Simple, practical tips that help older adults stay safe in today’s digital world — especially with scammers now using AI to sound more convincing
Online Safety Tips for Seniors
- Pause before clicking. Unexpected emails, texts, or pop‑ups asking you to click a link or provide information are often scams. When in doubt, delete it.
- Verify the sender. Scammers use AI to mimic voices, logos, and writing styles. Always confirm through a trusted phone number—not the one in the message.
- Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid reusing the same password. A mix of letters, numbers, and symbols helps protect your accounts.
- Keep your devices updated. Updates include important security fixes that protect you from new threats.
- Never share personal or financial information unless you initiate the contact. Banks, Medicare, and the IRS will not call or email asking for sensitive information.
- Use AI as a helper, not a decision‑maker. It’s great for learning, drafting messages or exploring ideas. But important decisions (financial, medical, and legal) should always involve a trusted human professional.