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Smarter After 60, Issue #1

Hi there,

Welcome to the very first issue! In every issue you'll get three things: a scam to watch for, one useful AI tip, and an answer to a reader's question. Grab a cup of coffee. This takes about 3 minutes.

🚨 Scam of the Week: the fake "tech support" pop-up

What it looks like: You're browsing, and suddenly a loud warning fills your screen: "VIRUS DETECTED! Call Microsoft Support now at 1-8XX…" Sometimes it even beeps.

The truth: It's fake. Tech and customer-support scams cost Americans 60 and over about $1 billion in 2025, according to the FBI (IC3).

What to do:

1. Don't call the number and don't let anyone "remote in" to your computer.
2. Close the browser. If it won't close, turn the computer off and back on.
3. Not sure? Ask AI. Copy-paste this:

A pop-up on my computer says: [words on screen] and gives a phone number. Is this real? How do I close it safely?

💡 This Week's AI Tip: set a family safe word

Scammers can now use AI to fake the voice of a loved one. The FBI's 2025 report has a whole section on AI being used in cybercrime (FBI). Here's a simple defense:

1. Pick a family safe word (something silly, like "purple pancakes").
2. Share it in person or by phone, never online.
3. The rule: if anyone calls asking for money urgently, ask for the word. No word means no money. Hang up and call them back on the number you already have.

Want AI to write you a printable family plan? Copy-paste:

Write a short, friendly one-page "Family Emergency Call Plan" for a grandparent. Include: always ask for our family safe word; hang up and call back on the number I already have; never pay with gift cards, wire, or crypto; and a short script to say to a caller who pressures me. Use large, simple wording.

📖 Full guide

✉️ A Question We Hear a Lot

"Is it safe to type my personal information into an AI chatbot?"

Answer: Treat an AI chatbot like a helpful stranger at the library. Ask it anything, but never share your Social Security number, Medicare number, bank or card numbers, or passwords. You can get great help without them. Just leave out the private details, or swap in a placeholder like "[my account number]."

Try this copy-paste prompt:

I got a letter about my bill and I don't understand it. Here's the wording, with my personal numbers removed: [paste text]. Explain it in plain English and tell me if I need to do anything.

Have a question? Just email diane@smarterafter60.com. Reader questions may be featured in future issues (first name only, and only with your OK).

That's all for this issue. Stay safe, and I'll see you again in a few days!

Kelly Sharp
Smarter After 60

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Educational information only. This is not legal, medical, or financial advice. We'll never ask for your SSN, Medicare number, or passwords.