Internet Security

October 1, 2024 - At our recent York East Rotary Club meeting, Gwen Plaskin, a representative from C&N Bank, gave an eye-opening presentation on the increasing threats of internet scams and the challenges faced by elderly bank customers in today’s digital world. Her talk aimed to raise awareness about the tactics used by scammers and to share the proactive steps C&N Bank is taking to protect its most vulnerable clientele. Plaskin began by outlining the alarming rise in internet scams, particularly those targeting older adults. “Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, using technology to impersonate legitimate organizations or create urgency to trick people into giving away their personal information or money,” she explained. According to her, phishing emails, fraudulent phone calls, and even text message scams are among the most common methods used to deceive seniors. One of the more notorious scams involves criminals posing as bank employees, claiming there's an issue with the customer’s account and convincing them to reveal sensitive information. Plaskin pointed out how these scams can often appear legitimate, making it difficult for elderly individuals, who may not be as familiar with digital tools, to detect the deception. The elderly population is particularly susceptible to these types of scams due to several factors. Plaskin noted that older adults are often less familiar with online banking practices, making them prime targets. In addition, seniors may be more trusting or feel less comfortable questioning authority figures, which is something scammers exploit.

To address these concerns, C&N Bank has implemented a range of protective measures. Plaskin outlined several initiatives the bank has in place, including fraud detection systems and personalized alerts that notify customers of unusual account activity. She also described the bank's efforts to educate its customers, particularly seniors, about the dangers of scams and how to recognize suspicious behavior. Gwen shared a few success stories of how alert bank employees were able to prevent fraud. In one case, a senior citizen nearly fell victim to a phishing email requesting wire transfers, but thanks to the quick intervention of C&N staff, the scam was thwarted. Her presentation left the Rotary Club attendees with a greater understanding of how internet scams operate and the importance of protecting the elderly from such threats. The audience expressed gratitude for C&N Bank’s efforts and for Plaskin’s insight, recognizing the need for continued vigilance in this digital age.