06/02/2026
š” Protecting Your Home, Finances & Loved Ones from Online Scams
As a mortgage professional, I often remind clients that protecting your financial future goes beyond buying a home. It also means protecting yourself and your loved ones from fraud, identity theft, and online scams.
Older adults are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. According to the FBIās 2025 Internet Crime Report, Americans age 60 and older reported approximately $7.74 billion in fraud-related losses.³
Whether youāre helping a parent, grandparent, or another loved one, here are three simple ways to help keep them safe:
ā
1. Talk About Common Scams
Scammers often use fear, urgency, or emotional manipulation to gain trust.
Common examples include:
⢠Government impersonation scams
⢠Romance scams
⢠Grandparent scams
⢠Fake bank, credit card, or mortgage-related communications
A good rule of thumb: Never provide personal information, passwords, account numbers, or financial details in response to an unexpected phone call, text, email, or social media message.
ā
2. Strengthen Account Security
Help loved ones:
⢠Create strong, unique passwords
⢠Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
⢠Review privacy settings on social media accounts
⢠Use a password manager if needed
Protecting email accounts is especially important because many financial accounts can be accessed through email password resets.
ā
3. Secure Devices & Home Wi-Fi
Simple steps can make a big difference:
⢠Turn on automatic software updates
⢠Lock devices with passwords or biometrics
⢠Review app permissions
⢠Change default Wi-Fi router passwords
These measures help protect personal information, financial accounts, and online activity from unauthorized access.
š” A Mortgage Ambassador Tip
One of the most valuable assets many seniors own is their home. Criminals know this and increasingly target homeowners through identity theft, wire fraud, and financial scams.
A simple family conversation today may help prevent a significant financial loss tomorrow.
If youāre helping a parent, grandparent, or loved one navigate homeownership, finances, or life transitions, take a few minutes to discuss cybersecurity as part of that conversation.
Stay safe, stay informed, and protect what youāve worked hard to build.
ā Jay Clyce
Mr. Mortgage Ambassador
Helping Families Navigate Homeownership with Confidence
Sources & References:
1. Pew Research Center ā Mobile Fact Sheet (November 20, 2025)
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/mobile/
2. Pew Research Center ā Internet & Broadband Fact Sheet (November 20, 2025)
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/internet-broadband/
3. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ā Internet Crime Report 2025
https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2025_IC3Report.pdf
4. Pew Research Center ā Social Media Fact Sheet (November 20, 2025)
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social-media/
Today YouTube and Facebook are the most-widely used online platforms. Explore the demographic patterns and trends shaping the social media landscape.