What are the most common scams targeting seniors right now?

Phone-based vishing and fake tech-support calls, romance scams, phishing texts and emails, SIM-swapping, fake Wi-Fi "evil twin" networks, check washing, and title or deed fraud by mail are among the most commonly reported.

How can I tell if a phone call is a scam?

A legitimate agency or business will never demand immediate payment by gift card or wire transfer, ask you to stay on the line while you go to the bank, or ask you to confirm your full Social Security number over the phone. Hang up and call the organization back on a number you look up yourself.

What is vishing, and how is it different from regular phishing?

Vishing is phishing carried out by voice call rather than email or text. A caller impersonates a bank, government agency or tech company to pressure you into revealing personal information or moving money quickly.

How do I protect against identity theft and SIM-swapping?

Freeze your credit with the three major bureaus, set up a PIN or passcode with your mobile carrier so a SIM cannot be transferred without it, and watch for your phone suddenly losing signal — that can be the first sign of a SIM swap in progress.

What should I do if I think I've been scammed?

Contact your bank or card issuer immediately, file a report at reportfraud.ftc.gov and with local police, and change any passwords that may have been exposed. Acting quickly gives you the best chance of stopping or reversing a transaction.

Does Fred Flamer speak publicly about senior scam prevention?

Yes — Fred gives talks on senior cybersecurity and fraud prevention for community groups, libraries and senior centers. Reach out through the contact links on this site to inquire about a speaking engagement.

Uber/Lyft Patronage (Rideshare Awareness)

Information protocol that should be followed when ordering rideshare

Fred Flamer· August 31, 2026· 1 min read

Uber/Lyft Patronage (Rideshare Awareness)

By Fred Flamer

My, how time flies! Uber was founded in 2009 in San Francisco, California. Just three years later, in 2012, its biggest competitor, Lyft, lifted off! Coincidentally, Lyft was also founded in San Francisco. I know I'm dating myself here, but I still remember the days of calling for a Yellow Cab! Many of you younger folks probably have no idea what I'm talking about.

You'll find a wide range of opinions regarding rideshare services, but one thing cannot be disputed: rideshare companies have completely revolutionized the way we travel. The dog that ultimately bit the traditional taxi industry was named Uber and Lyft. Ironically, that same dog may soon find itself being bitten by another dog named Waymo—but I digress!

When using Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare service, there are a few simple safety practices that everyone should follow.

After requesting a ride, you will typically receive a notification through the app that includes three important pieces of information:

• A photo of the driver
• The vehicle's make and model
• The vehicle's license plate number

When your ride arrives, take a moment to verify all three before entering the vehicle. Confirm that the driver matches the photo, the vehicle matches the description, and the license plate number matches the one provided in the app.

Unfortunately, there have been instances where passengers entered vehicles driven by someone other than the person assigned to the ride. In other cases, individuals have impersonated rideshare drivers altogether. Many of us are in a hurry and tend to overlook these precautions—present company included—but taking an extra 60 seconds to verify these details could prevent a very bad situation.

Remember, your destination can wait one more minute. Your safety should never take a back seat.

-Fin-

#SeniorSecured #RideshareSafety #UberLyftSafety #TravelSmart #StayAlertStaySafe

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