Keep Grandma Safe From Online Scams: 9 Ways to Protect Older Loved Ones

For scammers, Granny is a prime candidate for fooling. Quick to target vulnerable populations like the elderly, online scammers are quick to zero in on those who are more trusting and less tech-savvy than the rest of us. 

As family members, we must protect our older loved ones, giving them the fundamental tools to navigate the internet safely. Here are nine ways to start. 

1. CLUE THEM IN ON COMMON SCAMS

Sit Grandpa down and give him an overview of what scammers are up to these days and the red flags to look out for. Mention phishing emails, out-of-the-blue phone calls from people posing as tech support or banking representatives, and fake prizes offered.  

Caution him on any circumstance where someone over the phone or email is requesting his social security information, credit card, PINs, or passwords.

2. ENCOURAGE SKEPTICISM

Let your elderly loved one know to err on the side of caution when they receive a call or text from an unknown number, see a fishy-looking email in their inbox, or get a direct message on social media from someone they don’t know. 

Mention the dangers of clicking links or attachments in messages from unknown senders.

3. HELP THEM SET STRONG PASSWORDS

Lend Grandma a hand in creating strong, unique passwords for their online accounts. 

Use a password manager like NordPass or RoboForm to help them keep track of their passwords securely and explain the importance of not using the same password across multiple accounts.

4. INSTALL SECURITY SOFTWARE FOR THEM

Install an anti-virus software like ESET on their behalf to protect against viruses, malware, and other threats. 

Set up automatic updates so that are always kept up to date without your loved one needing to do it manually. 

5. SET UP FRAUD ALERTS FOR THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS AND CREDIT CARDS

Assist Gramps with setting up fraud alerts with their bank and credit card companies so they’re notified of fraudulent activity right away.  

If you really want to earn the Grandkid of the Year Award, regularly review their financial statements together to catch any unauthorized transactions early.

6. DEFINE LIMITS FOR SHARING PERSONAL INFORMATION ONLINE

Some good rules of thumb to relay to your elderly loved one is to never post their location, address, phone number, or financial or medical information on social media. 

Explain how scammers can monitor their accounts and use these details to impersonate them online. 

7. USE SECURE CONNECTIONS

Caution Grandma from jumping onto public WiFi networks at a cafe, the airport, or elsewhere especially when accessing online banking accounts. 

Let her know to save this kind of web browsing for home or on another protected network. 

8. KEEP LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN

Let your grandparent know they should always ask a trusted loved one if something suspicious comes via email, phone, or text, especially if there is a sense of urgency to the message. Ensure they feel comfortable ringing you up with questions or concerns. 

Let them know you’d rather they ask a “dumb question” than fall victim to a tricky scam. 

9. ASSIST IN ESTABLISHING PRIVACY SETTINGS

Give Grandma a hand in reviewing and adjusting the privacy settings on her social media accounts, bank accounts, email, internet, and computer. Ensure online profiles are set to private and they understand who can see their information. 

Tech can be a challenge to understand for all of us, so can you imagine how difficult it is for an elderly individual to decipher? Lend the older folks in your life a world-saving hand by helping them navigate the digital world safely. 

On the other side of the spectrum, our kiddos need protection online, too. Here’s what parents need to know about social media channels, the data they’re gathering, and what to do to keep their kiddos safe.