Senior Internet Safety Guide

The internet connects seniors with family, provides access to essential services, and offers entertainment and social opportunities. But older adults are also disproportionately targeted by online scammers. Americans over 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to online fraud in 2023, according to the FBI. This guide provides straightforward, practical advice for staying safe online.

Why Seniors Are Targeted

Understanding why scammers focus on older adults helps you recognize and avoid their tactics:

Financial stability — Seniors often have savings, retirement funds, and home equity
Trusting nature — Older generations may be more trusting of authority figures and official-sounding communications
Isolation — Living alone or having limited social contact can make scams harder to discuss with others
Technology learning curve — Less familiarity with digital platforms can make scam tactics harder to recognize
Reluctance to report — Embarrassment about being scammed prevents many seniors from reporting incidents

Most Common Scams Targeting Seniors

Tech Support Scams

Pop-up warnings appear on your screen saying your computer is infected
A phone number is displayed urging you to call immediately
The "technician" asks for remote access to your computer and payment to fix fake problems

What to do: Close the browser entirely. Legitimate companies like Microsoft and Apple never send unsolicited warnings or calls about your computer.

Government Impersonation

Callers claim to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare
They threaten arrest, benefit suspension, or legal action
They demand immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency

What to do: Hang up. Government agencies communicate primarily by mail and never demand immediate payment by phone.

Grandparent Scams

A caller pretends to be your grandchild in distress
They claim to be in jail, stranded, or in an accident
They beg you not to tell their parents and ask for money immediately

What to do: Hang up and call your grandchild directly at their known phone number. Verify the story before taking any action.

Romance Scams

Someone on a dating site or social media develops a deep emotional connection
Over time, they ask for money for emergencies, travel, or investments
They always have excuses for why they cannot meet in person or video chat

What to do: Never send money to someone you have not met in person. Use ActualPeopleSearch to verify their claimed identity and run their photos through a reverse image search.

Investment Scams

Promises of guaranteed high returns with no risk
Cryptocurrency trading platforms that look professional but are fraudulent
Pressure to invest quickly before "missing out"

What to do: Consult a trusted financial advisor before making any investment. Verify the company through the SEC or FINRA databases.

Essential Security Practices

Password Security

Strong passwords are your first line of defense:

Use a unique password for every account — Never reuse passwords
Make passwords long — At least 12 characters
Use a password manager — Applications like 1Password or Bitwarden remember your passwords securely
Never share passwords via email, text, or phone — No legitimate company will ask for your password

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding a second step to your login process significantly improves security:

Enable 2FA on email, banking, and social media accounts
Use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) rather than text message codes when possible
Save backup codes in a secure location

Email Safety

Do not click links in unexpected emails, even if they appear to be from companies you use
Go directly to websites by typing the address in your browser rather than clicking email links
Check the sender's address carefully — Scammers use addresses that look similar to real ones
Be wary of attachments from unknown senders
When in doubt, delete the email and contact the company through their official website

Phone Safety

Do not answer calls from unknown numbers — Let them go to voicemail
Never give personal information to someone who called you
Do not call numbers left in voicemail scam messages
Register with the Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov

Protecting Personal Information

Online

Be cautious about what you share on social media — Avoid posting your full birthdate, address, or travel plans
Review privacy settings on Facebook and other platforms
Do not accept friend requests from people you do not know in real life
Check your information on people search sites like ActualPeopleSearch and opt out if you want your data removed

Financial Information

Monitor bank statements regularly for unauthorized charges
Set up account alerts for transactions over a certain amount
Use credit cards rather than debit cards for online purchases (better fraud protection)
Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion if you are not planning to apply for new credit
Shred financial documents before discarding

Medical Information

Protect your Medicare number — Treat it like a credit card number
Be skeptical of unsolicited health-related offers — Free medical devices, genetic testing kits, or special Medicare plans offered by phone are often scams
Verify medical providers before sharing information

Safe Browsing Habits

Look for HTTPS in website addresses before entering personal information
Keep your browser updated — Updates include important security patches
Use antivirus software and keep it current
Be cautious with public WiFi — Avoid accessing banking or sensitive accounts on public networks
Close unused browser tabs — Reduce exposure to malicious ads

Getting Help

If You Think You Have Been Scammed

Contact your bank immediately — They may be able to stop or reverse transactions
Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
File a report with local police
Contact the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov for internet crimes
Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network helpline: 877-908-3360
Do not be embarrassed — Reporting helps protect others

Trusted Resources

AARP Fraud Watch Network — aarp.org/fraud
FBI Elder Fraud — fbi.gov/scams-and-safety
FTC Consumer Information — consumer.ftc.gov
National Elder Fraud Hotline — 833-FRAUD-11

Ask for Help

If you are unsure about something online:

Ask a trusted family member or friend before clicking, sending money, or sharing information
Contact your bank before making any financial decisions prompted by an unsolicited contact
Call the company directly using a number you know is legitimate (from your card, statement, or official website)

The internet is a valuable tool for staying connected and informed. With basic security practices and a healthy skepticism toward unsolicited contacts, you can enjoy its benefits while protecting yourself from those who would take advantage.