Spotting Scams: Simple Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Can you trust anything you see online these days? What about emails asking you to click a link, phone calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency, or text messages promising easy money or job opportunities? The truth is, you need to meet every unexpected message with a healthy dose of skepticism, whether it arrives by email, text, or phone call. And yes, spotting scams has gotten harder. Scammers are now using Artificial Intelligence to make their tricks look more convincing than ever. In this session, Andy Chandler will show you the simple tricks scammers use to grab your attention, as that’s how almost every scam begins. He’ll use examples ranging from government imposters to familiar email, text, and phone scams, and share practical tips for setting up your smartphone to block or silence many of these messages before they ever reach you. The program will also address a concern many families face: how to help protect loved ones living with dementia who may be especially vulnerable to scams. Finally, you’ll be encouraged to share your own stories. By learning from each other, we can stay a step ahead of scammers and keep ourselves, our families, and our community safe. About the presenter: Andy Chandler is a writer, speaker, and former cybersecurity leader who helps older adults, caregivers, and community organizations understand artificial intelligence without the hype or fear. Using stories, humor, and practical examples, he makes complex technology approachable, practical, and relevant to everyday life. Andy also writes Musings from Maine, a free Substack newsletter exploring artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the ways technology is changing our lives. You can find his blog at andy04106.substack.com.