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A portrait of senior man with a cup sitting on armchair at home at Christmas time.

<h3>Understanding Online Scams and How They Target Seniors</h3>As the holidays approach, the online world becomes a little busier and a lot riskier. Scammers know seniors are shopping more, giving more, and spending extra time online. It is the perfect opportunity for them to take advantage of your when you're distracted, trusting, or simply trying to do something kind.Seniors are often targeted because scammers assume they are less familiar with new technology. Emails with discounts seem normal yet have links to fake websites. With the right information and a few simple habits, you can recognize the warning signs and stay safe.<h3>Common Holiday Scams </h3>Here are some of the scams that appear most often between Thanksgiving and the New Year.Phishing Emails Fake messages that look like they came from Amazon, your bank, or a delivery service. They may include a link asking you to verify an order or update your account. Clicking that link can expose personal information or install malware on your device.Fake Charities Scammers create names that sound similar to well-known charities and ask for donations. They rely on the generous spirit that comes naturally during the holidays. Always confirm before you give.Online Shopping Scams If a deal looks unbelievable, it probably is. Many scam sites copy real retail pages, steal product photos, and offer huge discounts. Once payment is made, nothing arrives and your credit card information is gone.<h3>How to Protect Yourself</h3>1. Verify before you click. Check the sender’s email address and web links. Small spelling errors or unusual wording are signs of a scam.2. Research before you give. Before donating to a charity, visit charitynavigator.org or bbb.org to confirm it is real.3. Be cautious with offers that feel urgent. Scammers want you to act quickly. Real companies give you time to decide.4. Use safe payment methods. Do not pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Use a credit card when possible because it provides more protection if something goes wrong.5. Ask for help. If something feels off, stop before you respond. Call your trusted family member or friend before acting.From Tech HelpersI help seniors every day at Tech Helpers with questions like these. Together, we can look at the message or website safely and confirm what is real and what is not.I am happy to share my professional background and have completed full FBI and state background checks for work within senior communities.&nbsp;

Stay Ahead of Holiday Scams

Okay, yes, I fell for a romance scam 2016. The warning signs were everywhere but I didn't know what to look for! Plus, he was SO attractive and I was constant attention. It was too good to be true, but felt so good. Once he started asking for money, I knew something was wrong.Romance scams fool intelligent and cautious adults. The scammers lean on our need for connection and to know someone special cares for us!&nbsp;<h3>Spotting a Romance Scam</h3>When Love Isn’t What It SeemsRomance scams don't just happen to lonely or naive people. They happen to smart, capable adults, like you and I, who believe they are being careful. I heard the other day that a 70-year-old man right here in Northeast Ohio thought he had finally met someone special. The woman seemed warm, intelligent, and claimed to be a professional investor. Over time, she built his trust through long conversations and caring messages. She said she wanted to meet his family and only needed help with travel and a short-term investment. He sent her more than $250,000. She disappeared with the money, the tickets, and his peace of mind.These scams inflict real suffering. Victims often spend years trying to recover both emotionally and financially. It robs them of confidence, trust, and a sense of safety that can take a long time to rebuild.&nbsp; How the Scam Works Scammers meet people on dating sites, Facebook, or even by email. I met my romance scammer on a French dating app!&nbsp; He quickly said, "Let's chat privately on WhatsApp." This is a warning sign! Scammers quickly move the conversation to WhatsApp or text, where messages are harder to trace. They claim to be overseas for work, military duty, or business. My scammer was in the French military overseas with limited ways to communicate. Yikes! I believed this.Over time, they build a believable story of hardship or opportunity and use emotion to make requests for money sound reasonable.It often begins with a small favor and grows into a large financial loss.Common Warning Signs<ul><li>They always have a reason they cannot meet in person.</li><li>They move the relationship forward very quickly.</li><li>They ask you to keep the relationship private.</li><li>They request money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.</li><li>Their photos or stories seem too perfect or inconsistent.</li><li>Their messages arrive in large blocks of text filled with emojis that look copied and pasted.</li><li>They avoid video calls or any real-time contact.</li><li>They flatter constantly and mirror your interests almost exactly.</li><li>They ask you to leave dating sites and use private apps like WhatsApp or Telegram.</li><li>They create false emergencies such as medical bills or travel issues that require money.</li><li>They slowly isolate you from family or friends by saying others “would not understand.”</li><li>If several of these sound familiar, stop and question what is happening.</li><li> Real relationships do not rely on secrecy, urgency, or money.</li></ul>&nbsp;How to Protect Yourself<ul><li>Stop sending money immediately. Never send more to “fix” the situation.</li><li>Save messages and photos. Keep a record of what was said and shared.</li><li>Talk to someone you trust. Scammers depend on silence.</li><li>Do a reverse image search. If you know how, use Google Images to see where their photos appear online. Many scammers use stolen pictures from public profiles. Often the real person in the photo has no idea their image is being used. If you are unsure how to do this, I can help you perform the search confidentially as part of a Tech Helpers session.</li><li>Ask for a live video call. Repeated excuses are a major red flag.</li><li>Report it. File with the BBB Scam Tracker, the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, or local law enforcement.</li><li>Change your passwords and monitor accounts. Protect your personal information right away. &nbsp; A Message from Tech Helpers </li></ul>If you think you may be scammed, PLEASE share your concerns with a trusted family member. They know you and care about you -- I expect they will have your best interests in mind and be understanding. At Tech Helpers, I can confidentially help you and work with you to find an appropriate end to the problem, but your trusted family should always be your first recourse.We help seniors recognize scam behavior, spot red flags, and report incidents safely. Our Scam Smart Workshop and one-on-one sessions are designed to build confidence and teach safe, practical steps like doing a reverse image search or checking a suspicious message.If you would like your senior community to host this session, call 216-245-7092 or visit tech-helpers.com.

Online Connection: Is It Love? Or a Scam?

Granddaughter showing something to her grandfather on laptop.

<h3>Why Home Visit Tech Support Matters</h3>Technology is supposed to make life easier. But for many seniors, it often feels like the opposite: confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes downright stressful. That’s where home visit tech support makes all the difference.When help comes right to your door, whether that’s your own apartment, your senior living community, or simply the space you feel most comfortable, you get the guidance you need without the hassle of traveling or trying to explain things over the phone.<h3>Support That is Personal</h3>Every person’s needs are different. Maybe it’s connecting hearing aids to a phone, setting up online grocery orders, or figuring out why the TV remote won’t cooperate. With home visits, support happens in your own environment, with your own devices. That means solutions are tailored exactly to how you live and what you want to do.And because the conversation is face-to-face, you can ask questions freely, without worrying about sounding silly.<figure id="figure-o31svnlqt2mfzbeoqs"><img id="o31svnlqt2mfzbeoqs" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2198127890/photo/beautiful-grandmother-and-granddaughter-together-at-home.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=vTo9EyXVpmD9RESjxMtJgRMP5QiQ6HtC9KPO_lQ4XHc=" alt="Beautiful grandmother and granddaughter together at home" title="Beautiful grandmother and granddaughter together at home" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Confidence, Not Confusion</h3>A big hurdle with technology isn’t the device itself, it’s the fear of pressing the wrong button or breaking something. Patient, step-by-step help right in your home takes away that fear. You get to practice, repeat, and try again until it clicks. That’s when confidence starts to grow.When you’re confident, technology becomes less of a barrier and more of a bridge to family, friends, and the world around you.<h3>A Familiar Face You Can Count On</h3>Home visit tech support isn’t just a one-time fix. It’s ongoing help from someone who remembers you, your setup, and your preferences. That relationship matters. You know exactly who to call when the Wi-Fi drops, the email disappears, or the tablet needs an update.For seniors in senior living communities, these visits also bring a social spark, someone friendly who shows up regularly, ready to help, chat, and make life easier.<h3>Why It Matters</h3>When seniors feel capable with their devices, they gain more independence. They can video call grandkids, use telehealth appointments, order groceries, or simply enjoy a movie without needing to call for help every time.That independence improves daily life. And in the end, that’s what home visit tech support is really about: making sure technology works for you instead of against you.

The Benefits of Home Visit Tech Support for Seniors

Happy grandmother videochatting with her grandchildren via laptop and online application, sitting at home on couch and looking at screen with smile, keeping in touch with close people around the globe

<h3>TechBoomers: Tutorials That Make Technology Less Complicated</h3>Most of us don’t need a 200-page manual. What we need is someone to show us how to do one thing at a time and explain it in plain English. That’s exactly what TechBoomers does.It’s a free website with easy-to-follow guides on the tools you actually use. Each tutorial is broken into small steps with pictures to show you where to click. You don’t have to be “tech-savvy” to keep up.Here are a few tutorials worth trying:Joining a Zoom call – learn how to sign in, adjust your camera, and mute yourself so you can enjoy the conversation. Using YouTube – find music, exercise routines, or documentaries without getting lost. Shopping on Amazon – compare products, check reviews, and buy safely. Staying safe on Facebook – adjust your privacy settings so you share with family, not strangers. Managing email – set up an account, spot junk mail, and keep your inbox under control.What makes TechBoomers helpful is its simplicity. Each lesson is short enough to try right away but complete enough to give you real progress.At Tech Helpers, we recommend TechBoomers because it makes technology less intimidating. You can start with a tutorial at home. When you’re ready for personal guidance, we’ll sit beside you, answer your questions, and go at your pace.Take a look at TechBoomers.com. Pick one tutorial that interests you and try it today.

Why We Like TechBoomers

Multiethnic group of businesspeople brainstorming and strategizing in a meeting

<h3>What's Not to Like?</h3>Technology can feel like a moving target. But it doesn’t have to. The Senior Tech Club makes learning simple—and the best part? It’s free.When you sign up, you don’t get overwhelmed with a long manual or a stack of jargon. Instead, you receive:Weekly Nuggets&nbsp;short, step-by-step lessons you can put into practice immediately. Timely tips: updates on scams, online safety, and new features that matter. A learning library: access to past Nuggets, so you can explore at your own pace.This steady stream of small lessons builds confidence. One week you learn how to text a photo. The next, you discover how to recognize a phishing email. Bit by bit, technology stops feeling like a barrier and starts working for you.At Tech Helpers, we like resources that meet people where they are. The Senior Tech Club does that beautifully. It’s not about selling you something. It’s about giving you just enough to take the next step forward.Here’s the truth: the best way to learn technology isn’t in one big class, it’s in small, consistent doses. That’s exactly what you get when you sign up for the Senior Tech Club.And when you’re ready for local, personal support—someone to sit beside you, answer your questions, and practice with you—that’s when Tech Helpers steps in. Together, we’ll make technology simple, safe, and stress-free.Visit SeniorTechClub.com to sign up for free.

Why We Like The Senior Tech Club

<h2>Understanding the Impact of Seasonal Changes</h2>As the seasons change in Hudson, Ohio, it's important to ensure your devices are ready to handle the shifts in temperature and humidity. From smartphones to home thermostats, each device may react differently to seasonal changes, impacting their performance and longevity. Preparing your devices for these changes can help maintain their functionality and safeguard your investments.<figure id="figure-o79pomh6menk5we3"><img id="o79pomh6menk5we3" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/501221360/photo/autumn-forest-illuminated-by-sunbeams-through-fog-leafs-changing-colour.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=rTalmNEmllphOLPqOkFldot-R3-g_LjlzuZYFt0wx9Y=" alt="Autumn Forest Illuminated by Sunbeams through Fog, Leafs Changing Colour" title="Autumn Forest Illuminated by Sunbeams through Fog, Leafs Changing Colour" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Smartphones and Tablets</h3>Smartphones and tablets are highly sensitive to temperature extremes. Exposure to cold weather can cause battery life to decrease rapidly and may even lead to permanent damage. To protect these devices:<ul><li>Keep them in a warm place when not in use.</li><li>Use a protective case to insulate against the cold.</li><li>Avoid leaving them in a car overnight or during cold days.</li></ul>Additionally, always charge your devices at room temperature to prevent battery issues. If possible, avoid using them outside in extremely cold conditions.<h3>Laptops and Computers</h3>Laptops and computers are also vulnerable to temperature changes. Cold weather can affect the internal components, leading to slower performance or even hardware failure. Here are some tips to protect them:<ol><li>Ensure your devices are kept in a stable environment with consistent temperatures.</li><li>Use surge protectors to safeguard against power surges caused by winter storms.</li><li>Regularly clean the vents and fans to prevent dust build-up, which can exacerbate temperature issues.</li></ol><figure id="figure-66dy792skomenk5we3"><img id="66dy792skomenk5we3" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1346360791/photo/shot-of-a-mature-businessman-sitting-alone-in-the-office-and-using-his-computer.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=OXQBnFoETatKHZ0YhmG-1pZATebq6lk2yGCjiB5nY8k=" alt="laptop maintenance" title="laptop maintenance" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1346360791/photo/shot-of-a-mature-businessman-sitting-alone-in-the-office-and-using-his-computer.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=OXQBnFoETatKHZ0YhmG-1pZATebq6lk2yGCjiB5nY8k=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Home Smart Devices</h3>Your home smart devices like thermostats, security cameras, and smart speakers also need attention during seasonal changes. Cold weather can cause malfunctions or connectivity issues, so consider the following:<ul><li>Check for firmware updates that may include improvements for winter performance.</li><li>Ensure that outdoor cameras or sensors are weatherproof and protected from snow and ice.</li><li>Adjust your thermostat settings for optimal energy efficiency during colder months.</li></ul>Proper maintenance of these devices can help you avoid unexpected downtimes and ensure they work smoothly throughout the season.<figure id="figure-n43stuqzsomenk5we3"><img id="n43stuqzsomenk5we3" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2217664656/photo/digital-city-concepts-copy-space.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Ui8MjC1nQM6PbfoDL-NjnX_7Js_4yR78zlKabXhNUUQ=" alt="smart home devices" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2217664656/photo/digital-city-concepts-copy-space.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Ui8MjC1nQM6PbfoDL-NjnX_7Js_4yR78zlKabXhNUUQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Preparing for Power Outages</h3>Winter storms can lead to power outages, affecting all your electronic devices. It's crucial to have a plan in place:<ul><li>Invest in a backup power source like a generator or power bank.</li><li>Keep your devices charged whenever possible.</li><li>Regularly back up important data to avoid loss during outages.</li></ul>Having these preparations in place will help minimize disruptions and keep your household running smoothly during unexpected winter events.<h3>Conclusion: Staying Ahead of the Weather</h3>By taking proactive steps to prepare your devices for seasonal changes in Hudson, Ohio, you can ensure their longevity and performance throughout the year. Remember that a little preparation goes a long way in protecting your valuable electronics from the harsh effects of winter weather. Stay informed, stay prepared, and enjoy the seasonal transitions with peace of mind.

Blog

Stay Ahead of Holiday Scams

Online Connection: Is It Love? Or a Scam?

The Benefits of Home Visit Tech Support for Seniors

Why We Like TechBoomers

Why We Like The Senior Tech Club

Preparing Your Devices for Seasonal Changes in Northeast ...