Staying Safe Online: Guidance for Older People and Their Families

In a recent article, we examined how older adults are becoming more comfortable with using digital technology. Many now rely on it to stay in contact with family, arrange appointments, and get help from the comfort of their own homes. For our clients and families, this shift is encouraging. It promotes independence and a stronger sense of connection with others.

However, with these positives come new concerns. Supporting elderly loved ones now includes helping them avoid common online fraud, which often targets those less experienced with digital tools.

Online safety for older relatives

Below are some of the scams most frequently encountered, along with tips on how to help older family members steer clear of them.

Email Scams: Take a Moment Before Clicking

Scammers often create emails that appear to come from banks, courier firms, or government bodies. These messages typically warn of a problem with an account or request payment to reschedule a delivery, directing the person to click a link or provide sensitive details.

What to do: Encourage your loved one to be cautious with links in emails unless they are fully confident the message is legitimate. If they are unsure, it is best to ignore the email and contact the company directly using contact details they know and trust. Looking closely at the sender's email address can also reveal oddities or mistakes that suggest it is not genuine.

Bogus Online Stores: Be Wary of Unbelievable Bargains

Scam websites often appear during busy shopping seasons. These often advertise huge savings on in-demand products. While they may look legitimate, these sites are designed to collect card details or take payments without ever delivering the items.

What to do: Advise sticking to websites that are well-established and known to be reliable. If a site seems unfamiliar or a deal feels suspiciously too good to be true, take a step back and recheck. A family member can help confirm whether the site is trustworthy.

Online Relationships: Look Out for Scammers Pretending to Be Friends

For some older people, the internet offers companionship. Sadly, scammers exploit this to their advantage, creating fake identities and gradually building trust before requesting money or personal information.

What to do: Encourage open discussion. Let your relative know that it is fine to make friends online, but they should be cautious with personal details and money, especially if they have never met the person in person. If anything feels strange, suggest they talk it through with someone they know well.

Phone Scams: Do Not Be Rushed Not all scams happen online. Many are carried out over the phone, with callers claiming to be from a bank, the police, or another official body. They often try to pressure people into acting quickly, such as transferring money or giving out account numbers.

What to do: Remind your loved one that it is always okay to hang up. If a call feels suspicious, they should take a breath, end the conversation and call the company back using a trusted number. Make it clear that a real organisation will never rush someone into a decision.

Helping older family members stay safe today means considering their digital security as much as their physical well-being. Simple advice and regular chats can make a real difference in keeping loved ones safe and confident online.

If you're concerned about an elderly relative or want to learn how we can support them to live independently at home, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're always here to offer guidance or talk things through.

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