Avoid Online Scams Targeting People with Disabilities

Online scammers will try to take money and personal information from anyone, but older adults and people living with health conditions and disabilities can be particularly vulnerable to certain types of cybercrime.

A study by the National Council on Disability found that individuals with disabilities experience a higher rate of various types of fraud and identity theft than those without disabilities.

“This increased susceptibility can stem from a variety of factors related to their health condition, social circumstances, and the nature of the support and services they require,” says Monica Pappas, MDA’s Vice President of Technology Platforms and Innovations.

Here, Monica and other experts share tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Scams are on the rise

We are all using more internet-enabled devices that are connected to more places than ever before — think smart watches, cashless payments, and WiFi-enabled home appliances. At the same time, scammers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to craft more convincing and effective approaches.

“Criminals are leveraging these advancements, and their crimes are becoming harder to detect,” Monica says.

The first step to protect yourself is to understand the different types of cybercrimes and how to recognize them.

“Knowing about specific scams is key,” says Lisa Schifferle, Senior Policy Analyst with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Office of Older Americans. “If you know about a specific type of scam, you are far less likely to lose money to it.”

It’s also important to spread the word about any scams you encounter. “Tell your friends and family about scams to help them avoid them,” Lisa says.

Know these common scams

These online scams are commonly used to target older adults and people with health conditions and disabilities:

Phishing scams

Phishing scams are false emails or text messages that attempt to trick you into giving personal information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers. These messages may appear to be from healthcare providers or insurance companies and ask you to click on a link, call a phone number, or reply with personal information.

Spot the scam: Look for spelling errors or inconsistencies in the message, links, or website names. A legitimate company would not make these errors and should never ask for personal information in an email or text. Also, confirm the information in the email or text by going to the company’s secure website on your own (not from a link in the message) to find the information. For example, if you get an email from a healthcare provider, go to the provider’s website and log in to the patient portal to see if there is a message from that provider. If not, call the provider’s office directly before moving forward.

Medical identity theft

Medical identity theft is when someone uses another person’s name or insurance information for their own medical treatment, to get prescription drugs, or to submit fake insurance claims. People who need ongoing or frequent medical care have more opportunities for their information to be exposed or stolen.

Spot the scam: Alert your healthcare and insurance providers immediately if you receive bills for medical services you didn’t use or get a call from a debt collector about a medical debt you don’t owe.

Financial scams

Financial scams aim to get unsuspecting individuals to hand over money for fake investments, lotteries, or charities. A scammer may claim to be from the government, a bank, or a family member. “People who experience social isolation might be more susceptible to online scams that promise financial gain, companionship, or emotional support,” Monica says. “Scammers may also try to exploit the fact that an individual depends on caregivers who are trusted with their financial information.”

Spot the scam: Warning signs include asking you to pay upfront to receive a prize or a gift; asking you to pay using cryptocurrency, a payment app, or a prepaid card; and pressuring you to pay quickly due to an emergency or limited-time deal.

Tech support scams

Tech support scams involve a phone call, email, or pop-up message telling you there’s a problem with your computer that needs to be fixed. These messages can look like they come from well-known tech companies. The scammer’s goal might be to get you to pay for phony services or to gain access to your computer to steal personal information or install malware. People who rely on assistive technology for communication, health monitoring, and daily living may be more likely to encounter this type of scam.

Spot the scam: A tech support call or message you don’t expect is probably a scam. Don’t give your password to someone who contacts you or allow them remote access to your computer.

Fake online pharmacies

Fake online pharmacies are unlicensed websites or social media accounts that sell counterfeit prescription medications. Some individuals with neuromuscular diseases need pricey or hard-to-find drugs, which may drive them or their caregivers to search for options online. Fake pharmacies may offer “discount” drugs that contain too little or none of the medication’s active ingredient or are laced with harmful substances.

Spot the scam: Warning signs include significantly discounted prices, not requiring a prescription for prescription medications, shipping from other countries, and not having a licensed pharmacist available for consultations. To check if an online pharmacy is legitimate, look for state licensure information on the website. You can also use the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s Verify Before You Buy tool to check if a pharmacy is legitimate.

Tips to protect yourself online and in person

If you receive an unusual email or text message, even if it’s from someone you trust, proceed with caution. Don’t click on any links embedded in the message.

Similarly, if you receive a phone call or text you aren’t expecting from a healthcare, financial, tech company, or somebody who claims to be a friend or family member, do not agree to anything or share any personal information.

“Contact the organization or sender using a number or information that you know is legitimate,” says Serena Viswanathan, the head of the Federal Trade Commission’s Advertising Practices Division. This might mean checking your contacts list for an email address or phone number you’ve used before or looking up publicly available contact information for the company. “Do not use the contact information in the call or email that came unexpectedly,” Serena says.

“As much as possible, use secure, verified communication channels for interacting with healthcare providers and insurers. Using public or unsecured networks increases the chances of someone accessing your information,” Monica says. For example, send a message to your healthcare provider through their patient portal, which is a secure way to communicate with your provider using a system secured by their healthcare organization, rather than sending your provider an email from your own email address.

Keep an eye on your medical records, bank and credit card statements, and credit report for any unauthorized activity. If you find something, act on it quickly — call your provider’s office, health insurance company, or the bank/credit card customer service number. (Look for a customer service phone number on the back of your debit/credit card or on a statement you have received from the financial institution itself.)

Use strong passwords for every website that requires a password. Monica provides these tips for secure passwords:

• Create passwords 15 to 18 characters long that use upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Be sure to use different passwords for different accounts. Do not use the same password or variations of the same password on every account because, if one account is compromised, a scammer could easily access all your accounts.
• If you can’t remember all your passwords, consider using a password manager app that allows you to remember one master password to access a “vault” where your passwords are securely stored. Writing down passwords is not recommended, as the list could be lost or illegitimately accessed by caregivers or family members.
• Whenever possible, use additional authentication, like text message verification or facial or fingerprint recognition.

What MDA is doing

“There is a clear need for more focused research and better protective measures to safeguard potentially vulnerable populations against cyber threats,” Monica says. “Efforts to improve digital literacy, provide accessible security resources, and enhance support systems are crucial steps in mitigating these risks.  Security is top of mind right now for MDA, and we will continue to work internally and with the community to help raise awareness and implement mitigation strategies wherever possible.”

Stay on top of scams

Scams are always evolving as criminals try new techniques and technologies. Keep up-to-date on known and emerging scams with these resources:

• The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a federal agency that ensures banks, lenders, and other financial agencies treat their customers fairly. Frequently check their page on fraud and scams.
• The Federal Trade Commission provides consumer advice and alerts. Read their webpage on scams to learn about types of scams and what to do if you are scammed.

Cheryl Alkon is a freelance writer based in Massachusetts.