The North Carolina Bar Association is proud to launch the “Opt-Inspire Initiative,” a new pro bono program that empowers seniors with critical digital literacy skills to safeguard themselves from scams and bridge the generational digital divide. Designed by Alexandria (Lexi) Lutz, Senior Corporate Counsel at Nordstrom, where she focuses on privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, this initiative addresses the dual challenges of preventing scams and fostering digital connection among seniors.

A Crisis in Numbers

Scams targeting older adults are a growing epidemic. In 2023 alone, the Federal Trade Commission reported $10.3 billion in financial losses due to fraud, while the FBI tallied $12.5 billion in cybercrime losses. Seniors, who often face unique challenges navigating the digital landscape, are prime targets for these crimes. These scams often exploit trust and urgency, using tactics such as unsolicited calls, phishing emails, and high-pressure sales strategies to manipulate their victims.

Shockingly, during a recent case highlighted at the National Town Hall on Scams and Older Adults, a senior lost $80,000 — the proceeds from her home sale — within a matter of weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve due to a coordinated gift card scam.

Beyond Scam Prevention: Bridging the Digital Divide

The Opt-Inspire Initiative goes beyond teaching seniors how to avoid scams; it empowers them with basic digital literacy skills that help them connect with loved ones. By fostering confidence in using technology, this program addresses a significant challenge: the generational digital divide. For many seniors, staying connected with family and friends during their golden years is hindered by the complexity of digital tools and platforms. With sessions covering essential topics such as managing social media settings, using secure communication tools, and recognizing trustworthy online resources, the program helps seniors stay in touch with family members who may otherwise be too busy to connect in person. This newfound digital proficiency not only reduces isolation but also empowers seniors to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

What Is the Opt-Inspire Initiative?

The Opt-Inspire Initiative equips seniors with critical tools to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively. Through attorney-led workshops, participants will learn to:

Navigate Digital Environments: Recognize phishing emails, understand cookies, recognize secure websites, and manage social media privacy settings.
Adopt Online Safety Best Practices: Create strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and maintain software updates.
Spot Red Flags: Identify high-pressure tactics, fake offers, and fraudulent requests.
Enhance Digital Connectivity: Use technology confidently to communicate with family and friends, bridging the gap that often leaves seniors feeling isolated.
Report Scams: Empower themselves and their communities by reporting fraudulent activities to appropriate authorities.

How Attorneys Can Make an Impact

This program not only serves as an opportunity to give back to the community but also allows participating attorneys to receive pro bono credit for their time. Each session is designed to be thirty minutes, followed by another thirty-minute interactive workshop including questions from residents and immediate hands-on application of the education, if desired. It is important to note that you do not need to be a privacy or security expert for this presentation — it is all very basic and offers a high-level education.

By sharing this knowledge, attorneys can help prevent cases of elder financial exploitation while simultaneously fostering digital inclusion. The result is a safer, more connected world for seniors, where they can protect their finances and maintain meaningful connections with their loved ones.

Join Us in 2025

We invite all North Carolina attorneys to become part of this initiative. Whether you’re a seasoned pro bono champion or new to pro bono work, your skills can make a life-changing difference. Together, we can help seniors stay safe, informed, and connected in the digital age.

To be added to our volunteer database for this project, please fill out this form. Once complete, we may reach out to you with potential opportunities in your area. Let’s start the new year with a commitment to protecting and empowering our senior citizens. Through programs like Opt-Inspire, we can create a safer, more inclusive online world for everyone. We look forward to you joining us championing this cause and making a real impact in our community.

January 6, 2025/by Privacy and Data Security