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Seniors

Safety Tips for Seniors

Navigate the internet with confidence and stay protected from those who would take advantage.

$3B+
lost to online fraud by seniors each year
70%
of elder fraud victims never report the crime

Why Are Seniors Targeted?

Seniors are frequently targeted by online criminals because they may be less familiar with evolving digital threats, are often more trusting, and tend to have more savings than younger people. Scammers exploit these factors ruthlessly.

The good news is that with a little awareness, these scams are easy to spot and avoid. You don't need to be a technology expert - just knowing the warning signs makes a huge difference.

Most Common Scams Targeting Seniors

Tech Support Scam
A pop-up or caller claims your computer has a virus and offers to fix it - for a fee. They often request remote access.
Microsoft and Apple will never call you unsolicited.
Online Romance Scam
A stranger builds a relationship over weeks or months, then asks for money for a crisis, medical bills, or travel.
Never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
Grandparent Scam
A caller pretends to be your grandchild in trouble (arrested, injured abroad) and begs you not to tell anyone.
Always hang up and call your grandchild directly.
Lottery / Prize Scam
You've won a prize! But first you must pay taxes or fees to claim it. The prize never arrives.
If you didn't enter, you didn't win.
Fake Bank Calls
Someone posing as your bank says your account is compromised and asks you to transfer funds to a "safe account."
Your bank will never ask you to move money.
Fake Invoices & Bills
Emails or texts claiming you owe money for a service you didn't order, with urgent payment links.
Log in directly to the company website - never via a link.

10 Golden Rules for Seniors Online

1
Slow down
Scammers create urgency. Take your time. A legitimate offer will still be there tomorrow.
2
Verify independently
If in doubt, hang up and call the organisation back using a number from their official website.
3
Never share passwords
No bank, government department, or tech company will ever ask for your password.
4
Use strong, unique passwords
Use a different password for each account. A password manager makes this easy.
5
Don't click unexpected links
Even if an email looks like it's from your bank, go to the website directly by typing the address.
6
Enable two-factor authentication
Add an extra verification step to your email and banking apps - it's a powerful line of defence.
7
Keep software updated
Updates fix security flaws. Enable automatic updates on your phone and computer.
8
Talk to someone you trust
Before sending money or sharing information, tell a family member or friend. A second opinion can save you.
9
Check privacy settings
Review what you share publicly on social media. Scammers use personal details to seem credible.
10
Report scams immediately
If you think you've been scammed, call 1-441-777-0875 or report online. Acting fast can limit the damage.

Think you've been scammed?

Don't be embarrassed - report it immediately. The sooner you act, the better the chance of recovering your money and stopping the criminals.

File a Report
1-441-777-0875

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