The internet helps us stay in touch with loved ones, explore new interests, and handle everyday tasks with ease, but it also comes with risks. Scammers and hackers often target older adults, making internet safety for seniors something everyone should take seriously.
As technology use among seniors continues to grow, understanding how to stay safe online is more important than ever. This guide will help you recognize red flags, secure your accounts, and enjoy all the internet has to offer.
12 Important Internet Safety Tips for Seniors
You don’t need to be a tech expert to spot a problem online. Simply knowing what to watch for can help you avoid most internet scams. Here are some easy, proactive ways to practice online safety.
1. Double-Check Suspicious Calls, Emails, and Texts
Even if a call, text, or email appears to come from someone you know, don’t trust it outright. Criminals can spoof caller ID and even use AI voice clones. If you get a suspicious request, pause and contact the person or organization directly using an official phone number or website (not the one provided in the message) to confirm if it’s real.
2. Pause Before Clicking Links or Attachments
Be very cautious with links and attachments in unsolicited emails or texts. If you weren’t expecting a link, don’t click it. Even an “Unsubscribe” button in a suspicious email can be harmful. Malicious links can install malware or trick you into giving up info, so navigate to the official website or call the company yourself if you need to verify something.
3. Keep Phones, Computers, and Apps Updated
Enable automatic updates on your smartphone, computer, and apps. Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities and protect against hackers. Keeping your devices updated ensures you have the latest defenses against threats.
4. Use Unique Passwords and a Password Manager
You should always create long, unique passwords for all of your accounts. A strong password should be long (around 16 characters), and you should never share the same password or even similar passwords from one account to another.
Make sure your passwords include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. A password manager can make senior online safety easier by keeping track of all your passwords securely so you don’t reuse or forget the passwords you set up.
5. Use Two-Step Verification
Adding two-step or multi-factor verification provides an extra layer of security. Even if someone steals your password, they won’t be able to get into your account without the second step, like a code sent to your phone or email. Always enable this feature on accounts that hold sensitive information, such as banking, email, and social media accounts.
6. Ignore Requests for Sensitive Information
No legitimate business or government agency will contact you out of the blue asking for sensitive information such as your Social Security number, bank account, or login credentials. If someone is unsolicitedly asking for personal or financial details, that’s a huge red flag. Never provide such info unless you initiated the contact and are sure who you’re dealing with.
7. Be Cautious of AI Voice Clones and Fake Videos
Internet safety for seniors will only get harder to maintain as technology improves. Fraudsters now clone voices and create deepfake videos that look real. If you get a shocking phone call from a “relative” claiming an emergency, or you see a video of someone you know saying something unusual, be cautious and verify the situation through another channel.
For example, call your family member back on their known number to confirm their story. Often, there are subtle signs of AI fakery, like odd language, an unnatural tone, or strange visual glitches in a video. As scams become more sophisticated, taking a moment to double-check before reacting will continue to be one of the best ways to stay safe online.
8. Ask a Trusted Friend or Family Member for Input
Scammers often prey on those who are isolated. If you’re unsure about a message or call, pause and consult a trusted friend or family member before responding or sending money. Simply talking it through or showing the suspicious message to someone else can reveal clues you missed and help confirm if it’s a scam.
Scammers often try to create a false sense of urgency so you feel rushed into acting before you can think it over or get a second opinion. Take the time anyway to protect yourself.
9. Report Scams To Authorities and Platforms
If you suspect a scam, report it. In the U.S., you can notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your state consumer protection agency. Alert the website or app where the fraud happened as well. Reporting scam attempts helps authorities track criminals and can prevent others from being victimized.
10. Talk About Scams and Share What You Learn
Keep up with the latest scam tactics and talk about them with your family or community. Educate your older loved ones (or if you are a senior, your caregivers and kids) about new fraud trends and online safety tips for seniors.
If you ever do fall for a scam, don’t feel embarrassed to talk about it. Sharing your experience could help someone else avoid the same trap. By staying aware and openly sharing what you learn, you can help everyone stay one step ahead of scammers.
11. Limit the Personal Details You Share Online
Oversharing personal details (such as your birthdate, address, daily routines, or travel plans) can give scammers the clues they need to impersonate you or crack security questions. Share information with care, and review your privacy settings regularly to limit who can see your info.
12. Log Out of Accounts on Shared Devices
If you use a shared computer, tablet, or public Wi-Fi, always log out of your accounts when you’re done. Staying logged in makes it easier for someone else to access your personal information, emails, or financial details without your permission.
Elder Care Alliance Offers a Holistic Approach to Senior Safety
Internet safety for seniors is about building confidence and peace of mind while enjoying everything technology has to offer. At Elder Care Alliance, we understand that your well-being extends beyond your physical health. We’re dedicated to enriching the holistic wellness of older adults by creating vibrant, engaging communities to empower residents with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive both online and offline.
If you’re exploring care options for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to take our Care Needs Assessment. It’s a simple way to discover what kind of support and community could best fit your lifestyle and needs.
