Secure Online Purchases for the Elderly
With the rise of e-commerce, more people, including seniors, are opting to shop online for convenience and access to a broader range of products.
Shopping for seniors from the comfort of home can be a great advantage, especially when mobility is an issue. However, with the benefits come risks, such as online fraud, identity theft, and financial scams that target older adults.
In this article, we'll explore practical senior online shopping safety tips and avoid common pitfalls.
Why Online Security Is Important for Seniors
As the digital world evolves, so do the tactics of scammers and cybercriminals. Seniors are often seen as vulnerable targets because they may not be as familiar with technology, making them susceptible to fraud or phishing schemes. Some of the risks include:
- Phishing emails that mimic legitimate companies
- Fake websites designed to steal personal information
- Insecure payment methods that lead to credit card fraud
- Identity theft through unsecured data or scams
By adopting a few straightforward practices, seniors can shop online safely and confidently.
Shop Only on Secure Websites
Safe internet use for the elderly starts with ensuring that the website being used is safe. A secure website typically has the following indicators.
URL Starts With "https"
The "s" in "https" stands for secure, indicating that the website encrypts any information shared, such as personal or payment data. Websites without the "s" (http) should be avoided.
Lock Symbol
Look for a padlock icon in the browser's address bar next to the URL. This indicates that the website is encrypted and safe to use.
Reputable Companies
Stick to well-known retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or other trusted brands. Scammers often create fake websites that look legitimate, so when in doubt, check reviews or contact the company directly.
Use Strong Passwords
A good password should include a combination of:
- Upper and lower-case letters
- Numbers
- Special characters (!, @, #, etc.)
Avoid using easily guessed passwords, such as birthdays, pet names, or the word "password." Additionally, seniors should avoid reusing the same password across multiple accounts.
Using a password manager like LastPass can help keep track of different passwords securely, which reduces the likelihood of being hacked. It also means that you won't write down your password on your phone or in a notebook and risk it getting stolen.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
For added protection, seniors should enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. With 2FA, logging into an account requires both a password and a secondary form of verification, such as a code sent to a phone or email.
Even if someone gains access to the password, they won't be able to access the account without the second factor.
Many online retailers, financial institutions, and email providers offer 2FA as an additional layer of security, and it's worth taking the time to set it up to save your hard-earned money from being stolen.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Shopping
No online shopping guide for seniors would be complete without this particular tip.
While it may be tempting to shop online using public Wi-Fi at cafes, libraries, or airports, this can be a risky practice. Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure, making it easier for hackers to intercept sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or personal details.
Seniors should avoid making any online purchases or entering personal information when using public Wi-Fi. If online shopping is necessary while out and about, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide an added layer of security by encrypting the internet connection.
Monitor Bank and Credit Card Statements
Regularly monitoring bank and credit card statements is crucial to detect any unauthorized purchases or fraudulent activity. Many seniors might not check their statements regularly, but this practice can help catch any suspicious charges early.
Encourage seniors to:
- Review their statements monthly
- Look for any charges they don't recognize
- Report any suspicious activity immediately to the bank or credit card company
Many financial institutions also offer fraud alerts, which can notify account holders of unusual or large transactions. Signing up for these alerts can provide peace of mind and help protect seniors online even further.
Watch Out for Scams and Phishing Attempts
Phishing scams are a common way cybercriminals trick people into sharing sensitive information. These scams often come in the form of:
- Emails pretending to be from a reputable retailer or bank
- Messages offering deals that seem "too good to be true"
- Fake delivery notifications asking for personal information
Seniors should be cautious about clicking on links in emails, especially if they didn't expect to receive a message from the company. Scammers can create websites that look identical to real companies, so it's essential to visit websites directly by typing the URL into the browser rather than clicking on links from emails.
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid giving out personal information, such as Social Security numbers, through email or phone unless you are certain of the recipient's legitimacy.
Keep Personal Information Private
Seniors should be cautious about sharing personal information online, especially on social media or untrusted websites. Hackers can use seemingly innocent information, such as a birthday or mother's maiden name, to gain access to accounts or commit identity theft.
Remind seniors not to:
- Share too much personal information on social media
- Enter personal details on websites that don't seem secure
Never, ever give out personal information over the phone to unsolicited callers. Banks and other financial institutions will never ask for such information on the phone. They have other ways of verifying you, such as your voice, phone number, or other such details.
Shopping for Seniors - Follow Our Elderly Cybersecurity Tips
There's no need to live in fear and avoid online shopping for seniors because you are afraid of scams or your identity or information being stolen. It's all about following the elderly cybersecurity tips shared above and staying informed.
Also, ask for help from the folks near you if you are in a senior living community whenever you need it. At Clay Gardens Place Assisted Living in Zanesville, Ohio, we develop individual care plans for all our residents. We also have a full-time registered nurse available 24 hours a day.
Schedule a tour to see our community for yourself.