A Guide to Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention at Every Age
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity and fraud threats don’t discriminate—they target everyone, from curious kids to tech-savvy adults to trusting seniors. Columbia Credit Union believes that protecting your financial well-being means understanding the unique risks you face at every stage of life. This guide offers practical tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe, secure, and scam-aware—no matter your age.
Kids (Ages 5–12): Building Safe Digital Habits Early
Children are growing up in a world where digital devices are second nature. But with that convenience comes risk.
Common Threats:
- In-app purchase scams
- YouTube or gaming scams
- Identity theft using stolen Social Security numbers
How to Stay Safe:
- Use parental controls and kid-friendly browsers.
- Teach kids to never share personal information online.
- Monitor app downloads and screen time.
Columbia CU Tip: Consider opening a youth account with parental oversight to introduce safe financial habits early.
Teens (Ages 13–18): First Steps into Financial Independence
As teens begin using social media, mobile apps, and online banking, they become prime targets for scammers.
Common Threats:
- Fake job offers
- Phishing texts and emails
- Peer-to-peer payment scams (e.g., Venmo, Cash App)
How to Stay Safe:
- Talk about the dangers of oversharing online.
- Encourage strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Teach them to verify links and messages before clicking.
Columbia CU Tip: Set fraud and other account alerts to be sent to their phone to help them learn and feel engaged while staying protected.
Young Adults (Ages 19–30): Managing Money and Digital Life
This age group is often juggling school, work, and new financial responsibilities—making them vulnerable to sophisticated scams.
Common Threats:
- Student loan forgiveness scams
- Online shopping fraud
- Romance scams and social engineering
How to Stay Safe:
- Use credit monitoring and identity theft protection tools.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking or sensitive transactions.
- Be cautious of unsolicited messages or too-good-to-be-true offers.
Columbia CU Tip: Promote mobile banking security features like two-factor authentication, real-time transaction alerts, and Card Manager to lock/unlock your cards on the go.
Adults (Ages 31–60): Balancing Family, Career, and Security
With more assets and responsibilities, adults are often targeted by more complex fraud schemes.
Common Threats:
- Tax fraud and IRS impersonation
- Investment scams
- Business email compromise
How to Stay Safe:
- Regularly review credit reports and account activity.
- Enable multi-factor authentication on all financial accounts.
- Be skeptical of urgent requests for money or personal info.
Columbia CU Tip: Highlight fraud protection services, such as login alerts, balance threshold alerts, and credit monitoring.
Seniors (Ages 60+): Staying Safe from Targeted Scams
Older adults are often targeted by scammers due to their perceived trust, financial stability, and sometimes limited familiarity with digital tools.
Common Threats:
- Medicare and Social Security scams
- Grandparent scams (“I’m in trouble, send money!”)
- Tech support fraud
How to Stay Safe:
- Never give out personal info over the phone or email.
- Use caller ID and block unknown numbers.
- Encourage open conversations with family about finances.
Columbia CU Tip: Engage with younger family members about the latest scams, trends, and digital services to keep finances and personal information safe.
Avoiding Cybersecurity and Fraud Threats Is a Lifelong Journey
Cybersecurity and fraud prevention aren’t one-time lessons—they’re lifelong habits. By understanding the risks at each stage of life and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from financial harm. Want to learn more? Contact us about how to stay safe in today’s digital world.