June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a time to spotlight the importance of safeguarding older adults from financial exploitation and fraud—including online scams. As more of our daily lives take place digitally, it’s critical that older adults and their loved ones know how to stay safe and protect personal information. Whether you’re navigating the internet yourself or helping a parent or grandparent stay connected, these tips can help protect privacy and prevent fraud.
Think Before You Post
The internet is forever. Once a photo, a message, or a social media post goes online, it can be copied, shared, or archived—even if you delete it. Always pause before posting anything personal, emotional, or private. Oversharing can unintentionally reveal information scammers can use.
Stay Cautious with Unfamiliar Messages
If you receive an unsolicited email or text—especially about your taxes, banking, or credit cards—don’t click on any links. Instead, call the company using a verified phone number (such as the number on the back of your credit card) to confirm the issue.
A good rule of thumb: if it seems suspicious, it probably is. And just like with phone calls, if it’s important, the sender will follow up.
Don’t Trust Strange Emails—Even From Friends
Sometimes scam emails appear to come from people you know. If a message from a friend feels impersonal or out of character, don’t reply or click on anything. Instead, reach out to them directly using a phone number or email address you trust.
Use Stronger Passwords with Passphrases
Rather than simple passwords, consider using passphrases—short, easy-to-remember sentences with a mix of capital letters, symbols, and numbers (e.g., ButterfliesSwimWithFrogs!48).
Try to use a different passphrase for each account, and write them down in a safe place away from your computer. While some people like password manager tools, they can be confusing, so it’s okay to stick with handwritten notes if that feels more comfortable.
Watch Out for “Tech Support” Scams
One of the most common scams targeting older adults starts with a scary-looking pop-up that says something like: “Virus detected! Call this number immediately!”
Don’t call the number. Scammers on the other end may ask to “fix” your computer for a fee, install software, or even gain access to your screen and online banking. Once they have access, the fraud becomes real.
If you think your computer has a virus, contact a trusted local technician or family member instead. Never give screen access to someone you don’t know.
Be Wary of Gift Card Requests
Scammers may ask you to pay bills, fees, or fines using gift cards. This is a major red flag. Gift cards should only be used to give presents to people you know—not to send money. If someone demands payment by gift card, stop and seek help. It’s almost always a scam.
Delete Suspicious Emails and Texts
When in doubt, throw it out. If you receive a message that feels off, delete it before clicking on anything. Never share personal or financial information with people you don’t know, no matter how urgent or official the message seems.
Trust Your Instincts
Even if you mistakenly delete a real message, don’t worry. If it’s important, they’ll reach out again. It’s better to miss a real message than to fall for a scam. Staying alert is your best defense.
Learn More
Online safety is essential for older adults and their families. For more tools and information about protecting yourself from fraud, especially financial scams, visit Union Savings Bank’s Security Page.