Online safety tips for seniors: Everything you need to know

What are the main causes for older adults being at risk online? 

Online safety is important at any age, but if you haven’t spent that much time online, you may find some parts more confusing than those who’ve grown up with the internet. Many scams succeed simply because they’re unfamiliar and designed to catch you off guard.

A few reasons why you may be more exposed to certain risks include:

• Less daily exposure to online scams. If you don’t use email, websites, or messaging apps often, you may not have seen the kinds of tactics scammers use.
• Unfamiliarity with what’s “normal” online. When you’re more used to interacting with people in person, it’s not always easy to tell when an online message, ad, or pop-up seems suspicious.
• Assuming good intentions. It’s normal for people to be raised to be polite, generous, and give others the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, scammers often exploit that goodwill in online interactions.

18 online safety tips for seniors 

The internet opens the door to connecting with others, managing daily tasks, and enjoying hobbies. But with those benefits come risks. These 18 essential online safety tips are here to help you stay informed.

1. Don’t react to “urgent” requests

Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency to cloud your judgment. They may pretend to be from the IRS, your bank, or even a loved one in trouble. One common trick is the “grandparent scam," where someone calls you claiming your grandchild is in the hospital and needs money immediately.

If you’re being pressured to act fast, especially with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, it’s almost certainly a scam. Hang up and verify the situation with someone you trust. 

2. Be wary of unrealistic offers

Scammers instill feelings of excitement and hope to get your attention. You may see emails or ads promising lottery winnings, high-return investments, or miracle cures. These offers come with a catch – the scammer usually asks for payment or sensitive personal information up front.

3. Think before you click

Links in emails or messages from unknown senders are often bait. Clicking them can lead you to fake websites or trigger a download that installs malware, ​​short for “malicious software.” 

To stay safe, don’t click links directly. Instead, visit the company’s official website by searching for it yourself (not by copying a link from the message) or call its customer service number from a trusted source.

4. Think before opening attachments

​​Even if an email appears to come from someone you know, don’t open attachments unless you were expecting them. Cybercriminals often hack real accounts and use them to send infected files.

5. Ignore unsolicited phone calls and “robocalls”

Unsolicited phone calls are a common entry point for scams. Some use AI-generated voice clones to mimic a friend or family member. Others pretend to be from your bank, Medicare, or a tech company. One of the most common scams involves a caller claiming your computer has a virus and urging you to give them remote access or pay for repairs.

If you didn’t request that someone call you, don’t engage. Hang up and directly contact your friend or the organization the caller claimed to represent to determine if the call was legitimate.

6. Don’t post personal information on social media

Sharing your full name, birthday, address, or photos of your home or travel plans gives scammers the information they need to steal your digital identity or plan a scam. They can use it to guess passwords, answer security questions, impersonate you online, or time a scam while you’re away from home.

Before posting, ask yourself: Could this help someone figure out where I live, when I'm not home, or what accounts I may have?

7. Use privacy settings on social media

Most social networking sites allow you to adjust privacy settings so that your posts and profile details are only visible to people you trust. 

Start by checking who can see your profile information, posts, photos, friend and follower lists, and tagged content. Set these to “Friends only” or “Private” whenever possible. Leaving your settings on “Public” means anyone can see what you share.

Also, be cautious with social quizzes or surveys, especially ones that ask personal questions about your health or income. These often collect data that can be sold or misused. If a quiz feels too personal, skip it.

8. Use strong and unique passwords

A weak or reused password makes it much easier for scammers to break in. Create a different password for each important account, using a mix of letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and symbols. Avoid easy-to-guess info like your pet’s name or birth year.

If keeping track of passwords feels overwhelming, consider using a password manager — a tool that creates strong passwords for you and stores them in one secure place. Ask a trusted family member to help you set one up if needed.

9. Set up two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication gives your accounts added protection. After entering your password, you’ll be asked to confirm your identity by entering a code sent to a second place (for example, your email address). If you’re unsure how to enable this, ask a trusted family member to help you set it up.

10. Guard your Social Security number

Protect your Social Security number because it’s a goldmine for scammers. Never share it online unless you know exactly who you’re dealing with (for example, your doctor’s office, accountant, or a government agency you contacted directly). Also, make sure the website is secure — look for “https” at the beginning of the web address and a small lock icon in the browser bar.

For other key details to protect, see our detailed guide: What information do cybercriminals steal? 

11. Research before donating

Scammers create fake charities, especially in the wake of a crisis or disaster, hoping to catch people when they’re feeling generous. Before you donate, take a moment to verify the organization through a reliable source, such as a government registry or Charity Navigator, a non-profit website that rates charities based on their transparency, financial practices, and legitimacy.

12. Don’t use public Wi-Fi for personal transactions

Public Wi-Fi networks in airports, hotels, or coffee shops aren’t always secure. Other users on the same network may see your activity, including login details and payment information.

To be safe, avoid checking bank accounts or making purchases while connected to public Wi-Fi. If you need to perform a sensitive task, wait until you’re on a private and secure connection, such as the one you use at home.

13. Use a VPN

A VPN (virtual private network) is an online security tool that creates a private connection to the internet. Using one makes it much harder for anyone to spy on your activity, especially if you’re traveling or using public Wi-Fi. If you’re not sure how to install one, ask a trusted loved one to help.

14. Monitor your online banking accounts

Regular monitoring of bank accounts is one of the best ways to prevent identity theft — you’ll spot unauthorized activity before it can cause serious harm. Check your bank and credit accounts regularly to catch suspicious charges — those that you have not made — early. Consider using credit monitoring tools, which alert you to unusual activity tied to your accounts or identity.

15. Don’t click on pop-up windows on your phone or computer

If a window suddenly appears on your screen claiming your device is infected or offering free services, it’s most likely a scam designed to scare you into clicking, which often leads to fake tech support or harmful downloads. Close the window or browser tab immediately. 

16. Keep devices up to date 

Software updates may seem like a nuisance, but they often include critical security fixes. Turn on automatic updates so that you don’t have to think about them.

17. Install reputable security software

Good security software adds another layer of protection to your devices. Invest in a trusted antivirus program that automatically scans for threats. Avoid unknown or “free” software providers — many are scams themselves.

18. Know where you get your news

Bad actors often spread false information to cause confusion or push an agenda. These stories can lead you to unsafe websites, trigger emotional reactions, or trick you into donating or sharing personal details. This is especially common on social media, where false headlines spread quickly and often come from unfamiliar sources.

To protect yourself, stick to reputable news sources you trust. If you see a story that seems emotionally charged, take a moment to double-check it with another source before sharing or acting on it.

Other internet safety tips for seniors 

Beyond the specific threats we’ve covered, some general safety principles can help protect you online. Keep these practical guidelines in mind as you use the internet.

• If there’s a real emergency, your family will contact you directly. Don’t send money to someone unless you’ve verified the situation with a trusted source.
• If someone claims that you owe money, take time to verify it. Legitimate institutions don’t ask for surprise payments over email or phone.
• People online aren’t always who they say they are, especially on dating sites. Take your time getting to know who you’re talking with and avoid sharing personal or financial details early on. Never send money to someone you’ve never met in person.

What to do if your information has been compromised  

Even with the best precautions, online scams can happen, but you can take a few steps to limit the damage and regain control of your accounts and information.

Report cyber abuse or fraud

If someone sends you threatening, manipulative, or aggressive messages online, don’t ignore it. This behavior may violate harassment or fraud laws.

Keep a copy of the messages and report the incident to a trusted authority. In the US, you can:

• Report to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Visit ic3.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission. Call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Reach out to your local law enforcement. File a report with your local police department or sheriff's office.

Report identity theft

If you think someone has misused your personal information, such as opening accounts in your name, you should report the identity theft right away.

In the US, visit IdentityTheft.gov or call the FTC’s identity theft hotline at 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338). This government site will guide you through the identity theft recovery process — how to report the fraud, alert financial institutions, and take steps to protect your credit.

Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA)

If your Social Security number has been misused (for example, to open accounts or claim benefits), call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. It can help you review your record and take steps to protect your identity moving forward.

Contact your bank and freeze your credit

If any of your financial accounts may have been compromised, notify your bank immediately. It can freeze accounts or stop fraudulent transactions.

You can also freeze your credit through the major bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name. If you’re not sure how to freeze your credit, visit the bureaus’ websites for instructions or ask a trusted loved one for help. 

Change passwords

If one of your online accounts may have been compromised, change the password as soon as possible, especially if you’ve used that same password on other sites. After creating new strong passwords, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever it’s available.