Senior-Friendly Guide to Avoiding Online Scams

Look for these warning signs: unexpected emails requesting urgent action, generic greetings like "Dear Customer" instead of your name, suspicious sender addresses that don't match the company they claim to be from, and requests for personal information. Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive information via email.

First, don't panic. If you've shared financial information, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Change passwords for any compromised accounts. Report the scam to local authorities and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Our Get Help page provides detailed step-by-step guidance for specific situations.

Education is key. Share our resources with them and walk through examples together. Set up regular check-ins to discuss any suspicious communications they receive. Consider setting up email filters and security software on their devices. Encourage them to always verify requests by contacting companies directly using official phone numbers or websites, not links in emails.

Most government agencies like Social Security Administration and Medicare rarely initiate contact by phone, email, or text message. They typically communicate through postal mail. If someone claiming to be from a government agency contacts you requesting personal information or payment, it's likely a scam. Hang up and call the agency directly using their official number.

Shop only on reputable websites that use secure connections (look for "https" in the URL and a padlock icon). Use credit cards rather than debit cards for better fraud protection. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Research unfamiliar retailers before purchasing. Consider using a dedicated email address just for online shopping to reduce phishing risks.