After the successful launch of my best-selling book, Confessions of a CIA Spy – The Art of Human Hacking, I have shared my expertise as a professional human hacker in helping numerous client organizations harden themselves against data breach attempts pursued by a variety of threat actors to include organized crime, industrial competitors, foreign intelligence services, and activist groups. At the core of my security awareness programs is the training of their personnel including employees and contractors.
Addressing A Vulnerability
However, I was not reaching the most vulnerable and victimized segment of the population – our elderly loved ones. According to the 2022 FBI’s Elder Fraud Report, there were over 88,262 seniors over 60 who filed complaints totaling more than $3.1 billion in financial losses. This was an 84 percent increase in reported losses over that of 2021. The average dollar loss per victim was $35,101. While these statistics may appear startling, they represent only a fraction of the actual losses, as most victims hesitate to report such scams due to feelings of shame and embarrassment.
Filling the Gap
Despite extensive research, I couldn’t find a single literary resource that adequately addressed the range of challenges faced by seniors in today’s digital age. This realization served as the catalyst for my determination to write, Why Are You Messing with Me? – a book specifically tailored to empower seniors and provide them with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of fraud, privacy invasion, and security threats.
Key Areas of Focus
This resource serves as a vital survival guide, covering a range of crucial topics geared toward the specific needs of seniors:
Privacy and Security at Home
Seniors will gain valuable insights into fortifying their homes against physical and digital intrusions, securing personal information, and creating a safe haven.
Privacy and Security in Public Spaces
This section imparts essential knowledge to help seniors recognize and avoid common street crime, develop self-defense strategies, and enhance situational awareness.
Telephone and Computer Security
Seniors will discover techniques to identify and protect themselves against phone and online scams, understand the nuances of phishing attempts, and safeguard their digital identity.
Identity Theft Prevention
Equips seniors with practical steps to prevent identity theft, secure their financial information, and respond effectively in the event of a breach.
Scam Awareness
By shedding light on prevalent scams targeting seniors, this guide enables readers to identify warning signs, avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes, and/or know where to file a report in the event of victimization.
Mental and Physical Well-being
Offers strategies to protect seniors’ mental and physical health from manipulation, exploitation, and abuse.
Travel Security and Safety
Seniors planning foreign travel will benefit from comprehensive guidance on ensuring security and safety during their journeys, emphasizing preparedness, vigilance, and cultural sensitivity.
Why Are You Messing with Me? – Senior Survival Guide on Fraud, Privacy, and Security is now available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle.
About the Counterintelligence Institute
Founded by former CIA senior intelligence officer Peter Warmka, the Counterintelligence Institute’s mission is to assist your corporations, government offices, academic institutions and non-profit organizations in protecting your sensitive information and personal data records against security breach attempts. Our online and onsite training services focus on transforming the human factor from being the weakest link in security to becoming the most effective defensive tool against security threats against your company and personal life.