This event teaches older adults how to spot common scams and what to do if they think someone is trying to scam them. The class covers scams that happen by phone, email, or even in person, like fake charity requests or people pretending to be family members in trouble.

We will explain how scammers try to make people feel scared or rushed so they act quickly. Attendees will learn to stop and think before giving money or information. We will talk about ways to double-check if a message is real—like calling a trusted family member or checking with the company directly.

A big part of the class is learning how to report scams in Japan. We will discuss who to call—like the local police or the National Consumer Affairs Center—and what information to share when making a report.

Note: This class will be taught in Japanese and is in connecting with the local community center. For additional information, please contact us through our website.

In this workshop, older adults learn how to use the internet safely. The class starts with the basics—how to know if a website is safe by checking for a lock icon or “https” in the address bar. Participants also learn how to make strong passwords and why it’s important not to use the same password for every website.

There will be a group sharing session, where attendees can brainstorm what personal information is safe to share online and what should stay private, like home addresses or bank numbers. We will also discuss how to be careful about clicking on links or downloading files from unknown people or websites.

We will show examples of fake emails and websites, and everyone gets to practice spotting the warning signs. Participants also check the privacy settings on their own phones or computers. At the end, everyone gets a simple guide they can use at home.

Note: The class will be taught in Japanese. Invitation is through the local community center, please contact us through our website for further details.

This class helps older adults feel more comfortable using their smartphones and teaches them how to stay safe from phone scams. Participants learn how to change phone settings like screen brightness, text size, and sounds to make their phones easier to use. They also practice turning on security features like passcodes and fingerprint or face recognition.

The session explains common phone scams and how to spot them. People learn what scam calls sound like, such as someone pretending to be from the bank or a government office asking for money or personal information. The teacher explains red flags to watch out for—like pressure to act quickly or requests for private details.

There are practice activities where participants role-play answering scam calls and learn how to hang up or say no. Everyone gets a handout with helpful tips to take home.

By the end of the class, we hope you will feel confident using your phones and safer when talking to strangers who call.

Note: The class will be in Japanese. Invitation is through the local community center, please contact us through our website for further details.

Japan has experienced a significant rise in cyber crime, with substantial financial losses increasing year-over-year. In their 2022 crime statistics report, the National Policy Agency of Japan reported 17,570 cases of telephone and online fraud, with losses of 37.1 billion yen, a 31.5% increase from 2021. Online banking fraud also surged, with 1,136 incidents reported, a staggering 94.5% increase from 2021, causing 1.5 billion yen in damage with phishing as the primary method used. Because of the shame and confusion surrounding victims, many cases go unreported and the actual numbers are likely much higher.

Tickets are free; preregistration will open in June 2024.

This event is in Japanese and English, hosted at the Canopy Austin in Austin, TX.

One-hour workshop on digital safety, aimed at those over the age of 50 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Preregistration will open in June.

In this workshop at the Round Rock Public Library, Silver Safe & Secure will explain how seniors can protect themselves from virtual scams, with a special focus on how to spot common scams.

Preregistration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/digital-literacy-and-scam-prevention-tips-for-seniors-tickets-861607229417

Silver Safe and Secure will teach digital safety best practices at the Senior Fair event in Cedar Park, Texas.

Two-hour workshops on digital safety, avoiding online scams, and how to set up your devices (phone/computer) securely.

(all material taught in Japanese)