The internet is a wonderful place. It helps us stay in touch with family, manage our money, and learn new things. But just like in the real world, it’s important to be careful online. At Remaleh, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe online, and this guide is here to help you do just that.
We’ve written this guide in simple, everyday language to make it easy to understand. Think of it as a friendly chat about how to protect yourself from online troubles.
Why Online Safety Matters for Seniors
Bad actors, or scammers, often target seniors online. They know that seniors often have savings and may be more trusting. In 2024 alone, people over 60 lost a very large amount of money to online scams. But you don’t have to be a victim. Learning a few simple rules can keep you safe.
Four Common Tricks to Watch Out For
Scammers have many tricks, but they often use the same ones over and over. Here are four common tricks to look out for:
|
The Trick |
What It Looks Like |
What to Do |
|
1. Fake Emails (Phishing) |
You get an email that looks real, from a bank or a store you know. It asks you to click a link and enter your password or personal information. It might say your account is in trouble to make you act fast. |
Slow down. Look for mistakes like bad spelling. Don’t click the link. If you’re worried, go to the company’s website yourself or call them. |
|
2. Fake Tech Support |
A message pops up on your computer saying you have a virus. Or, someone calls you pretending to be from Microsoft or Apple, saying they need to fix your computer. They ask for money or to get control of your computer. |
Hang up or close the pop-up. Real tech support companies will never call you out of the blue. Never let someone you don’t know take control of your computer. |
|
3. The Grandparent Scam |
You get a call from someone pretending to be your grandchild. They say they are in trouble and need you to send money right away. They might say, “Don’t tell Mom and Dad.” |
Don’t send money. Hang up and call your grandchild or their parents directly to check on them. It’s almost always a trick. |
|
4. Romance Scams |
You meet someone on a dating site or social media. They are very charming and build your trust over time. Then, they start asking for money for emergencies or travel. |
Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Be very careful about sharing personal details. If it feels wrong, it probably is. |
Four Simple Habits for Online Safety
You don’t need to be a computer expert to be safe online. Just like locking your doors at night, a few good habits can make all the difference.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Think of your password as the key to your online home. You wouldn’t use the same key for your house, your car, and your safety deposit box. You should do the same with your passwords.
- Make them long: Use at least 12 characters.
- Mix it up: Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols (like !, @, or #).
- Don’t use personal information: Avoid using your birthday, your pet’s name, or other things people can easily guess.
- Use a password manager: This is a special, secure app that remembers all your passwords for you. You only have to remember one master password. It’s like having a secure vault for your digital keys.
2. Use a Double-Check System (Two-Factor Authentication)
This is an extra layer of security that’s very powerful. Even if a scammer steals your password, they still can’t get into your account without your phone. It works by sending a special code to your phone every time you log in from a new device. Many important accounts, like your bank and your email, offer this. Turn it on whenever you can.
3. Be Careful What You Click
Scammers want you to click on their links. A good rule of thumb is: if in doubt, don’t click.
- Don’t open attachments in emails you weren’t expecting, even if they seem to be from someone you know.
- Be suspicious of emails that create a sense of urgency, telling you to “act now!”
- If a friend sends you a strange link on social media or in an email, check with them on the phone before you click it. Their account might have been hacked.
4. Keep Your Devices Updated
Your phone, tablet, and computer get regular updates for a reason. These updates often include important security fixes that protect you from the latest threats. It’s best to turn on automatic updates so you don’t have to think about it.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed
If you think you’ve been scammed, don’t be embarrassed. It can happen to anyone. The most important thing is to act quickly.
- Call your bank or credit card company right away to report the problem and freeze your accounts.
- Change your passwords, especially for the account that was affected.
- Report the scam. This helps authorities track down the scammers and warn others.
You Are in Control
Staying safe online is about being careful and building good habits. You don’t need to be afraid of the internet. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy all the wonderful things the online world has to offer, with confidence and peace of mind.
If you ever feel overwhelmed or need help setting up your online safety plan, the friendly experts at Remaleh are here to help.