Online Safety for Seniors: Scams, Passwords and Privacy
A bank, the police or Microsoft will never phone you out of the blue to ask for a password or payment, and knowing that one fact stops most scams. These guides explain how to spot scam calls, texts and emails, build strong passwords, and keep your money and details safe online.
Key things to know
- A bank, the police or Microsoft will never phone out of the blue to ask for a password or payment.
- Length beats symbols. Three random words joined together make a password that is strong and easy to recall.
- Turn on two-step verification for your email first. It blocks intruders even if they learn your password.
- Parcel-fee texts with a link are almost always a scam. Check directly on the courier's own app instead.
- If a caller pressures you to act right now, that urgency is the warning sign. Hang up and call back on the official number.
Most scams rely on two feelings: fear and urgency. A message claims your account is at risk, or a caller says you must pay immediately, and the rush is designed to stop you thinking. The single most useful habit is to slow down and check independently, because no genuine bank or company minds you calling them back on a number you found yourself.
The rest is good housekeeping that takes minutes. Strong, memorable passwords, two-step verification on your email and bank, and a healthy suspicion of links that arrive unexpectedly cover the large majority of risks. The guides here walk through each one and explain exactly what to do if you think you have already clicked something you should not have.
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Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a phone call is a scam?
Real organisations never call to demand passwords, payment in gift cards, or remote access to your computer. If a caller pressures you to act immediately, hang up and call the company back on its official number.
What makes a strong password?
Length matters more than symbols. Three random words joined together, such as a memorable phrase, are both strong and easy to recall. Use a different password for your email and your bank.
What is two-step verification?
It adds a second check, usually a code texted to your phone, when you log in from a new device. Even if someone learns your password, they cannot get in without that code. Turn it on for email first.
I got a text about a parcel fee. Is it real?
Almost certainly a scam. Delivery companies do not ask for small fees by text link. Do not tap the link. If you expect a parcel, check directly on the courier's official website or app.
Is public Wi-Fi safe?
Reading news or watching video on public Wi-Fi is fine. Avoid logging into your bank or shopping on it, because the network is shared. Use your mobile data for anything involving money.
I clicked a suspicious link. What now?
Do not enter any details on the page that opened. Close it, run a phone update, and change the password for any account you may have exposed. If it involved your bank, call them.