The problem with being a generation X Mom is that you have two worries: Your children and your parents! While you are trying to guide your children into responsible adults, you are also trying to help your parents learn the fast evolution of technology. And, regarding technology, there is so much to worry about, and we always need reminders! So today’s tips will focus on what you need to say to your parents. Some of you are the lucky ones, your parents are boomers, and they embrace technology. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates are their idols. But for those of you that don’t have tech-savvy parents, here are a few talking points for your next Sunday night dinner:

Under no circumstances do you click on a link that your bank texts you. If they say it is “urgent”, that is more of a reason to slow down. So, what should you do? If you have your banking online, log in from your PC. If there is no urgent message, this is a phishing email. This is even more suspicious if you don’t have an online account. When in doubt, pick up the phone and call.

Never believe a call that says your child or grandchild is in jail and that you need to wire money immediately for their release. The sheriff’s department does not make these kinds of calls, so this is another bad actor trying to get money and play to your emotions.

Check your Facebook friends list. Scammers make virtual copies of real Facebook acocunts, then send this request to friends listed on the real account. Now the scammer can access your page and lay low until they ask you for an urgent favor. So, what do you do? First, look at your list of friends. Are there any duplicates? Reach out to that person via telephone or email and ask if they have inadvertently made two accounts. Chances are one is fake. If you get a Facebook friend request from somebody on your list, do not accept without verifying. Yes, there can be a reason that your buddy made a new account, but as us Moms say: Better safe than sorry!

Written by Kim Oliver