The internet has never been more accessible. Using any device, you have information at your fingertips. Unfortunately, some use the internet for scamming and fraud.
Spotting the warning signs online can help you avoid being scammed. Here are some tips to help you keep yourself safe online.
Common online scams targeting seniors
Several scams are prevalent when it comes to targeting seniors. Phishing emails are common, where there is a link in the email that takes you to a scam webpage, rather than a legitimate one.
Tech support scams and romance scams both involve an actual person persuading you to part with personal information and potential access to your computer.
Fake charity scams and lottery scams are both on the rise. In both cases, the charity does not exist, so you are parting with your hard-earned cash under false pretences.
Essential online safety tips
One of the most important ways to keep safe online is to use strong passwords. Try to use a mixture of normal letters, numbers, and special characters. To add an extra security layer, aim to have passwords that are 12 characters long, too. This makes it harder for scammers to guess if your system is compromised.
Avoid easily guessable information such as birthdays, pet names, children’s names, or even your own name. Stay away from generic passwords such as “password”. Use an online password manager that stores your passwords and generates random, hard-to-guess options.
Practice good online habits
Keep your software and devices up to date. Software like your antivirus is great at protecting you, so make sure it is functioning at the most recent iteration. Enable automatic updates to be sure you don’t miss anything.
Public Wi-fi can be great, but it is vulnerable to hackers and scammers. Avoid accessing sensitive websites such as banking websites, anything involving entering secure information, or even social media.
To add another layer of security, consider using a VPN. VPNs work by creating a secure line between your device and a remote server, preventing anyone from accessing the connection. A good VPN Chrome will help to protect you as you surf online.
Protect personal information
Try to limit the amount of information you share online, even on your personal social media. Sometimes this information can be seen by people you don’t know, putting together a picture of your life. Scammers can then use this information to convince you that they are a government agency or a potential romantic partner.
Be wary of any unsolicited emails, texts, or calls requesting personal information. As a rule, do not click any links in emails or texts. If you are unsure, use a different device and Google the company you are dealing with to find an official website, just in case.
What to do if you suspect a scam
Scammers can sometimes get the better of you, as they can be very convincing. If you have sent money to anyone you don’t know or put your bank details into a dodgy website, contact both the police and your bank immediately.
Although you may feel embarrassed, do tell friends and family what has happened. They can support you and keep an eye on you to make sure the same thing doesn’t happen again.
