How to protect yourself from fraudsters: a project for elderly Ukrainians has been launched

Fraudsters and false news have become a part of our lives today. From scandalous headlines in the media to sneaky calls or messages on social media. Manipulators are trying to stir up our emotions and make us do rash things. That's why it's important to be careful and know how to distinguish truth from lies. ShoTam has launched a new project called "Ba and Di Against Lies." Its goal is to increase the level of digital and media literacy among older people.

The project is being implemented as part of the Information Resilience Program of Ukrainian Civil Society with the support of IREX in Ukraine. It consists of two parts.

The first part of the project is to conduct media literacy trainings for older people. The training involves 10 people aged 60+. After the trainings, they will become teachers and will continue to conduct media literacy classes for their peers! Future trainers will receive knowledge from ShoTam's partners - experts from the independent analytical platform VoxUkraine. Participants will learn information from the courses "Basic Rules of Media Literacy," "Fact-checking Tools," and "Rules for Verifying Media and Information."

The second part of the project is informational videos, where the speakers will include training participants. In each episode, they will give advice on how to protect yourself from fraudsters and fakes. Here are some of the video topics: "How to avoid falling into the trap of fake social payments?", "How to distinguish a real bank employee from a fraudster by phone?", "How to recognize a fake?".

In the premiere video of the project, singer Pavlo Zibrov tells how to check the news and how to avoid fraud.

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How to check the news

Headline. If it is too sensational, it is the first signal of manipulation. For example: "Potatoes are growing like crazy".

Emotions. If the news makes you feel angry or desperate, stop and think about it. Emotions interfere with critical thinking.

Source. Pay attention to whether the news was published by a trusted media outlet. Use the "white list" of media outlets from the Institute of Mass Information.

Links to sources. Check whether the news text contains open information from official websites or organizations.

Context. Make sure that the content of the news corresponds to the original source and is not taken out of context.

How to avoid phone fraud

Don't panic if you receive a call about an accident or other trouble with your family.

Ask clarifying questions: where did it happen? Why can't you talk to your relative in person?

Verify the information by calling the person or those who may be close to them.

How to avoid becoming a victim of online fraud

Avoid suspicious websites and check their address for extra characters or letters.

Do not click on questionable links, even if they are sent by friends.

Never enter payment card information on unverified websites.

Use cash on delivery for purchases.

How to protect your accounts

Activate two-factor authentication. This is your "iron shield". In Telegram, this is done through the settings in the Privacy and Security menu.

Remember that fraudsters manipulate emotions, so always check the information and don't rush to act. And don't let any fraudulent schemes disturb your peace of mind.

Ігор Льов