Protecting Older Adults From Fraud
Vihaan Deepak Phal ( Undergraduate - Computer Science ), Mishika Chhabra ( Undergraduate - Computer Science (Sftwre Engr) ), Neelay Singhvi ( Undergraduate - Computer Science (Sftwre Engr) ), Aditya Jarodiya ( Undergraduate - Computer Science (Sftwre Engr) )
Whats the problem?
In an age where technology intertwines with daily life, our older adults face unprecedented challenges, particularly from scam calls that prey on their trust and potential lack of tech-savviness. These fraudulent calls threaten their not only their financial security but also their peace of mind.
But first...
How did our team get here?
Our team chose this idea after witnessing firsthand the distress scam calls can cause among our own older adult relatives. From these experiences, we began to see a broader, unaddressed need for security and protection. Our team considered various issues, including the ineffectiveness of current security systems and the adaptability scammers have to bypass them. Above all, we wanted to prioritize developing an accessible, user-friendly solution to improve digital defense and enhance confidence for older adults using technology.
The empathy map shows our focus on understanding older adults who may not be tech-savvy.
It highlights their struggles with scam calls, such as feeling overwhelmed and trapped when faced with confusing tech terms, or unknowingly falling for false promises of easy money. They might feel sad, angry, or embarrassed when they realize it's a scam: "Why does this always happen to me?"
Defining the problem
for a better solution
Our team came up with a range of solutions, from education programs to increasing funding for cybersecurity efforts. In the end, we settled on developing "ScamSafe," an app aimed at protecting our older adult population by offering a shield against these nefarious tactics. By detecting and alerting users about potential scam calls, we empower them to answer their phones confidently, not fearfully.
Storyboard
This activity presents the story of an older adult who receives a potentially dangerous call. Initially unsure about ignoring the call, he's alerted by the app that it's a spam caller. His confusion now resolved, he immediately decides to use the app's block feature to quickly and easily prevent the number from calling again. This visual story helped us understand the user journey, emphasizing the importance of clear alerts and easily accessible blocking features in our app. It reinforces the app's value in providing a sense of security and simplicity for users, particularly for those who may be less confident with technology.
The prototype
The interface for our app includes straightforward steps for signing up and logging in, ensuring easy access for users with any level of tech knowledge. There's a profile page for personalization, a call log for tracking calls, and a scam message screen to review potentially harmful content. A search function allows users to check unknown numbers. The app logo, featuring a phone and a padlock, symbolizes the core promise of the app: communication safety. This prototype embodies our commitment to simplicity and security, catering to the specific needs of our older adult users.
In an age where technology intertwines with daily life, our older adults face unprecedented challenges, particularly from scam calls that prey on their trust and potential lack of tech-savviness. These fraudulent calls threaten their not only their financial security but also their peace of mind.