You've Got This

Step-by-step guides to help you bank online, connect with loved ones, and stay safe from scams

⚠️

Scam Awareness

Learn to recognize and avoid online scams

🏦

Online Banking

Safe ways to manage your money

📹

Video Calls

Connect with family and friends

🔑

Password Security

Keep your accounts safe

⚠️ Scam Awareness

Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but you can protect yourself. Learning the warning signs helps keep you and your money safe.

Common Phone Scams:

⚠️ Real-Life Example:

Margaret received a call from someone claiming to be from her bank. They said there was suspicious activity and asked for her PIN. This was a scam.

Warning Signs:

  • Unexpected calls asking for personal information
  • Pressure to act immediately
  • Requests for passwords or PINs
  • Threats that your account will be closed
  • Claims you've won something you didn't enter

What to Do:

  1. Hang up immediately - Don't engage
  2. Call your bank directly - Use the number on your card
  3. Never give out personal information - Banks never ask for PINs
  4. Report the scam - Contact consumer protection

Email Scams (Phishing):

💡 How to Spot Fake Emails:

  • Generic greeting: "Dear Customer" not your name
  • Spelling errors: Poor grammar
  • Suspicious sender: Email doesn't match company
  • Urgent language: "Act now!"
  • Strange links: Hover to see where they go

Other Common Scams:

  • Romance scams: Online contact asks for money
  • Fake tech support: Pop-ups about viruses
  • Grandparent scams: Someone claims to be family in trouble
  • Prize scams: Won a prize but must pay fees first

🏦 Online Banking Made Simple

Online banking is safe and convenient when you follow these steps. Your bank uses strong security to protect your money.

💡 Is Online Banking Safe?

Yes! Banks use encryption to protect your information and monitor accounts for suspicious activity.

Before You Begin:

  • Have your account number handy
  • Have your debit card ready
  • Choose a quiet time
  • Have paper and pen ready
  • Use your home WiFi only

Getting Started:

  1. Go to your bank's website - Type carefully
  2. Look for "Register" - Usually top right
  3. Enter account information - Follow prompts
  4. Create a username - Write it down
  5. Create a strong password - Write it down securely
  6. Set up security questions - Choose memorable ones

Checking Your Balance:

  1. Log into online banking
  2. Look for "Accounts"
  3. Click on your account
  4. View your balance
  5. Always log out when finished

⚠️ Important Security Tips:

  • Always log out when finished
  • Never share your password
  • Check statements regularly
  • Only use private WiFi

💡 Practice Exercise:

Your first task: Log in and view your balance. That's it! Get comfortable before trying other tasks.

📹 Video Calls & Staying Connected

Seeing loved ones' faces when apart is wonderful. We'll show you exactly how.

Popular Options:

  • Zoom
    Best for: Group calls, classes
    You need: Computer, tablet, or smartphone
  • FaceTime
    Best for: iPhone/iPad users
    You need: iPhone, iPad, or Mac
  • WhatsApp
    Best for: Simple one-on-one calls
    You need: Smartphone

Getting Started with Zoom:

What You Need:

  • A device with a camera
  • Internet connection
  • The Zoom app

Installing Zoom on Computer:

  1. Open your web browser
  2. Type: zoom.us/download
  3. Click "Download"
  4. Wait for download
  5. Click the downloaded file
  6. Follow the prompts

Joining Your First Call:

💡 When Someone Sends a Zoom Link:

It looks like: https://zoom.us/j/123456789

  1. Click the Zoom link
  2. Zoom opens automatically
  3. Type your name
  4. Click "Join"
  5. Click "Join with Computer Audio"
  6. Your call starts!

Understanding the Buttons:

  • 🎤 Microphone: Click to mute/unmute (red line = muted)
  • 📹 Video: Turn camera on/off
  • 👋 Reactions: Wave or thumbs up
  • 💬 Chat: Send messages
  • ❌ Leave: End the call

Troubleshooting:

⚠️ "They can't hear me"

  • Check if microphone is muted
  • Make sure you clicked "Join with Computer Audio"
  • Check volume settings

⚠️ "They can't see me"

  • Click video button to turn on camera
  • Make sure nothing covers camera
  • Check camera permissions

💡 Want to Practice?

Zoom offers test calls. Visit: zoom.us/test

🔑 Password Security

Passwords protect your money, personal information, and identity. Creating strong passwords is crucial for staying safe.

What Makes a Strong Password?

✅ DO Use:

  • At least 12 characters
  • Mix uppercase/lowercase
  • Numbers
  • Symbols (!, @, #, $)
  • Unique for each account
  • A phrase you'll remember

❌ DON'T Use:

  • Your name or birthday
  • Common words
  • Simple sequences (123456)
  • Same password everywhere
  • Dictionary words

The Passphrase Method:

💡 Example:

Think: "I love to garden on sunny days"

Make it: ILove2Garden@Sunny!

Strong, unique, and easier to remember!

Keeping Track - The Notebook Method:

If you prefer writing them down:

  1. Use a dedicated notebook
  2. Keep it in a secure place (locked drawer)
  3. Never leave it out
  4. Don't bring it traveling
  5. Write hints instead of full passwords

💡 Writing Hints:

Instead of: MyDog!LovesTreats@Park

Write: "Dog + favorite activity + place (with symbols)"

When to Change Passwords:

  • Every 3-6 months for important accounts
  • Immediately if you think it's compromised
  • After using public computer
  • If company reports data breach

Two-Factor Authentication:

💡 What is 2FA?

Like two locks on your door. Even if someone gets your password, they need the second key (code sent to your phone).

How It Works:

  1. Enter your password (first lock)
  2. Receive code on phone (second lock)
  3. Enter the code
  4. You're logged in!

Setting Up 2FA:

  1. Log into your account
  2. Go to "Settings" or "Security"
  3. Look for "Two-Factor Authentication"
  4. Follow instructions to connect phone
  5. Save backup codes