Staying connected online helps seniors keep in touch with loved ones, manage finances, shop conveniently, and access important healthcare services. Unfortunately, scammers targeting seniors are also becoming more active. The FBI reports that adults aged 60 and older lost $4.8 billion to internet fraud in 2024 alone, making online safety more important than ever.
The good news is that with a few easy, practical tips and a little awareness, we can all enjoy the internet safely and confidently.
6 Easy-to-Follow Tips and Advice for Online Safety
Use the tips below to help protect your personal information, avoid common scams, and use technology with peace of mind.
1. Protect Your Personal Information
Scammers often attempt to deceive people through emails, text messages, or phone calls. Their goal is to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, Social Security numbers, bank details, or one-time security codes.
Simple safety tips:
- Change passwords every 3-6 months
- Never share passwords or PIN numbers with anyone
- Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts
- Be cautious about giving personal information online or over the phone
- Use strong passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Write down passwords and store them in a safe place, or use a trusted password manager app.
2. Watch Out for Email Scams
Email scams, also known as “phishing”, are the most common threats to online safety and the security of your personal information. These messages often look official and may appear to come from a bank, delivery service, or government agency.
Common examples:
- “Your account has been locked. Click here immediately to verify your information.”
- “There is a problem with your payment. Confirm your details to avoid service interruption.”
- “You’ve won a prize! Provide your information to claim it.”
How to stay safe:
- Delete suspicious emails without opening them
- Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown senders
- When in doubt, contact the company directly using a trusted phone number or website
- Check the sender’s email address carefully; scammers often use misspelled or unusual addresses
3. Be Careful With Text Message Scams
Text message scams, often referred to as “smishing,” are on the rise. Fraudsters use these texts to grab your attention and push you to respond quickly, usually by claiming there is a problem with an account, a delivery, or a payment. Their goal is to get you to react before you have time to verify whether the message is legitimate.
Common examples:
- “Your package cannot be delivered. Click this link to update your address.”
- “Suspicious activity detected on your bank account. Reply YES to secure it.”
- “You owe unpaid toll fees. Pay now to avoid penalties.”
How to stay safe:
- Do not click on links in unexpected text messages
- Do not reply to suspicious texts, even to say “STOP,”; simply delete them
- If the message claims to be from a company, don’t reply; contact them using their official phone number
4. Use Secure Internet Connections
A secure internet connection scrambles the data you send and receive, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts, protects sensitive data, and reduces the risk of online monitoring or theft.
Helpful tips:
- Make sure your home Wi-Fi is password-protected
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or online shopping
- Check for a lock symbol and “https://” in the web address when entering personal information. The lock indicates the site is secure.
5. Keep Your Devices Updated
Regular updates help protect your computer, tablet, and smartphone from new security threats. Updates often fix newly discovered vulnerabilities, strengthen system defenses, and help prevent attackers from exploiting outdated software.
Best practices:
- Install updates for your device, apps, and antivirus software when prompted
- Restart your device regularly to complete updates
- Turn on automatic updates when possible
6. Trust Your Instincts
Lastly, but most importantly, when it comes to online safety, if something feels wrong, it probably is. Scammers rely on fear, urgency, or excitement to pressure people into making quick decisions.
Remember:
- When unsure, don’t click, don’t reply, and don’t share
- Legitimate companies will not demand immediate action or threaten you
- It’s okay to take time, ask questions, or seek help from a trusted friend or family member
- Legitimate companies will never ask for payment using gift cards, prepaid cards, or cryptocurrency
- No trusted organization or family member will pressure you to send money immediately without time to verify
Enjoy Technology with Confidence
There’s no need to fear technology or the internet. With a little awareness and these online safety tips, seniors can protect themselves and enjoy all the conveniences and benefits the online world offers.
At Plattduetsche Home Society, we are committed to providing residents and their families with the information they need to stay safe at all times. Staying informed is the best defense, and we are here to support you in using technology confidently, securely, and independently.
Additional Resources:
New York State Office of Information Technology Services: Click Here
Contact information for anyone who thinks they were a victim of fraud: Click Here
