Computers and Seniors
Seniors tend to have fewer internet and computer skills and tend to be more trusting. As a result, they are often victims of online scams. Here are some things to be wary of over the internet:
- Free gifts, prizes, or vacations
- Invasive and personal quizzes and surveys
- Sharing information on profiles
- Cyber bullying
- Links sent to you by people you don’t know. By clicking the link, you may be taken to a site that looks real, but is not.
- Some scams may contain text that warns you against fraud, since many people believe that an email that warns them to be careful is legitimate. Always be cautious.
- Do not believe that someone you don’t know is going to give you money.
Seniors can protect themselves by:
- Being careful with the links and attachments they open
- Turning on a firewall
- Using secure passwords
- Being on the look out for scams
- Setting up automatic updates
Other information and resources:
- http://www.atg.wa.gov/InternetSafety/Seniors.aspx
- http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Older-Americans_Cybersecurity.pdf
- https://www.nh.gov/doit/cybersecurity/resources/documents/nl201306-keeping-senior-citizens-safe.pdf