MILFORD – The United Way of Greater Nashua recently announced the kickoff of its 2024-2025 Coffee and Causes series, starting next month with a crucial session on cybersecurity.

This series will cover a wide range of important topics aimed at empowering and informing the community with monthly events scheduled through April 2025.

The first event in the series will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 6 at Wadleigh Memorial Library, 49 Nashua St. in Milford.

The event will feature a discussion on cybersecurity, focusing on preventing internet and phone scams that frequently target older adults. The session will be led by Peter LaRouche, network intrusion forensic analyst with the U.S. Secret Service. He will share real-life case examples and offer practical advice on identifying and avoiding cyber-enabled frauds and scams.

Scams and fraud disproportionately impact older adults, often resulting in significant financial losses and emotional distress. According to the FBI’s 2023 Elder Fraud Report, individuals over the age of 60 reported losses of over $3 billion due to fraud, an increase of more than 80 percent from previous years. Common scams include tech support fraud, romance scams and government impersonation, all of which prey on the trust and vulnerability of seniors. As technology becomes more integrated into daily life, understanding how to protect oneself from these threats is more crucial than ever.

How to Avoid Scams and Fraud:

Use Strong Passwords: Create unique passwords for each account, combining letters, numbers, and symbols.

Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Requests: Be cautious when receiving unsolicited calls, emails, or texts asking for personal or financial information.

Verify Before You Act: Before responding to any requests for money or personal details, verify the identity of the person or organization contacting you.

Avoid Clicking on Unknown Links: Be wary of clicking on links in emails or messages from unknown senders, as they may lead to phishing sites or download malware.

Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your computer and phone software to protect against the latest security threats.

This informative session is a must-attend for anyone concerned about online security and fraud prevention. Don’t miss this opportunity to protect yourself and your loved ones from cybercrime. Register at https://tinyurl.com/Sept2024-Coffee or contact United Way at info@unitedwaynashua.org or (603) 882-4011.