all, bravo. It’s not easy keeping up with all the tech. Second, you’re exactly who scammers target. Why? Because you’re polite, trusting, and may not be familiar with fake websites, phishing, or malware.
But here’s the thing: you can stay safe with just a few small changes. You don’t need to be a tech expert.
1. Don’t Trust Every Call or Message
Let’s start with the basics.
Microsoft will never call you. Neither will Amazon, your bank, or the IRS — not out of the blue.
If someone calls or emails asking for:
- Remote access to your device
- Your password
- Your bank details
Just hang up. Or better — tell them you’ll call back, and then call a family member instead.
I told Mr. Clark, “Next time, call me first before clicking anything.” He nodded. We had coffee right after.
2. Use a Simple but Strong Password
Most people use something like 123456 or their pet’s name. Don’t.
Try something easy to remember, but hard to guess. For example:
GreenSweater2025!
Write it in a notebook — yes, on paper, not your phone. Keep it somewhere safe, like a drawer near your desk.
3. Install Protection — Free Is Fine
You don’t have to pay $50 a year for antivirus.
Try:
- Avast Free Antivirus – Simple to install
- Microsoft Defender – Already built into Windows 10 & 11
Mr. Clark had no antivirus. We installed one in 10 minutes — he felt better immediately.
4. Always Update Your Device
If your phone or computer asks to “Update Now” — do it. These updates fix holes that hackers try to sneak through.
Think of it like locking your door at night. Simple, but effective.
5. Don’t Click Strange Emails or Pop-Ups
One time, another neighbor got an email saying:
“Your Netflix account is locked. Click here to fix it.”
It wasn’t real. It was a fake website built to steal her password.
If you’re unsure, ask someone you trust. Or just delete it. If it’s real, the company will follow up another way.
6. Extra: Tips for Phones and Tablets
- Use a lock screen (PIN or fingerprint)
- Install apps only from the App Store or Google Play
- Turn on automatic updates
Mr. Clark didn’t even know his phone needed updates. Most people don’t. That’s okay. We’re all learning.
You’re Doing Just Fine
You don’t have to learn everything. You don’t have to get it perfect.
Just start with these:
- Use a strong password
- Install protection
- Don’t click strange stuff
- Call someone if you’re unsure
If you do those four things, you’re already ahead of most people online — including younger folks.
Need a Hand?
We’re called Trust Nerds for a reason. We help people like you — without talking down to you.
Got a question? Feel unsure? Just call us.
📞 +1-877-364-7090
🌐 trustnerds.net/contact