Online bad actors don’t discriminate by age
Seniors are connected as much as others but account for the largest portion of cybercrime victims. Take action to keep seniors safe.
Helping seniors navigate online
Staying safe online
Seniors are the number one victims of cybercrime
Older adults face unique threats when they’re connected. First things first: seniors should stick to the same cybersecurity essentials as other adults. Click through below to see what you can do to protect seniors.
Cybersecurity basicsProvide a digital “safe place”
Navigating the digital world can feel daunting for many, but it's an especially challenging landscape for seniors—it's important to understand why seniors are targeted and how to stay protected. Opening lines of communication and talking about digital life with seniors lays a foundation for awareness and support. Practice and share these tips, including the Then & Now workbook.
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Get involved and interested in seniors’ digital lives. Ask questions and find out what services and accounts they find useful. Set the stage to be their cybersecurity “safe place.”
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Talk with seniors about cybersecurity risks, including ones that are unique to seniors. Encourage good cybersecurity essentials, like strong passwords, password manager and MFA. Stay alert to new scams like quishing (QR code phishing) and share them with older adults.
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Watch out for inappropriate relationships that may grow online, including cyberbullying or sweetheart scams.
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We want to assume the best but beware of family and friends that might take advantage of an older adult.
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Follow up on new or unknown friends or caretakers who seem inappropriately involved or interested in seniors’ digital lives and accounts.
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Like other later-in-life issues, talking about plans for digital accounts and online profiles before big changes in mental and physical health is critical. Have conversations early and often.
Know bad actors’ methods
Bad actors are always evolving. But a few types of attacks are common when targeting seniors.
Learn about unique threats for seniors
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Older adults can be vulnerable to phishing and other scams that use urgency. Let them know they should never send money or personal information without verifying who’s requesting it.
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Let seniors know that key services and programs they depend on will never ask for personal information unsolicited over the phone, email or through text messages. This includes services like the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, banks and retirement account services. Report scam attempts to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
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Seniors often travel a lot in retirement! Encourage them not to share travel plans online. It lets bad actors know where they are, making them more vulnerable to personalized cyberattacks when they aren’t home.
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Cybercriminals will often impersonate loved ones like grandchildren on the phone, texts or through emails. Let them know to always verify frightening information before making decisions.
Plan together for peace of mind online
Taking some steps early and making good plans can lead to less stress and an easier digital life for seniors down the road.
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Talk about setting up safeguards at the bank, on investment portals, credit bureaus and other important online portals before they’re needed.
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Discuss or review bank statements and other important online accounts frequently together. Contact the bank immediately if you find anything unusual.
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Consider setting up a credit freeze for seniors.
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Occasionally talk about and review monthly subscriptions and prescription purchases to make sure they’re not signed up for fraudulent or unwanted services that target seniors.