The internet is an incredible resource when it comes to learning new things, keeping the mind active, and keeping in touch with loved ones. However, it can also be dangerous if the right precautions are not taken. Sometimes people, especially those with a limited understanding of the online world, can fall victim to online scams. This blog aims to highlight the potential risks and how to avoid them.
What are the Risks to Elderly People on the Internet?
One of the main dangers on the internet for seniors is scammers. Scams can come in many forms and it is important to stay alert and to teach vigilance to your loved ones.
Email Scams
Emails can be made to look official and from genuine places, however, they could be a phishing
scam.
How to Spot Email Scams
Always question seemingly important emails, especially when they are asking for personal details. Many recognisable places including banks or the HMRC will call or send mail correspondence and will not email asking for any form of personal information.
Phishing emails are also more likely to contain spelling or grammatical errors, so it is important to be on the lookout for this.
Scammers are also more likely to use urgency in their reasoning for you to take action in their emails. This may take the form of asking for you to update your information or your bank account will be closed. If in doubt don’t click any email links, open a new tab and look up the organisation that the email claims to be from, call them and speak to their support staff to confirm.
Viruses and Malware
Malware is a computer software that can be spread from one computer to another. Often viruses and malware will be sent via email attachments which will release a virus onto your computer once clicked. This virus can then take over your computer, find personal information or delete files.
How to Avoid Viruses
Following the advice given to prevent email scams can also help you to avoid viruses. It is also important to make sure that you have antivirus software installed on your computer. When kept up to date and permitted to do regular scans it will be able to help keep your computer and therefore your privacy safe.
Fake Websites
As websites are becoming easier for people to make, the number of fake or deceptive websites have increased. Fake government websites can often be set up to offer a service that the government provides at a lower cost but at a higher rate. Examples of this include passport renewal or driving licence applications. A recent example is a prevalent fake website scam during the COVID19 pandemic where texts were sent offering people the vaccines with a link to a fake website requesting card details to get the vaccine.
How to Spot Fake Websites
If you are being sent a link to a website like your bank or a government service then it is worth not clicking the link and navigating to the website manually. In the case of the fake COVID vaccine texts, the NHS released a warning about these assuring people that card details would not be needed and that invites for vaccination would arrive via post.
To avoid fake websites you can also pay attention to the URL. For example, with the fake NHS vaccination emails the link was uk-application-form.com, with no obvious affiliation with the NHS.
Relationship Scams
Some people can prey on elderly people who are looking for companionship online by building a relationship with them over time. Once they establish trust, they may start asking for money under the guise of personal desperation.
These scams are more emotional in nature and can be harder to notice, getting an outsider’s perspective can be helpful. Whether you’re worried about your own online relationships or concerned on behalf of an elderly relative, talking to someone in your real life can be beneficial.
Tips for Shopping Safely Online
Online shopping is quick, convenient, and safe provided the correct precautions are taken.
Before putting any personal details onto a website you should ensure that the website is secure. This means that the start of the site’s web address will have “https://” instead of “http://”. There will also be a padlock symbol to the left of it. In addition to this, many browsers will warn you before allowing you to visit insecure sites; pay attention to this warning.
Before shopping with a company you have not purchased from before, be sure to take a look at their reviews. This doesn’t just mean the onsite reviews which the business owner will be able to change and delete, but search the company on reputable review sites such as Trustpilot.
Privacy Settings on Social Media
If you or your elderly loved one is using social media websites such as Facebook to keep up to date with family and friends then it is important to consider your privacy settings. Facebook’s default settings can permit strangers to obtain personal information such as your location, family members and date of birth.
You will be able to change your security preferences in the settings section of many social media applications. If you are struggling, try asking a family member or looking up an online how-to guide.
What to do if You Think You’ve Fallen Victim to an Online Scam
It is important to not be too embarrassed to seek help, many people fall for scams and scammers are becoming more and more inventive and personal. If you think you’ve fallen for a scam you should report it and act as soon as possible.
If the scam is financial then you should contact your bank to let them know and get your accounts paused as soon as you can.
You should also change any passwords that may be compromised. Contacting Victim Support can help to guide you through what to do next. You can also contact Action Fraud to report this – this is also a useful resource for understanding different scams.
The internet is hugely useful for staying connected and making life easier for the elderly, but it is important to exercise caution when using it and stay vigilant for potential threats. Following the advice above and maintaining caution online can help you or your elderly loved ones to safely navigate the internet.