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Your Online Safety
Starts Right Here.

Practical, plain-language guidance to help you stay safe, confident, and in control online.

Never Share These 3 Things — No Matter Who’s Asking

This single rule protects you from the vast majority of scams targeting seniors today.

  • Your Social Security Number

    Scammers use this to steal your identity and open accounts in your name.

  • Your Bank or Card Numbers

    Once they have this, they can drain your account or make purchases.

  • Your Passwords

    A password gives a stranger the keys to every account connected to it.

No legitimate bank, government agency, Medicare office, or company will ever contact YOU first and ask for these — not by phone, email, or text.

If it happens: stop the conversation. Hang up or delete the message. Then call the company directly using the number on your statement or official website.

3 Things to Do This Week

Each one takes under 10 minutes and gives you real, lasting protection.

  1. Change Your Wi-Fi Password

    Call your internet provider and ask them to walk you through it, or ask a trusted family member. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and a symbol — at least 12 characters.

  2. Set a Passcode on Your Phone

    Go to your phone Settings, then Security (or Face ID & Passcode on iPhone) and turn on a PIN lock. If your phone is ever lost, your information stays safe.

  3. Accept That Pending Update

    If your phone or computer has been asking you to update, say yes today. Those updates close security holes that scammers actively look for and exploit.

How Scammers Come to You

These three methods are responsible for billions of dollars lost by seniors each year. Recognizing them is the first line of defense.

Phishing

Fake emails pretending to be real companies

“Your Amazon account has been suspended. Click here to verify your identity immediately.”

Never click links in unexpected emails. Go directly to the company’s website by typing it in your browser.

Smishing

Fake text messages with dangerous links

“USPS: Your package cannot be delivered. Confirm your address: [link]”

Never tap links in unexpected texts. If you’re expecting a package, go to the carrier’s official site and enter your tracking number manually.

Vishing

Fake phone calls from “officials”

“This is Social Security. Your number has been suspended due to suspicious activity. Press 1 to speak with an agent.”

Hang up. Social Security, the IRS, and Medicare do not call you out of the blue. Call them back using the number on their official website.

The SOS 6-Part Series

Published quarterly in your community newsletter. Each article builds on the last, so you finish the series with a full picture of how to stay safe.

  1. Someone Is Counting on You Being Trusting

    Why seniors are specifically targeted — and why that changes when you have the right information.

  2. Start at Home: Securing Your Wi-Fi and Devices

    Modems, routers, computers, firewalls — how to lock your digital front door.

  3. Watch Your Inbox: How Scammers Come Calling

    Phishing, smishing, and vishing — explained simply, with clear steps to protect yourself.

  4. The Key to the Kingdom: Building Passwords That Work

    A memorable trick for creating strong passwords — and why each account needs its own.

  5. Your Phone Knows Too Much — Let’s Keep It Private

    Smartphone safety, Bluetooth risks, public Wi-Fi, public chargers, and ATM skimmers.

  6. Think Before You Share: Social Media, Travel & Your Final Checklist

    Facebook, Instagram, travel safety, and a full safety checklist to keep at your desk.

Resources for You

Print these out. Put them by your computer. Share them with someone you love.

Safety Checklist Card

A printable card with the 3 things to never share and the top 5 warning signs of a scam. Perfect for your fridge or desk.

Download Card

SOS Safety Tips — Issue 1

A printable reference card with the top takeaways from Issue 1 of the series. We add to it with every new issue — check back each quarter.

Download Tips Card

Report a Scam

If you think you’ve been targeted or victimized, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357.

Report a Scam ↗

Ask Chioma K. Iheanacho

No question is too small. If something is confusing, seems suspicious, or you just want a second opinion — reach out.

The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only. It is intended to raise awareness about online safety and common scams affecting seniors — not to serve as legal, financial, cybersecurity, or professional advice.

katchimedia makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, including statistics sourced from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and other third-party organizations. However, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or free from error. Laws, scam tactics, and fraud trends change frequently.

Nothing on this page creates a professional or advisory relationship between you and katchimedia or Chioma K. Iheanacho. If you believe you have been the victim of fraud or identity theft, please contact your financial institution, local law enforcement, and the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Links to external websites are provided for reference only. katchimedia does not endorse, control, or take responsibility for the content of any third-party sites.

By using this page, you agree that katchimedia is not liable for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided here.