Data from Pew Research Center shows that more seniors are now using the Internet. About 96% of those aged 50 to 64, and 75% of those 65 years and older, are online. Staying connected and informed has many benefits. However, these benefits also come with risks like scams and fraud, which often target older adults. It’s necessary to be alert and knowledgeable about online safety to protect yourself and your personal information.
Why Are Elderly People More Prone to Online Scams?
Older adults often face unique challenges that make them more vulnerable to online scams. Knowing these factors can help in taking steps to promote internet safety for seniors:
Limited Tech Skills
Many seniors did not grow up with modern technology and this makes them less familiar with online dangers. This lack of experience can be a challenge for them to spot phishing attempts, fake websites, or other scams. They might not know about the latest security measures or understand how to use them, like recognizing secure websites or using two-factor authentication.
High Trust in Others
Older adults often come from a time when trust was more common. Scammers exploit this trusting nature by using convincing tactics to deceive them. They often create a sense of urgency or make up believable stories and this makes it easier for them to gain the trust of seniors and get their personal information or money.
Social Isolation
Many seniors experience loneliness, which can make them more open to scams. Scammers exploit this by forming relationships through social media or dating sites. These relationships can lead to requests for money or personal information under false pretenses. The emotional bond can make it hard for seniors to recognize the scam.
Financial Stability
Scammers often target seniors because they are seen as having significant savings or assets. Older adults might be managing retirement funds, pensions, or other investments, which makes them attractive targets for financial scams. Scammers use fake investment opportunities, lottery scams, or fraudulent charities to exploit their financial stability.
Cognitive Decline
As people age, their thinking abilities can decline, and this could also affect their memory and decision-making skills. This decline can make it harder for seniors to critically evaluate information and identify scams. Scammers take advantage of this by creating complex scenarios that confuse and deceive their victims.
Lack of Cybersecurity Knowledge
Cyber security for seniors might seem confusing as they might not be aware of all the best practices, such as updating software, using antivirus programs, or setting strong passwords. This lack of knowledge can leave them open to various online threats, including malware and ransomware. Education and awareness are important in helping seniors protect themselves online.
Online Safety Tips for Seniors
Staying safe on the internet is very important for seniors who use it for talking to friends, shopping, banking, and socializing. Knowing how to protect yourself from scams and other online threats can help keep you secure and private:
Know the Red Flags
If someone contacts you asking for payment by wire transfer or gift card, it’s likely a scam. These requests often come with urgent messages to make you act quickly. Ending the conversation immediately can help you avoid becoming a victim. Scammers use these methods because they are hard to trace and undo.
Use Strong Passwords
Longer passwords are better than complex ones. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long. Use positive and easy-to-remember phrases like “IL0veCountryMusic!.” Keep a written list of passwords stored safely away from your computer. Using a different password for each account can stop one security breach from affecting other accounts.
Think Before You Click
This one never gets old (no pun intended). Don’t click on links in emails or social media posts from banks, credit card companies, government agencies, or other organizations unless you are sure they are real. Phishing scams use links to take you to fake websites to steal your information. Even if the web address looks familiar, it’s safer to type it into your browser. If you’re not sure, call the organization using a known phone number.
Dealing with Unsolicited Email
Junk email, or spam, is common but can be managed. Legitimate companies usually let you unsubscribe. However, true spammers often ignore these requests. Use the spam filter provided by your email service to reduce unwanted emails. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails, as they may lead to scam sites or infect your computer with malware.
Always Verify
Emails, text messages, or phone calls that create urgency and ask for sensitive information should be viewed with caution. Instead of responding right away, verify the request by contacting a trusted source. Scammers often create panic to get quick responses without proper checking.
People Online Aren’t Always Who They Say They Are
Be careful when interacting with strangers online. Criminals can easily pretend to be friends or family. Only accept social media friend requests from people you know. If someone asks for money or personal information, verify their identity through a trusted method, like a phone call. Avoid sending money or sensitive details to anyone you haven’t met in person.
Meet New Friends and Romantic Partners Responsibly
Online dating scams are common and target both seniors and younger people. Always be cautious when meeting new people online. Verify their identity through multiple ways and be wary of those who quickly ask for money or personal information. Building a relationship should not involve financial transactions.
How Poper Blocker Can Help Seniors Stay Safe Online
Poper Blocker is a browser extension for Chrome and Edge that helps make online activities safer, especially for seniors. It blocks annoying pop-ups and ads and filters harmful content on social media. With this tool, seniors can have a safer and more pleasant time on the web.
1. Pop-up and Ad-Blocking
Blocking Basic Pop-ups
Basic pop-ups that open in a new window or tab can be annoying and risky, leading to harmful websites. Poper Blocker’s “Block basic popups” feature stops these interruptions, making browsing smooth and reducing the chance of landing on dangerous sites
Blocking Advanced Pop-ups (Overlays)
Advanced pop-ups, or overlays, appear on the current page, often blocking content and trying to catch your attention. These can be tricky, mimicking important messages or alerts. Using the “Block advanced popups (overlays)” feature of this pop-up blocker helps avoid these distractions so users will be able to focus on what matters without being misled.
Ad-Blocking on YouTube
YouTube is popular for watching videos and music, but constant ads can be annoying. Poper Blocker’s “Hide ads on YouTube videos” feature can block ads on Chrome or Edge so seniors can enjoy watching videos from these browsers without interruptions from these misleading or harmful ads.
Blocking Ads on Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn are full of ads, some of which can be misleading or inappropriate. This ad blocker has a “Block ads on social media” feature that creates a cleaner and safer browsing environment. This is especially helpful for seniors who may find it hard to tell the difference between real content and ads.
Blocking Ads on Any Site
There are too many ads on the internet and this often clutters the browsing experience. This tool’s “Block ads on any site” is an ad-blocking feature that hides them automatically and helps seniors browse without constant distractions. It can block ads on news sites, blogs, online magazines and other types. This makes the online experience more enjoyable and safer by reducing the chances of clicking on these harmful advertisements.
2. Social Media Filtering
Filtering Harmful Words
Social media platforms can sometimes show harmful or inappropriate content. Poper Blocker’s social media filtering feature protects seniors by filtering out harmful words and phrases on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This creates a safer online environment, reducing exposure to offensive or distressing content.
Staying Safe Online as a Senior
Staying safe online as a senior means being aware of possible dangers and taking steps to protect yourself. When you follow the tips in this guide—like spotting warning signs, using strong passwords, thinking carefully before clicking on links, and checking unexpected messages—you can lower your chances of being tricked by online scams.
Also, tools like Poper Blocker can make your online experience better as it can successfully block annoying spam popups and ads and filter harmful content on social media. Use these practices so you can enjoy the internet safely and with confidence.
Stay safe online; get the Poper Blocker extension
FAQs
How can I tell if a website is secure?
To check if a website is safe, look for an “https” at the start of the URL and a padlock symbol next to it. The “s” in “https” means that the site uses encryption to keep your information safe. Click on the padlock to see the security certificate details. Verify that the certificate is valid and that it came from a trusted source. Avoid sites with security warnings or those without these features.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious email?
If you get a suspicious email, don’t click any links or open attachments, as they might contain malware or lead to scam sites. Mark the email as spam or junk in your email program. Report the email to your email provider’s abuse team. If the email claims to be from a real company, it would be best to contact the company directly using information from their official website to check if this email is indeed genuine. Always be careful with unexpected emails, especially those asking for personal details or money.
How can I protect my personal information on social media?
To keep your personal information safe on social media, adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts and details. Never share sensitive information like your address, phone number, or financial details to further protect your privacy online. Be careful about accepting friend requests and interacting with strangers. Regularly check your friends list and remove people that you don’t know. You might also want to use two-factor authentication for added security. Be careful about what you share, as even harmless information can be misused.
What are some common signs of a phishing scam?
Common signs of a phishing scam include generic greetings like “Dear User,” spelling and grammar mistakes, and urgent requests for personal information. Phishing emails often pretend to be from real companies but may have slight differences in email addresses or domains. Be cautious of messages that create a sense of urgency, like threats that they will close your account if you don’t act quickly. Look for inconsistencies in the email’s design, such as logos or formatting that look off. If you’re unsure, contact the company directly using a trusted source.
How often should I update my passwords?
Updating your passwords every 3 to 6 months is a good idea. Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts to prevent multiple accounts from being compromised if one of your passwords is stolen. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords and create strong ones. Regular updates also help in protecting against unauthorized access.