"Drop the politeness": Senior citizens must be protected from fraud.

"Drop politeness": Seniors are being equipped to combat fraud

The hope is that the elderly can both protect themselves and help others against the criminals.

Today, more than 300 seniors have received advice on how to avoid becoming victims of fraud, which includes fake profiles, phishing texts, and dangerous links that lure thousands of people every year.

At Copenhagen Gaming Week in Bella Center, Copenhagen, experts from the police, banks, and payment industry have given presentations on digital fraud.

Among them was Jørgen Rasmussen, who attended to gain better insight into the criminals' methods.

"I think it’s becoming more and more relevant as artificial intelligence advances. Fraud is becoming more sophisticated, making it harder to tell whether things are genuine," he says.

Jørgen Rasmussen has himself experienced an attempt by a fake Bitcoin company to scam him.

Artificial intelligence is also a concern for Nete Maltha.

"I believe I can see through most things. But I know that even very rational people can be manipulated, so I’d like to learn more about it," she says.

She has received fake emails, calls, and texts, but so far, the fraudsters have failed to trick her.

Nete Maltha finds it difficult to recognize when something is manipulated using artificial intelligence.

*Typical victims*

It is the organization Danske Seniorer, along with others like the Police’s Online Patrol, that is behind today’s free workshop.

The hope is that participants will gain insight into how fraudsters operate, says Katrine Lester, director of Danske Seniorer.

"So they can better protect themselves from fraud. And hopefully, they can also help their families and friends," she adds.

She points out that a specific group has been particularly targeted by fraudsters.

"Danske Seniorer advises several associations, and we have a clear experience that fraudsters specifically target treasurers and chairpersons in community organizations," she says.

The workshop was part of Copenhagen Gaming Week, which began today and runs until Saturday.

*Not about being polite*

The Police’s Online Patrol has also given presentations, including on the criminals' working methods and particularly contact theft, where fraudsters, for example, call pretending to be from authorities.

And the advice is quite simple if you’re unsure whether you’re talking to a fraudster:

Drop politeness and hang up, says Jeppe Torup, a police assistant with the Online Patrol.

Then he recommends calling the authority that might have called you to verify if it’s true. You can also call someone you trust and ask for their assessment.

He also emphasizes that you should never share sensitive personal information over a phone call.

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Avoid digital fraud

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*Stop, take your time, and think carefully* before clicking, paying, or sharing personal information. Avoid making hasty decisions.

*Be aware of warning signs* if communication suddenly changes or seems unusual, and if you feel pressured to act quickly.

*Verify the identity of the person you’re in contact with*. Use official channels from authorities, such as their main number, and if it’s someone you know, call them back on their usual number.

*Get a second opinion*. If you’re in doubt, take the time to ask someone you trust for advice.

*Never share personal information* such as your MitID or personal codes—not even with family or friends.

Source: The Criminal Prevention Council

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