How Can I Keep Grandma and Grandpa Safe Online?

Internet safety for seniors is much the same as internet safety for anyone else. They need to be educated about how to handle threats, how to safely use social media, and how to keep their software up to date—especially antivirus programs.

Online safety starts with education. Seniors face the same malware and phishing attacks as everyone else, but they may be more vulnerable simply because they may have less experience navigating technology.

Take time to talk to your grandparents about online safety. Explain that not everything online can be trusted and that they should never give out personal information like credit card numbers to strangers online.

Online scams can be particularly dangerous to people who aren’t experienced in spotting them. Unfortunately, there are quite a few scams to look out for.

Here are some of the most common online scams:

1. Offers of free gifts and prizes
2. Offers of discounted prescription medications
3. Requests that claim to be from government agencies like the Social Security Administration that ask for personal info

Educate your loved ones about these scams and explain that if there is any doubt, they should ignore the email or message and let someone know about it right away.

Learn more about how to report an online scam.

Online scammers see the coronavirus pandemic as an opportunity to profit from uncertain times. They still use the same bait and switch tactics but make false—sometimes dangerous—promises like cheap toilet paper, medical supplies, and vaccines.

So far this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has received more than 130,000 complaints about COVID-19 scams—and the scammers have gotten away with over $130 million from vulnerable Americans.

The good news is that these tactics aren’t new, so there’s a lot you can do to help your older relatives spot a coronavirus scam:

• Delete emails claiming to come from “official” sources. Public health organizations don’t use email to spread important news. Instead, you should go straight to the source to get the latest information by visiting their websites directly:
• Official Coronavirus Resource Websites
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  World Health Organization (WHO)​

• Never click links in emails from unfamiliar senders. The first place you’ll hear about relief supplies, vaccinations, and coronavirus testing is through public health agencies and announcements in the national and local news.
• Block scam phone calls. Robocalls have been the most successful scams during the pandemic. Look up the FTC's guide to block unwanted calls and help set up blockers on loved ones' mobile or landline phones.
• Be wary on social media. Since March, researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have spotted nearly 2,000 fake posts promising coronavirus tests, cures, and treatments. They've also found financial scams hiding in plain sight on social media. Urge older family members to avoid any COVID-19 news, treatments, or calls for financial support that is posted only on social media platforms.

To learn more about avoiding COVID-19 scams, check out these articles from the Federal Trade Commission, Food and Drug Administration, and Norton.

How seniors use the internet is changing. Grandparents are taking to social media in increasing numbers to keep up with friends and family.

While this is great for relieving the social isolation that many experience as they age, it also means they need to be educated on safe social media use.

Here are a few social media safety principles to go over with your grandparents.

1. Using proper security settings on sites like Facebook
2. Avoiding posting personal information like phone numbers and addresses
3. Making sure they know who someone is before accepting friend requests

Install antivirus software on your grandparents’ computer, and show them how to keep it up to date.

This can help protect against the occasional lapse of judgment that we all experience from time to time and is well worth the investment.

• How to Secure Your Home Wi-Fi
• How to Help Seniors During the Coronavirus Pandemic
• How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi
• Smart Home Guide for Older Adults
• Ultimate Guide to Aging in Place