TSS Foundation offers gamified app to teach seniors how to spot scams

Henry Collins, founder of the TSS Foundation, told 107.5 WVLS that his nonprofit has developed a gamified training app to help seniors identify scams that bypass existing technical filters. "As more and more seniors get connected, now they become prey to scammers," Collins said, arguing that training must complement bank filters and other perimeter defenses.

Collins said the app presents realistic scenarios for in-person, phone, email and text scams and rewards correct answers with points as users move from novice levels up to a "Gladiator" tier. "We developed this application" to train seniors to recognize red flags such as urgency and requests for personal information, he said.

The TSS Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) and uses three tools together: the scam-training software, Tech Savvy Senior seminars for hands-on instruction, and a quarterly TSS Magazine to reinforce lessons. Collins described adopting an engagement model used by other "digital navigators," in which seniors compete for prizes during regular sessions to encourage consistent practice and skill building.

Collins also described participating in Net Inclusion, a conference hosted by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, where he said he met "Anna Gomez, she's the commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission," and demonstrated the app. He said the meeting made FCC staff aware the technology exists.

Looking ahead, Collins told the station he hopes to place the software in bank settings and senior centers to reach seniors where they manage finances and socialize. He said the foundation is running a GoFundMe campaign accessible through tssfoundationinc.org to support deployment; Collins reiterated that the organization is a 501(c)(3) and that donations are tax-deductible.

Host Bob Lee and listeners applauded at the segment's end. Collins said the app is intended for national rollout but did not provide a firm timetable for broad deployment.