Healthy Screen Habits Podcast: “Grandma Got Scammed”

Host: Hillary Wilkinson
Date: November 26, 2025

Overview of the Episode

In this timely episode, host Hillary Wilkinson dives into the increasing threat of online scams targeting older adults—especially relevant during the busy holiday shopping and giving season. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching, Hillary brings attention to how scam tactics intensify at this time of year and urges families to have proactive conversations with older loved ones to keep everyone safer online. The episode is filled with practical advice, relatable anecdotes (including one of Hillary’s own), up-to-date statistics, and simple, actionable digital safety habits.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Scale and Impact of Scams on Seniors

• Online scams surge during holidays due to increased shopping and charitable giving.
• Statistics:
  • Over 101,000 complaints filed by people aged 60+ about internet crimes in 2023 (totaling $3.4 billion in losses, up 11% from 2022).
  • Average loss per scam for older adults: $33,915.
  • In the first half of 2025 alone, seniors lost $1.5 billion to fraud.
• Seniors, when scammed, lose larger amounts than younger adults due to greater assets and sometimes isolation.
• Reporting is low: 25% of senior scam victims don’t report, often due to embarrassment.

Quote:

“Seniors lost $1.5 billion in fraud in the first half of 2025 alone.”
— Hillary Wilkinson [03:20]

2. Types of Common Scams Targeting Older Adults

Hillary breaks down scenarios frequently used against older adults (but also applicable to everyone):

• Tech Support Scams: Fake pop-ups/calls claiming a computer is compromised.
  • Advice: Don’t click anything, simply shut down and restart the device.
• Impersonation Scams: Emails or calls claiming to be from trusted sources (bank, IRS, shipping).
  • Tactic: Use urgency to push victims to act without thinking.
  • Advice: If an email triggers emotion, STOP and let someone else review it.

Quote:

“If an email elicits an emotional response, stop. Take some time, have your partner or another person read it.”
— Hillary Wilkinson [00:00; repeated at 09:10]

• Online Shopping Scams: Fake sites, incredible deals, upfront payment required, never delivering the product.
  • Tip: Check website validity—look for HTTPS and padlock icons; don’t click through from social media ads.
• Non-delivery/Non-payment Scams: Particularly affect people selling online.
• Family Crisis (“Grandparent”) Scams: Scammers impersonate relatives, often using AI voice cloning for authenticity.
  • Solution: Establish family “safe words” or unique questions.

Quote:

“There’s growing evidence that scammers are using voice cloning or AI to impersonate trusted family members, which is particularly scary for older folks… The best thing to do is to establish a family safe word.”
— Hillary Wilkinson [13:30]

3. Practical Tips to Prevent Falling Victim

• Verifying Websites:
  • Always type the URL directly.
  • Look for typos and check for HTTPS/padlock.
• Safer Payment Methods:
  • Use credit cards (better fraud protection) instead of debit cards.
• Recognize Red Flags:
  • Unusually big discounts, unusual payment methods (gift cards, crypto, wire), fake URLs.
  • USPS or other delivery texts are only legitimate if initiated by YOU.
• Monitor Bank & Credit Accounts: Promptly address suspicious charges.
• Encourage Open Conversations: Let seniors know support is available; reviewing together builds trust and safety.

Quote:

“Make sure that they know you’re available to check sites or go over payments or anything that they have concerns with before doing something they might later regret.”
— Hillary Wilkinson [18:30]

4. Weekly Device Security Habits (from Pause Take9/pausetake9.org)

• Use a password manager (unique, strong passwords).
• Keep software up to date (enable auto-updates).
• Restart devices weekly (applies security patches, closes threats).
  • Personal Note: Hillary admits she needs to do this more herself.
• Enable Multi-factor Authentication (MFA/2FA).
• If compromised, freeze your credit via the three major agencies.

Quote:

“Restart your devices weekly. A quick restart once a week can apply security updates, stop potential threats, and improve performance… I do not restart my device weekly; I need to start doing that.”
— Hillary Wilkinson [17:05]

• Noted resource: pausetake9.org, originally started by Consumer Reports and Common Sense Media; offers non-alarmist, clear advice.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On falling for a scam herself:

  “This embarrassingly, this just happened to me… It happens to everybody. That was a bitter pill to swallow for me.”
  — Hillary Wilkinson [10:58]

• On talking about scams with loved ones:

  “It’s tricky talking sometimes with older generations but I do find that they are welcome for help with technology and just letting them know that online shopping is a big area of risk and you are there to help them…”
  — Hillary Wilkinson [19:10]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:36-02:30]: Introduction to scams during the holiday season — statistics on losses, why seniors are targeted.
• [06:40-14:30]: Detailed breakdown of common scam types (tech support, family crisis, online shopping) and firsthand story.
• [15:00-18:30]: Actionable digital safety tips and habit-building from Pause Take9.
• [18:30-20:00]: Encouragement for intergenerational support, ongoing vigilance, and using resources.
• [10:58]: Hillary’s admission of falling for a scam, highlighting universal vulnerability.

Takeaways

• Online scams are especially prevalent (and costly) for older adults; families need to discuss, support, and act together.
• Simple habits—pausing before acting, verifying information, using stronger passwords/multi-factor authentication, and leveraging available digital wellness resources—can significantly reduce risk.
• Compassion and open lines of communication are key; everyone is vulnerable, but proactive education and support truly empower safer digital habits.

Final Thought:
“Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Healthy Screen Habits… We want to protect ourselves, stay safe and remember the spirit of the holiday… But we also want to be just a little bit smarter about how we protect what matters and that’s each other.”
— Hillary Wilkinson [19:56]