Seniors’ Safety: How to Avoid Online Scams

The internet is a fantastic tool for staying connected with family, shopping, and managing finances, but it’s also a playground for scammers. Seniors are often targeted, so staying informed matters.

The internet is a useful tool for staying connected, shopping and managing finances, but scammers often target older adults. Knowing common tactics can make suspicious messages easier to recognize.

1. Recognize Common Online Scams

• Phishing: fake emails or messages designed to steal passwords or financial information.
• Tech-support scams: someone claims your computer has a problem and asks for payment or remote access.
• Romance scams: a person builds an online relationship before asking for money.
• Shopping fraud: fake stores or listings collect payment without delivering what was promised.

2. Protect Personal Information

Do not give out banking information, passwords, government identification numbers or other sensitive information in response to an unexpected request.

3. Be Skeptical of Offers That Are Too Good to Be True

Unexpected prizes, investment opportunities and urgent discounts are often designed to create excitement before you have time to think.

4. Use Strong Passwords

Use unique passwords for important accounts and avoid reusing the same password everywhere.

5. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

When available, an additional verification step can make an account harder to access even if a password is stolen.

6. Keep Software Updated

Install updates for phones, tablets and computers so known security problems are patched.

7. Verify Before Clicking or Responding

Do not open unexpected attachments or links. Contact the company or person using contact information you already trust.

8. Check Online Retailers

Look for secure checkout, clear contact information and independent reviews before buying from an unfamiliar website.

9. Stay Educated

Scams change constantly. Learning about common fraud techniques makes them easier to spot.

10. Report Scams

If you believe you have been targeted or lost money, report it promptly to the appropriate financial institution, police or fraud-reporting authority.

A little skepticism and a habit of verifying unexpected requests can prevent many online scams.