Internet risks for seniors and how to protect yourself

Internet is a medium with many benefits and is actively used by a lot of people. Retirees are also following this trend, using the net to communicate with their loved ones, get information or make purchases. However, the internet is not without its dangers for seniors. Fraudsters use every loophole to steal personal information and money. A few simple measures can help you protect yourself and use the internet safely.

Older people are increasingly connected to the internet

Today, nearly two-thirds of seniors actively and frequently use the internet. This number continues to grow as older people are becoming more aware of the usefulness and opportunities it provides. They use the net to communicate with friends and family, get information about current events and issues of interest, search for goods and make purchases. Some also find entertainment in online gaming, although this is less common.

The internet makes life much easier, allowing older people to avoid having to go to the shops or bank. However, working online from home can create a false sense of security. Unfortunately, internet fraud is becoming increasingly common.

Beware of internet fraud

Internet fraudsters stop at nothing to defraud users, and older people are often their main targets as they appear more vulnerable. Attackers can use a variety of tricks: for example, on dating sites, they establish contact with the victim, gain their trust and then swindle personal information or money. Another popular method is to pretend to be representatives of charitable organisations, asking for donations and stealing money and financial data.

Equally insidious are promises of miracle cures, where older people are offered expensive drugs that are either ineffective or do not exist at all. Another scheme involves fake online auctions or sales sites where victims buy non-existent goods or receive poor quality products. In addition, scammers often use fake news stories to create the illusion of urgency and encourage people to donate to supposedly good causes, when in fact the money goes directly into the accounts of the perpetrators.

What protection is there for seniors on the internet?

Online scams do pose a serious threat, especially to seniors, but that doesn't mean they should stop using the web. It is important to remember that there are various ways to protect themselves and continue to use the internet safely. The first thing to look at is password security. 63% of seniors use the internet to keep track of their bank accounts, and to make these transactions secure, banks usually issue temporary passwords that need to be replaced with more complex and unique ones.

It's important to choose a really complex password and not keep it on your computer or in your purse. The bank may also ask you to change your password regularly, and you should not use the same password on all websites. If remembering all your passwords is difficult, you can use special password management software.

It is also important not to share too much information online. Social networking sites like Facebook provide many opportunities to socialise and share data, but this also opens the door for scammers. They may not know who you are, but all the information you post is available to them. That's why it's a good idea to avoid revealing personal information on forums and social media, including your name, address, phone number, date of birth, email address, Social Security ID, bank details and the names of your children and grandchildren.

Unfamiliar sites and trust on the internet

Another important aspect is to be cautious when communicating with strangers on the Internet. Be wary of strangers who contact you online. Sure, you can chat on forums, but be careful about the information you share. Don't open email attachments from people or companies you don't know, don't click on links, and don't respond to such emails. You may well receive legitimate promotional emails, but before you open them or click on links, make sure you are actually registered with the site in question. Companies are not allowed to contact people without their consent and this could be a sign of fraud.

You need to pay special attention to who you trust online. Make sure you are on a legitimate site, especially when it comes to banking or shopping. Official website addresses often end in .edu (education) or .gov (government). When you use an online banking site or make a payment at an online shop, make sure the address starts with https// - the ‘s’ means the site is protected by security protocols. Your bank's website URL should also have a lock in front of it.

Conclusion

Despite the many risks and threats that retirees may face in the online space, what remains important is not a refusal to use technology, but a knowledgeable and informed approach to its use. Internet safety requires care, caution and adherence to certain rules that will help minimise risks and protect personal data. In the end, knowing and following simple security rules will not only keep your data safe, but also allow you to get the most out of the Internet.