More and more older adults are going online these days. In 2022, Pew Research reported that 75% of adults aged 65+ are using the internet. Whether it’s video calling loved ones, shopping online, or reading the news, the internet has become part of daily life. But it also comes with risks. Scammers are smart, and they try to trick people in ways that can be hard to identify.
How to tell if something is a scam
Have you ever opened an email that looked official but something just felt off? Maybe it said you won a prize or needed to click a link to fix your account. If it made you pause or feel unsure, you were right to be cautious.
Scammers try to make their messages look real. They might pretend to be from your bank, a store you trust, or even a family member. But there are signs to look for:
- Messages that push you to act fast or scare you
- Emails or texts with odd grammar or spelling
- Strange web links or email addresses
- Offers that seem way too good to be true
If something doesn’t feel right, stop and double-check before doing anything. Scammers rely on people rushing and not asking questions. Taking your time is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
Types of online scams to watch out for
There are many kinds of online scams, but here are a few that show up often:
- Fake shopping sites: These websites may look like popular stores or may offer unheard-of bargains. They’ll take your money and never send anything, or worse, they’ll keep charging you.
- Phishing scams: You get an email that says there’s a problem with your account and you need to “log in” right away. The link leads to a fake page that steals your password.
- Tech support scams: A pop-up or email says your computer has a virus. They’ll ask you to pay for help or let them take control of your computer.
- Fake charities: After a disaster or during the holidays, scammers pretend to be a charity asking for donations.
All of these scams have one goal: to get your money or personal information.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed
Scammers are good at what they do. Even careful people can fall for their tricks. If something seems wrong, or if you already clicked, don’t panic. You can still take steps to protect yourself:
- Stop communicating with the scammer. Don’t reply or click again.
- Call your bank right away if you shared payment info or see strange charges. Ask about a chargeback for strange transactions.
- Change your passwords if you gave out a login.
- Report the scam at ftc.gov.
- Talk to someone you trust. You’re not alone, and there’s no reason to feel embarrassed.
Scammers hope you’ll stay quiet. But speaking up is the best way to stop them from hurting others.
Simple ways to stay safe online
You don’t have to be a computer whiz to protect yourself. Try these simple habits:
- Stick to websites and stores you know and trust. If something seems too good to be true, assume it is.
- Stop and investigate if you don’t know the source. If you receive unwanted emails or pop-ups, don’t click any links until you can identify what they are and who they come from.
- Use strong passwords. Use something hard to guess and avoid reusing the same one.
- Turn on two-step authentication when possible.
- Keep your devices and apps updated.
- Don’t click links in messages from people you don’t know.
It can also help to talk regularly with friends or family about new scams. If you see something suspicious, share it. You might help someone else avoid trouble.
The internet can be a great place to learn, connect, and explore. And like anything else, the more you know, the safer you’ll be. The Federal Trade Commission has easy-to-understand advice on all kinds of scams, whether they happen online, by phone, through email, or in texts. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to stay safe while enjoying everything the internet has to offer.
Source: IlluminAge
