We all know about grooming, sexual exploitation of children by sick Paedophiles. But hardly anyone knows about grooming of elderly for financial gain. One common problem we face is computer hacking, with our willing participation. So often lonely OAPs get telephone calls not intended for them, fiduciary caller apologising profoundly for dialling wrong number but start chatting cleverly to gain our confidence. In the end caller would say, I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. Can I call you again for a chat?
Most of us, especially those who are lonely, hardly receive calls, willingly agree. This is how online grooming of starts, with weekly phone calls. After some months we uncharacteristically start trusting such callers, giving them personal information and being layman, seek their help with computer problems, willingly give them control of our computers through “Team-Viewers” with sensitive personal information stored.
Online banking and shopping, although avoided by most OAPs, is gaining popularity, especially among elderly with limited mobility. Once fiduciary hacker gets control, they are ruthless. They would demand ransom or worse, steal from their accounts. Most would hesitate to report it to police, live in trepidation, believing these are self-inflicted wounds.
This may sound misdemeanour to streetwise youngsters who may never have become such victims, but such tyranny is reality for some. Perhaps pragmatic youngsters, experts in IT may part with their wisdom, knowledge to help OAPs from becoming such victims.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
