So you retired. Whether it’s the long-awaited sigh of relief, or the very well-read stages of your life, it’s here now. Finally there’s more time. But is there a way to earn extra cash when you retire?
Poverty rates among Americans over the age of 65 have dropped significantly over the past 50 years. From 30% in 1966 to 10% in 2024. That doesn’t mean that retirees can afford Palm Beach or private painting tutor holidays.
in fact, Over 17 million people – Approximately 1 in 3 – Adults over 65 are financially unstablethe median annual income is less than $30,000.
So is a third of them I’ll consider going back Working because their savings are not enough to cover their costs. If you’re on this journey or know someone, read on.
Woman receiving fraudulent job texts on mobile phone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Task fraud: New trends that can seriously sacrifice you
According to Recent data The number of task fraud reports has increased significantly over the past four years from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which has increased rapidly in the first six months of 2024, resulting in losses of over $220 million. What exactly is task fraud? They are kind of job scams where you think they are paid to do simple tasks like rating products online, but instead lose money. Task fraud has made a staggering 40% of all employment fraud reported to the FTC in 2024.
How to find task scams?
Task fraud is becoming more and more refined, but there are clear warning signs to be aware of. These scams often start with unexpected messages about simple online job opportunities. Below are some important red flags that will help you identify task fraud.
- Unsolicited job via text or whatsapp
- Ambiguous job description Like “App Optimization” and “Product Boost”
- Request to complete the task On an unfamiliar platform
- First small payment To build trust
- Sudden request To invest your own money
- A big return promise For small investments
- Pressure to use cryptocurrency For payment.
Don’t fall into fraud is half the victory. It’s different to prevent scammers from contacting you in the first place.
WhatsApp scam job text (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
How to delete private data from the Internet
Your personal information can be easily found online
“How did they get my number in the first place? And if they have it, who else has it?” you’re right. Anyone can easily find your phone number, name, address or date of birth online. All of this data is much more public People search the site. People search sites, search public data brokers and display data to people of interest, such as marketing companies and fraudsters who build their next employment fraud campaign.
Cybercriminals can also find this information in the private data broker’s database. Private data brokers also harvest personal information, but do not access the database.
However, many people are happy to sell a list of potential targets to the best bidders, and your name may already be on this list. Data brokers aside, many of us have all kinds of forms, forums, blogs, and Social Media Accounts. As the United States does not have comprehensive federal laws to protect personal data, anything published online may be shared and sold without your consent.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
People who type on a laptop (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Best antivirus for Mac, PC, iPhone and Android – Cyber Gupic
Retire and protect yourself when taking sideways opportunities
So, are you thinking of soaking your toes in a side hustle pool? That’s great, but before you dive in, make sure you have the right safety tips to keep those con artists at bay.
1. Investing in personal data removal services: Consider using data deletion services that help you remove personal information from people’s search sites and data brokers. These services reduce your online exposure and minimize the risk that scammers find your information. Although there is no service that promises to delete all data from the internet, deleting a deletion service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of continuously deleting information from hundreds of sites over a long period of time. Please see the top picks for data deletion services.
2. Beware of unsolicited job openings. Ignore unexpected messages about simple online employment opportunities. Note the vague job descriptions such as “App Optimization” and “Product Boost.”
3. Check the validity of the online task. Before completing the task, investigate unfamiliar platforms. Do doubt your request to use your money or cryptocurrency. A legitimate potential employer will never ask you to pay for your job opportunities.
Click here to get your Fox business on the go
4. Protect your personal information: Restrict the sharing of personal data such as forms, forums, etc. Social Media.
5. Don’t invest in powerful antivirus software by clicking on the link. Antivirus software helps to protect your device by monitoring online activity, blocking access to malicious websites, and preventing harmful downloads. The best way to protect yourself from malicious links to install malware is to install powerful antivirus software on all your devices, as it may access your personal information. This protection can also warn you that it will phish email and ransomware scams and keep your personal information and digital assets safe. Get the best 2025 Antivirus Protection Winners picks for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
By following these steps, you can better protect yourself financially and emotionally during your retirement, reduce the risk of victims of fraud victims, and ensure a safer and more enjoyable retirement experience.
A data broker that puts retirement security at risk
Important takeouts for your cart
Legitimate employers do not use WhatsApp or text messages to procure employees. They also don’t ask you to pay for work opportunities. If someone asks you to invest your money and make more, it’s probably a scam. Returning to retirement work is a great way to increase your income and stay socially connected. Use years of experience to your advantage and stay safe and fortune in your work hunt.
What side jobs did you research when you retired, or did you consider them after quitting? Write us and let us know cyberguy.com/contact
Click here to get the Fox News app
For more information about my tech tips and security alerts, sign up for our free Cyberguy Report Newsletter cyberguy.com/newsletter
Ask us a question in our cart or let us know what you want us to cover
Follow your cart on his social channels
Answers to the most asked Cyber Guy questions:
New from Cart:
Copyright 2025 cyberguy.com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
