Why the Concern?
My name is Lea. After spending almost 20 years in the media and marketing industry, I returned to college for computer science education to learn how to develop web sites. The curriculum also included technical courses that supported the web platforms. And, wouldn’t you know, not long after I completed the courses, the technology dramatically changed! So, on-the-job training and online research, was essential.
Most of us remember the story when Mark Zuckerberg started The Face Book in college to meet girls. Do you also remember when Twitter (now X) first started? I really didn’t understand the concept of “Tweets” and the initial 100-character limitation. Sincerely, who can make an impact with only 100 characters? And then, the word “Google” became a household name and the public cried out that “libraries would disappear”. And now, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the new buzz word. So, it can be very overwhelming!
Over the past 20 years, we have seen a lot of changes and unfortunately the slow, methodical loss of our privacy. That is why SafeBoomer was created: To show you how to reduce exposure to hackers and fraudsters, understand the “Red Flags,” and change a few settings on your device to help protect yourself, and your family, while staying connected online.
SafeBoomers.com is located in the New Orleans, LA, area (USA). Drop us a message!
Let’s explain our mission
FAST-FORWARD…
During the past few years, I’ve learned this great technology connecting us all together is also capturing and saving our personal data, with and without our knowledge or permission. I remember when hearing that Twitter’s repository of “Tweets” during the first year of service was being saved in the Smithsonian Institute! But, it’s not the only place our data is stored. EVERYTHING you enter into the digital realm is stored in a database, forever to be searched, filtered, and used. “By whom?” you ask.
In some cases our personal information is stored and “shared” or sold in aggregate form by tech-related companies and web sites. In a lot of cases, our private data is sold to ANYONE with a buck or twenty. “So what?” You ask.
Well, I have seen numerous situations where our personal information is then used to target us, exploit us and even defraud us.
For one, we unknowingly give our consent to our personal information when we buy a computer or phone, or if we check-the-box to use a service (like our new TV or a fun app), or click YES to “Allow Cookies” when we visit a web site. By law, each company must expose where and how our data is stored and shared and this is listed in their long, legal Privacy Policy and/or Terms of Service. But, most of us do not read those legal forms, and honestly, if we did, probably wouldn’t understand.
For example, when utilizing an app or shopping (with an app or through a website), our personal preferences and purchase details, web site history, detailed search data, contacts, photos, voice, face details, and other personal information is usually being collected. When that data is purchased, the data broker then uses this data and resells it to possible nefarious actors who may send fraudulent emails to trick us into clicking on a bad link that allows access to our devices, including our microphone, camera and location. Also, they send texts to request you to enter your password, or provide a link for that same purpose. Then, the bad actor uses your password to access your accounts or your credit card, steal your money and/or identity, or send fraudulent emails from our own email accounts to our full list of contacts, for fraudulent purposes.
But the good news is that, in most cases, you can take control over your information and can switch off the data flow with just a few clicks on your devices, and in your browsers. We can legally request to have our stored data removed from data brokers, and we can even request that Google deletes all of our stored data!
Unfortunately, one of the most devastating issues is child predators who can purchase our personal data and use online platforms to lure our children and grandchildren into their cult-like programs. Many innocent children have been harmed. So, when we raise our concerns about these illegal rings, we help protect our families.
We will show you how to limit your exposure. Join one of our hands-on workshops, so you can gain the knowledge you need to help protect yourself and your family, while staying connected online.
WHY THIS IS A BIG DEAL!
BAD actors, on the other hand, have a whole different Wild West attitude! In this case, YOU ARE FOR SALE, whether you agree to it, or NOT! Working in the financial and medical industry, I have seen how this practice has grown on a global scale! And, now, with more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, the bad guys have a lot more tools at their disposal to make our lives a living HELL!
OK, so let’s get to THE MISSION of SafeBoomers.com. Most of my friends and people who I have interacted with over the years, did not realize this “sharing” was happening behind the scenes. Those who grew up with and utilize the technology on a daily basis, do not realize the future implications of their private information being sold to the highest bidder.
A “COINCIDENCE”? So, let’s look at a few scenarios. After searching for new cars online, you seem to get bombarded by ads or messages for new cars. Coincidence or Purposeful? Ok, but that’s not life threatening, right? Then, you share with your best friend that you are shopping for some cute, new shoes. Google, Facebook, and even YouTube may serve you ads from local and Big Box shoe stores, and this is possibly acceptable to some, since it is not physically or financially harmful! BUT, discussing a medical condition, buying a house, a challenging teenager, retirement financial decisions, or a private text message between you and your best friend, or spouse?….. WELL, THAT IS A BIG DEAL! If nefarious actors get this information, it can be used against you financially, mentally, and even physically.
We all grew up in a time when “Privacy Matters,” so, if you are like us, you don’t want your medical, personal or financial decisions sold to the highest bidder and used against us!
Now, there may be some who don’t care, and that’s ok (until they are hacked). However, for those of us who DO care can take small steps and big leaps to protect ourselves. Join us at one of our hands-on workshops, to help you understand what is really going on behind the scenes. Then, we can all make better informed decisions about what we are willing to share, and how to protect personal details we want kept private.
MORTGAGE FRAUD
Current TRUE example…
A sweet lady lost her husband of 45 years and wanted to downsize her big house into something that was more manageable. So, she sold the larger house and found a new, smaller home. Then, the big Closing day was approaching.
The Wednesday before she was scheduled to Close on her new home, she received an email from her mortgage lender that read “…in order for the closing to happen Monday, you need to send a cashier’s check of $75,000 TODAY!” to the address provided in this email. So, unknowingly, she went to the bank and tried to withdraw the money.
Thankfully, the bank teller was trained to spot “red flags” and together they called the mortgage lender only to learn this was Email fraud! The hackers “learned” through her emails (or other means) that she was in the process of buying a house and duplicated the lender’s logo, address, and their email format, so the lady did not realize it was a fake email! Hackers are sneaky, little, blood-sucking vampires!
Unfortunately, there are THOUSANDS of stories like this (and worse) of normal people, living their normal lives, and are viciously taken advantage of by BAD GUYS. Don’t let this be you!
We can help Guide and Educate you.
>DON’T SHARE WHEN YOU ARE ON VACATION. Wait until you return!
>CHANGE YOUR COMPUTER SETTINGS for more private browsing!
>SAFELY STORE PASSWORDS and change them ALL every 90 days!
>TURN OFF YOUR BLUETOOTH SETTINGS until you use it.
>TURN OFF YOUR LOCATION SETTINGS until you need them.
>DELETE STORED COOKIES after heavy browsing, or on a regular basis.
If you have questions or specific concerns, reach out! We are passionate about helping Boomers, just like us, survive the digital revolution intact. Please fill out the chat form on the contact us page of our site and we will get in touch as soon as possible, usually within a day!
We thank you for visiting and for caring. Please share our information with everyone you know!
And please know… We do not sell your information. Not now, not ever!