Great tips to help protect seniors from online scams

The increased accessibility of seniors to technology in general and the internet in particular makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals. As the digital presence of seniors increases, cybercriminals continue to exploit their lack of vigilance, their tendency to respond to strange messages, and their trusting nature.

Here are some important tips to help protect your elderly loved ones from online scams.

1. Listen and build trust

When you suspect a loved one is dealing with a scammer, the most important thing is not to criticize, but to listen. Older adults may feel embarrassed or defensive when reminded of the possibility of letting their guard down.

Let them tell their story first, share their feelings, and explain what happened. When they are listened to, they will open up and be less likely to hide the situation.

Then, gently ask if they want your help. This is crucial: you cannot help someone who does not want help. If they agree, collect evidence such as emails, screenshots, bank transactions, messages, etc. to serve as a report or handle with the bank.

Participate in the process with your loved one, rather than doing everything for them. This helps them feel respected rather than controlled.

2. Remind them that an immediate response is not required.

All scammers use time pressure tactics. They create a sense of “urgency” such as an account being locked in 24 hours, a one-time financial opportunity, or a loved one “in trouble” who needs money immediately.

Cybersecurity experts say older people are more likely to respond quickly to threatening messages, making them ideal targets during the holiday shopping season and for mass scams.

So, encourage your parents and grandparents to ignore text messages from unknown numbers, not click on links, and not listen to unusual voicemails. You can also ask them to forward suspicious messages to you before responding.

When they don't get any interaction, the scammer will quickly move on to another target.

3. Seek out anti-fraud organizations when necessary

If a loved one shows signs of being manipulated into a romance scam, cryptocurrency investment scam, or money transfer scam, you need to approach the situation more delicately. Accusing or criticizing them can easily put them in a defensive state.

Instead, encourage them to talk to a neutral friend or professional. If necessary, you can seek support from agencies such as police and law enforcement agencies; local senior centers.

You should also encourage seniors to attend anti-fraud seminars and events to increase awareness. Community interaction helps them avoid feelings of loneliness, a factor that scammers often exploit.

4. Encourage the use of security tools

Seniors should be guided to install basic, easy-to-use security tools such as antivirus software with built-in phishing detection features, spam call blockers, browsers with dangerous website warnings, or messaging apps with suspicious content detection features.

On Android devices, Google has added phishing alerts directly into the messaging app. Teach your loved ones how to read the alerts, how to block phone numbers, and how to notify you if they receive unusual notifications.

5. Keep in touch regularly

Monitoring an older person’s devices without their knowledge is often counterproductive and leads to distrust. A better solution is to maintain regular contact, such as weekly video calls, face-to-face conversations when possible, and ask about the people they meet, the sites they visit, and the emails they receive.

Being present in their lives will help them share sooner if something seems suspicious. This is especially important if your loved one is showing signs of cognitive decline, has difficulty assessing risk, or lives alone.

If you need to track certain devices like phones or tablets, get their permission first. Most companies like Apple and Samsung have basic management features built in that will allow you to track them securely without making them feel intrusive.

6. Report fraud to the authorities

If this has happened, the most important thing is to act immediately by reporting the incident to the police, notifying the bank immediately and requesting that the transaction be blocked, all relevant passwords be changed and the device be checked for malware.

In short, seniors are prime targets for cybercriminals. But with care, honest communication, and the right security measures, you can help your parents and grandparents use the internet with confidence without falling victim to scammers.

Let's start by listening, guiding gently and being there for them, because the safety of our loved ones is our responsibility and the most meaningful gift we can give them.