The Fulton County Department of Senior Services, in partnership with the Fulton County Department of Information Technology, is proud to announce the launch of Avoid Cyber Threats (A.C.T.), a new online training initiative designed to help older adults recognize and avoid common cyber scams. The A.C.T. Cybersecurity Training campaign kicks off on Tuesday, August 19.

"Fulton County is dedicated to empowering our seniors by equipping them with the knowledge to safely navigate the online world," said Chairman Robb Pitts. "A.C.T. is a key part of that mission, ensuring that older adults are prepared to recognize and avoid emerging digital threats."

Developed in response to the growing number of online scams targeting seniors, A.C.T. is a free, self-paced training program for residents aged 55 and older. The training will cover how to identify phishing scams, safeguard personal information, and protect against new threats like AI voice cloning.

Senior adults account for nearly 40% of all fraud-related losses, with scams targeting them rising by 60% in the last five years. Vulnerabilities such as a trusting nature, limited tech familiarity, and reluctance to report incidents make them prime targets. The emotional toll of scams often leads to anxiety, shame, and isolation. According to the FBI, Americans aged 60 and over lost nearly $4.9 billion to fraud in 2024, with the average victim losing $83,000. Georgia ranked 7th in financial losses among seniors, with a significant rise in cybercrime complaints. Common scams include tech support hoaxes, grandparent scams, and fraudsters impersonating government officials or family members.

"Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue - it’s a public health, safety, and quality-of-life concern," said Dr. Pamela Roshell, Fulton County Chief Operating Officer. "This initiative offers a scalable, impactful solution that makes a real difference in the lives of our Fulton County seniors."

Through the A.C.T. campaign, Fulton County Senior Services is committed to enhancing the health, independence, and well-being of seniors, with a goal to train 2,000 seniors and caregivers by December 2025.

"We want seniors to feel confident using technology while protecting themselves from the emotional and financial toll of online scams," said Ladisa Onyiliogwu, Director of the Department of Senior Services. “Research shows seniors who undergo cybersecurity training are 80% more likely to recognize and avoid scams, highlighting the importance of education in safeguarding both their finances and well-being.”

Older adults can access A.C.T. training from home, a local senior center, or anywhere with a secure network. The program is easy to follow and available at no cost. Participants will receive a certificate of completion after finishing the course, which starts on August 19 at www.fultoncountyga.gov/cybersecurityforseniors. 

For more information about A.C.T., including training topics and how to register, you may also visit www.fultoncountyga.gov/cybersecurityforseniors or call the Fulton County Senior Services STARline at (404) 613-6000.