Would You Know If It Was a Scam? Why Older Adults and Their Families Need to Ask This Question Now
Join us Saturday, October 17 | In-Person Online Safety Workshop in Naperville, Illinois
“How can I protect my aging parents from online scams?”
Your mom gets a text message from her bank. It looks legitimate. It has the bank's name, the right logo, and a message saying there's suspicious activity on her account.
She clicks.
Or maybe your dad receives an email about a package that couldn't be delivered. He's expecting something, so the message makes perfect sense.
He clicks, too.
Now here's the question: Would either of them know if it was a scam? Would you?
Online scams have become increasingly sophisticated, and they're no longer limited to obvious spelling mistakes, suspicious email addresses, or unbelievable promises.
Today, fraudulent messages can look and sound remarkably convincing. They arrive through emails, text messages, phone calls, social media, and websites that appear familiar.
And the financial consequences are staggering.
Older Americans Reported Billions in Internet Crime Losses
According to the FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Report, Americans age 60 and older reported approximately $7.7 billion in internet crime losses, a 59% increase from the previous year.
People in this age group filed more than 201,000 complaints.
These are not just statistics. Behind those numbers are real people, families, retirement savings, and financial futures.
And while older adults are especially vulnerable to significant financial losses, scams affect people of every age.
The frightening part isn't simply how much money is being lost.
It's how convincing the deception has become.
The Message That Looks Real Might Be the One You Need to Question
Imagine receiving a message that appears to come from your bank, your healthcare provider, a delivery company, or even someone in your family.
It references something familiar. It sounds urgent. It asks you to take action.
Would you recognize the warning signs?
Would your parents?
What if the message came from someone who sounded exactly like a loved one?
What if the website looked identical to one you visit regularly?
What if the person contacting you already knew your name and other personal details?
These are the kinds of situations that make modern scams so difficult to recognize.
Being intelligent, careful, or experienced doesn't automatically make someone immune to fraud.
And recognizing suspicious activity isn't always as simple as knowing not to click an unfamiliar link.
Have You Talked to Your Parents About Online Scams?
For many adult children, conversations about aging parents revolve around health, finances, living arrangements, and the family home.
But there's another conversation families need to be having.
How confident are your parents when it comes to identifying an online scam?
Consider these questions:
Does your parent know how to recognize a suspicious text or email?
Would they question a phone call that appeared to come from their bank?
Could they identify a fraudulent website?
Would they know what to do if someone requested personal or financial information?
Have you talked about what to do when a message creates fear or urgency?
If you're unsure of the answers, you're not alone.
And if you assume your parents already know how to protect themselves, it may be time to have that conversation.
A Free Naperville Workshop That Could Change How You Look at Online Safety
PRESTO Real Estate + Services is hosting a free, in-person workshop with Tech SLS (Tech Support & Lifestyle Services) to help older adults and their families better understand today's online scams.
WOULD YOU KNOW IF IT WAS A SCAM?
This isn't another presentation where you sit and listen to someone explain technology.
It's a hands-on learning experience where participants can bring their own smartphone, tablet, or laptop and learn about the warning signs of suspicious emails, text messages, websites, and other common scams.
You'll have the opportunity to explore real-world situations, ask questions, and learn directly from technology professionals.
We especially encourage adult children to attend with their parents.
Because when both generations understand what to look for, they're better equipped to have conversations about suspicious messages before a costly mistake happens.
The Next Suspicious Message Could Arrive Tomorrow. Will You Be Ready?
You don't have to wait until someone in your family becomes the victim of a scam to start learning about online safety.
And you don't have to figure everything out on your own.
Join us Saturday, October 17, for a hands-on workshop designed to help you recognize the warning signs and feel more confident navigating today's digital world.
EVENT DETAILS
Would You Know If It Was a Scam?
Presented by Tech SLS (Tech Support & Lifestyle Services)
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: PRESTO Real Estate + Services
24W500 Maple Ave., Suite 110
Naperville, IL 60540
What to bring: One smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Who should attend: Older adults, adult children, family caregivers, and anyone who wants to become more confident identifying online scams.
Seating Is Limited. Reserve Your Spot Today.
This is an in-person, hands-on workshop with limited seating.
Bring your mom, your dad, a friend, or someone you care about.
REGISTER FOR THE FREE WORKSHOP
Or call 773-919-9315 to register.
At PRESTO Real Estate + Services, we believe supporting families means more than helping them buy or sell a home. It means connecting our community with the resources, education, and trusted professionals who help people navigate life's transitions with greater confidence.
Not Sure What You Need Yet?
You don’t have to have every detail figured out before you start.
Sometimes the best first step is simply understanding what support is available and deciding what would make your move easier.
From preparing and selling your home to repairs, downsizing, packing, moving and clean-outs, Presto can help with as much or as little of the transition as you need.
