In 2023, 3.5 thousand people fell victim to fraudsters. seniors. The value of losses is over PLN 141 million
Over 3.5 thousand seniors fell victim to telephone fraud in 2023. Cybercriminals extorted over PLN 141 million from elderly people.
According to the Scientific and Academic Computer Network, in 2023, cybercriminals engaged in telephone fraud, focused on misleading older people, managed to extort a total of over PLN 141 million from them. The victims of this type of crimes are mainly people over 65 years of age, but not only them.
Alarming data is collected by NASK as part of cooperation with the Central Office for Combating Cybercrime and the Warsaw Banking Institute is conducting an educational campaign “#Hello! “This is a cybersafe senior”.
Telephone scams targeting seniors
The National Research Institute NASK draws attention to the fact that elderly people very often do not realize how easily they can be manipulated by cybercriminals. Suffice it to mention here the so-called “grandson” or “policeman” scams, which are regularly reported in the national media. That is why it is so important to conduct educational activities aimed primarily at seniors.
“Older people are most vulnerable to attacks involving theft of confidential data and, above all, theft of money – even their entire life savings. Therefore, educational activities in the field of cybersecurity, implemented in an appropriate manner and tailored specifically to this group of recipients, are now particularly needed,” we read in the announcement published by the NASK National Research Institute.
The “#Hello!” campaign “Cybersafe Senior” here
Organized, among others, by NASK campaign “#Hello! “This is a cybersafe senior” aims to raise the awareness of older people on topics related to various online frauds, especially data phishing, i.e. the so-called phishing, as well as impersonating trusted entities, i.e. the so-called spoofing. Seniors are to be made more aware of the methods of manipulation and social engineering used by fraudsters.
“Seniors really need such meetings, especially stationary ones. They need a safe space where they can ask questions and share their concerns about internet crime. A space where expert knowledge is at your fingertips, and the presenters understand their needs and can explain difficult issues in the most accessible way possible,” said Beata Frankiewicz from the Cybersecurity Awareness Building department operating within NASK structures, who coordinates the project addressed to seniors.
As part of an educational campaign “#Hello! “This is a cybersafe senior” a series of articles and infographics addressed to seniors is published, explaining the most popular types of cybercrime and, above all, effective ways to prevent the most important digital threats.
