Online Safety for Seniors: Avoiding Scams While Learning and Browsing

The internet is an excellent tool for older adults. It allows you to stay connected with family and friends, explore personal interests and hobbies, and opens doors to lifelong learning, all from the comfort of home. Whether joining a virtual book club, reading the news, or video chatting with those who mean the most to you, going online has never been easier or more rewarding.

But just as the internet offers exciting possibilities, it also presents risks. Unfortunately, scammers and fraudsters often target older adults, hoping to catch people off guard with misleading emails, false promises, or confusing messages.

Seasons Retirement Communities believes that knowledge is power. When seniors are equipped with simple, practical tools for online safety, they can browse and learn confidently. In this article, we share easy-to-follow tips to help protect yourself from common online scams so that you can enjoy the internet safely and securely.

Why online safety matters for seniors

Online scams can happen to anyone, but cybercriminals often see older adults as easier targets. Scammers may assume seniors are less familiar with technology or more trusting of strangers online. While this isn’t always the case, it does mean that learning how to spot suspicious activity is especially important.

Online threats can take many forms – from phishing emails that look like messages from your bank, to fake websites asking for personal information. In more serious cases, these scams can lead to financial loss or identity theft.

The good news? You don’t need to be a computer expert to stay safe online. With a few smart habits and a little awareness, you can protect yourself and continue enjoying everything the internet offers.

Get to know the most common scams

Understanding what scams look like is the first step in avoiding them. Here are a few of the most common ones affecting older adults in Canada and across the globe:

• Tech support scams involve someone calling or emailing to say there’s a problem with your computer – and offering to “fix” it for a fee.
• Prize or lottery scams claim that you’ve won a contest, but require a “processing fee” or banking information to claim your prize.
• Phishing emails often look like they’re from a trusted source, such as a bank, government agency or online store. They usually ask you to click a link or provide personal information.
• Romance scams can happen through dating websites or social media. A scammer builds a relationship online by gaining trust and then asks for money.
• Fake charity appeals, often after natural disasters or news events, ask for donations to causes that aren’t real.

If something seems unusual or too good to be true, it’s always a good idea to pause and double-check.

Protect your personal information

Scammers often try to collect personal details like your social insurance number, credit card number, address, or password. Always think carefully before sharing information online.

Here are a few tips:

• Avoid posting sensitive information on social media, such as your full birthdate or address.
• Don’t share personal details in response to emails or text messages, even if they look official.
• Only enter personal details on secure websites – look for a padlock icon in the address bar and make sure the web address starts with “https://.”

Legitimate companies and government services will never pressure you to share personal details via email or phone. 

Choose strong passwords and keep them private

Passwords are key to staying safe online. A good password should include a mix of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid using easy-to-guess information like your name, pet name, or birth year.
• Don’t use the same password for every account.
• Keep your passwords private – never share them with anyone.
• Store your passwords securely using a password manager.
• Updating your passwords regularly is also a good habit to adopt.

Be careful when clicking links or opening attachments

Scammers often send emails or text messages that include suspicious links or attachments. Clicking on these can install harmful software on your device or take you to a fake website designed to steal your information.

To protect yourself:

• Don’t click links or open attachments in emails from people you don’t know.
• Hover your mouse over a link (without clicking) to see where it leads. If it looks unusual, don’t click it.
• If a message seems strange – even from someone familiar – double-check with them before clicking.

When in doubt, it’s better to delete the message than risk falling into a scam.

Stay smart on social media

Social media is a great way to keep in touch with family and friends, but it can also be a place where scams and misinformation can spread.

Here are a few ways to stay safe:

• Be careful when clicking on links or quizzes shared by others – some may be designed to collect your personal information.
• Be cautious when accepting friend requests from people you don’t know.
• Don’t share too much personal information in public posts or your profile.
• If someone you know sends a strange message asking for money or help, call them directly to confirm. Their account may have been hacked.

Taking a moment to verify before acting can prevent any potential problems or threats to your online security.

Keep your devices up to date

Your tablet, phone, or computer needs regular updates to stay protected from new threats. These updates fix security issues and help keep your device running smoothly.

If you’re unsure how to install updates, ask a trusted family member or one of the team members at your Seasons community. Installing antivirus software and using secure Wi-Fi networks is also good, especially when handling sensitive information.

Learn and browse with confidence

Online safety doesn’t mean avoiding the internet, but using it wisely. Whether you enjoy watching videos, sending emails, reading articles, or attending virtual events, technology can enrich your life in meaningful ways.

At Seasons Retirement Communities, our team members are happy to help residents learn to use technology confidently and safely. Whether it’s supporting learning to use video chat, setting up an email account, or understanding privacy settings, there’s always someone available to lend a hand.

Some communities offer tech-focused workshops or one-on-one support to help residents feel more comfortable with their devices. We encourage older adults to embrace learning at any stage, knowing they have the support they need.

Technology can keep us connected, engaged, and informed – especially as we age. But navigating the digital world with awareness and avoiding misinformation is essential. By learning how to recognize scams, protect your information, and practice safe browsing habits, you can enjoy all the benefits of the internet without worry.

Seasons Retirement Communities is here to help residents make the most of their online experiences while staying safe. With the proper knowledge and support, older adults can continue learning, exploring and connecting securely and empoweringly.