From video calls with grandkids to online banking and social media, more seniors than ever are staying connected digitally. The internet opens a whole new world for older adults, and that’s a wonderful thing. But with greater connectivity comes greater exposure to people who want to take advantage of vulnerable seniors.
The good news is staying safe online doesn’t require a tech degree. It just takes a little awareness and a few smart habits you can start using today. In this blog, we’ll explore internet safety and how Green Country Village is helping seniors stay informed, empowered and protected through a spring education series featuring smartphone useful tips and shortcuts, getting your affairs in order, and rightsizing into a more simplified lifestyle. Online safety is also a good reason to have the talk with aging parents sooner rather than later.
Phishing Scams: Don’t Take the Bait
Here’s one of the more sobering internet safety facts: online scammers disproportionately target seniors. Why? Older adults are often perceived as more trusting, less familiar with digital red flags and more likely to have savings or assets worth stealing. Knowing this puts you one step ahead in online safety for seniors.
Phishing is when someone pretends to be a trusted source, like your bank, the IRS or even a grandchild in trouble, to trick you into handing over personal information or money. These scams arrive by email, text and phone. They’ve gotten incredibly convincing, but here’s how you can spot them:
- Watch for red flags. Threats or urgent messages saying “Act immediately or your account will be closed” are designed to panic you into reacting without thinking. Pause before you click anything.
- Check the sender’s email address carefully. Scammers use addresses that look almost right, like support@amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com.
- When in doubt, call directly. If you get a suspicious message from your bank, a government agency or business, hang up, don’t respond to the text or close the email, then call the official number on their website. Never use a phone number provided in the suspicious message itself.
- Be skeptical. Legitimate organizations will never ask for your password, Social Security number or payment via gift card.
Identity Theft Happens Fast. These Four Habits Can Prevent It.
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information, like your Social Security number, bank account details or date of birth, to open accounts, make purchases or commit fraud in your name. These four habits go a long way toward keeping your identity safe:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account. A password like “GreenTulsa2024!” is far better than “password123.” If you need help keeping everything organized, check out this Forbes article on the best password managers.
- Enable multifactor authentication when available. This adds a second layer of security, usually a code emailed or texted to your phone, before anyone can log in.
- Review your bank and credit card statements regularly and report anything unfamiliar right away.
- Be cautious about what you share on social media. Birthdates, hometowns and family names can all be pieced together by someone with bad intentions.
How To Use the Internet Safely Whether You’re Shopping, Banking or Browsing
Whether you’re checking email or shopping for gifts, these everyday internet safety tips can make a real difference:
- Look for the padlock. Before entering any personal or financial information on a website, make sure the web address starts with “https” and shows a small padlock icon. That means the site is encrypted and more secure.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks. Free Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or airport is convenient but not secure. Save your banking and personal browsing for your home network.
- Don’t click pop-up warnings. If a pop-up suddenly tells you your device has a virus and instructs you to call a number immediately, don’t. This is a common scam called “scareware.” Close the window and move on.
Small Devices, Big Risks: Online Safety Tips for Smartphones and Tablets
Since most of us now carry the internet in our pockets, online safety for seniors extends to our devices as well.
- Keep your software updated. Those update notifications can feel annoying, but they often contain important security fixes. Make it a habit to regularly update operating system and apps.
- Set a screen lock. Use a PIN, fingerprint or face recognition to unlock your device. This keeps your information protected if it’s ever lost or stolen.
- Only download apps from official stores. Stick to the Apple App Store or Google Play. Third-party app sources can contain malicious software.
- Be careful what you tap in text messages. Scam texts, often called “smishing,” work just like phishing emails. If you get a text from an unknown number with a link, don’t tap it.
From Smartphones to Senior Living: Our Spring Series Covers What Matters Most
Staying safe online is absolutely within reach. With the right knowledge and a few consistent habits, you can enjoy everything the internet has to offer with confidence. We believe education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer our community. That’s why we’re bringing in subject matter experts to explore topics that matter most to you. If you’re helping a parent or loved one stay safe and plan ahead, explore our family resources for more guidance.
Join us April 14 for “Your Smartphone Made Easy.” Bartlesville High School National Honor Society students will walk attendees through smartphone essentials, from spotting scams and blocking unwanted calls to turning on helpful safety features. They’ll offer one-on-one support and practical tips to help make your smartphone usage easier and more enjoyable.
If you can’t make that event, you’ll have two more opportunities to get practical answers from trusted voices. On May 13, attorney Kinder Shamhart, partner with Maddux, Ihrig & Shamhart, will discuss “Getting Your Affairs in Order.” She’ll offer guidance on wills and trusts, elder law, guardianship and durable powers of attorney. A panel of senior services experts will also be on hand to help you navigate aging resources and options.
Our series concludes June 5 with “Overwhelmed to Overjoyed: The Path to Rightsizing One Box at a Time.” Kari Halferty of Keller Williams Realty will demystify today’s real estate market and share practical downsizing tips. Attendees will also hear from residents who have moved to Green County Village and are eager to share their insights about transitioning to senior living.
Learn more about our spring education series and RSVP.
Featured Image: Halfpoint / Shutterstock
