Issue: 040

Tech Tips, Tricks & Cybersecurity Advice – No Jargon, Just Help

Hey Techie,

Wow, we have already hit issue 40. This issue is to address the core mission of Grandson Techie, helping you to help the other generations with tech. Send feedback if you want more of these tips and tricks.

Scam-Proofing Your Parents (Before It Happens)

Scammers don’t target tech experts, they target busy, trusting, distracted people. That often means parents, relatives, and older family members. This issue is about simple protections you can set up before a problem happens.

📱 Quick Tech Tip

Add a Contact Photo for Important People

Scammers often impersonate family via text.

Adding photos makes fake messages stand out instantly.

Do this for:

• You

• Siblings

• Spouse / partner

• Doctors

Seeing a real face helps your brain spot “this feels wrong” faster.

🛡 Scam Defense Tip

Create a Family “Safe Word”

This is powerful and almost nobody does it.

Pick a word or phrase only family knows.
If someone claims there’s an emergency, they must use it.

No safe word = no action.

This stops:

• “I’m stuck, send money” scams

• Fake arrest calls

• Impersonation texts

🔒 Account Protection Tip

Turn On Login Alerts for Email and Banking

Most people never know their account was accessed.

Enable:

• New login alerts

• New device alerts

• Password change notifications

On:

• Gmail / Outlook

• Bank apps

• Apple ID / Google

This gives early warning before real damage happens.

🧰 Real-Life Setup Tip

Put a “Stop & Call Me” Note on Their Phone

Literally add a lock screen note or wallpaper:

It sounds simple.
It works shockingly well.

🧠 The Rule That Prevents 90% of Scams

No legitimate company will ever:

• Ask for gift cards

• Ask for one-time codes

• Ask for remote access

• Pressure immediate action

If there’s urgency + secrecy + money = scam.

Always.

One-Week Challenge

Sit down with your parents and:

1. Set a safe word

2. Enable login alerts

3. Review one real scam example

4. Add the “Stop & Call Me” note

That 20-minute setup can save thousands of dollars.

🕹️ Gadget of the Week: The Old-School Password Book

In a world of password managers, biometrics, and “reset your password again,” sometimes the most powerful tool is… a book. This Password Keeper with Alphabetical Tabs is a simple, no-nonsense way to keep all your logins in one place, no apps, no updates, no “we’ve emailed you a link” nightmares. Just flip to the letter, write it down, and move on with your life.

With a sturdy hardcover and colorful tabs, it’s especially perfect for seniors, minimalists, or anyone who’s officially tired of juggling 47 passwords that all almost work. Low-tech? Yes. Effective? Also yes.

Stay safe and savvy,
—Your Grandson Techie