Golden Guidance

Tag: staysafeonline

  • 🛡️ Think Before You Share: Social Media Safety for Seniors

    🛡️ Think Before You Share: Social Media Safety for Seniors

    How to stay safe and protect your privacy online

    Social media is a wonderful way to stay connected with friends, children, and grandchildren. It helps us share photos, stay in the loop, and feel part of a community—even from the comfort of home. But while social media brings us closer together, it’s also important to be thoughtful about what we share. Why? Because not everyone online has good intentions.

    The good news is, you can still enjoy social media safely with just a few simple steps. In this post, we’ll show you what to watch out for, how scammers use your information, and how to adjust your privacy settings so only the people you trust can see your posts.

    🤔 What You Should Be Careful About Sharing

    When you post something online, it may seem like it’s just going to family and friends—but sometimes it reaches much farther. Scammers and strangers can see what you share if your settings aren’t private.

    Here are a few things to avoid posting publicly:

    • Your full birthdate
    • Your home address or phone number
    • Travel plans like “Leaving for a week!”
    • Personal routines (e.g., “I go to the same cafĂ© every morning”)
    • Security clues like your pet’s name, mother’s maiden name, or favorite color (common security questions)

    Even photos can reveal more than you think. For example, pictures taken in your home might show prescription bottles, mail, or IDs in the background. These details can be used to guess passwords or even steal your identity.

    🚨 How Scammers Use Shared Information

    Online scammers are sneaky. They gather small details over time from public posts to build a full profile of you. For example, if you share your birthday, dog’s name, and favorite sports team, a scammer might be able to answer your security questions and reset your account passwords.

    Some scammers also pretend to be someone you know. They might copy your profile photo and make a fake account using your name to trick others. Others watch for vacation posts to target empty homes.

    That’s why protecting your information isn’t about being secretive—it’s about being smart.

    🔧 How to Adjust Your Privacy Settings

    The easiest way to protect yourself is to change your social media settings so only friends can see your posts. Here’s how to do it on Facebook:

    1. Go to Settings & Privacy
    2. Select Privacy Checkup
    3. Choose “Who can see what you share?”
    4. Set your posts and personal information to “Friends Only”

    You can also:

    • Remove your birthday from public view
    • Limit who can send you friend requests
    • Use Facebook’s “View As” tool to see what others see on your profile

    Taking five minutes to do this can protect you from countless scams and unwanted attention.

    âś… Safe Sharing Tips for Every Day

    Here are a few simple habits to keep in mind:

    • Only accept friend requests from people you know personally
    • Don’t click on suspicious links, even if they come from someone you know
    • Wait until after a trip to post about it
    • Use strong passwords and don’t reuse them across sites
    • Log out of accounts when using a shared device

    And most importantly, trust your gut. If something feels off, take a moment to double-check or ask a trusted friend or family member for help.

    🌟 Conclusion: Stay Connected and Stay Safe

    At Golden Guidance, we believe social media should feel safe, fun, and empowering—not stressful. You deserve to enjoy the benefits of technology without worrying about scams or strangers. By being careful with what you share and who sees it, you can stay in control and protect your peace of mind.

    Want more helpful tips like this? Follow us on Facebook and share this post with a loved one who could use a little guidance.

  • 🛑 How to Recognize Spam Emails, Phone Numbers & Links

    🛑 How to Recognize Spam Emails, Phone Numbers & Links

    Simple ways to stay safe and confident online

    In today’s world, technology connects us to friends, family, and helpful services—but it also brings unwanted spam. These messages often pretend to be from people or companies we trust and are designed to trick us into giving away personal information. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe. By learning a few warning signs, you can confidently avoid scams and protect your privacy.

    ✉️ Spotting Spam Emails

    Spam emails might look real at first, but there are usually clues that something isn’t right. Start by checking the sender’s email address—scammers often use addresses that look strange or don’t match the company’s real name. Watch for poor spelling, awkward wording, or urgent messages that say things like “Your account will be shut down!” or “Click here to claim your reward.” These messages are designed to scare or excite you into clicking without thinking. When in doubt, don’t open links or attachments, and never reply with personal information.

    đź“ž Recognizing Suspicious Calls and Texts

    Scam calls and texts are becoming more common. They may come from a number that looks local or even familiar. The caller might claim to be from your bank, Medicare, or a delivery company. If someone you don’t know asks for your Social Security number, bank details, or access to your computer—hang up right away. For texts, avoid clicking links unless you know exactly who sent them and why. When possible, let unknown numbers go to voicemail so you can review the message safely.

    đź”— How to Tell if a Link is Unsafe

    Links in spam emails or texts can lead to dangerous websites. These fake pages might look like the real thing but are designed to steal your passwords or install harmful software. Before clicking a link, hover your mouse over it (or press and hold on a phone) to preview the full address. If it looks unusual or doesn’t match the company’s website, it’s best not to click. You can also type the web address directly into your browser to be sure you’re going to the right place.

    💡 Trust Your Instincts—And Ask for Help

    If something feels “off” or seems too good to be true, it probably is. Spam and scam messages often use pressure or fear to get a quick response. Take your time. Read carefully. If you’re ever unsure, ask a family member or friend to take a look. It’s never a bother—it’s smart. Remember, it’s okay to delete, ignore, or hang up. Your safety and peace of mind come first. At Golden Guidance, we believe learning technology should feel calm and empowering. Stay connected with us for more simple, step-by-step advice to help you stay safe and confident in today’s digital world.