Staying safe online
What to watch forDo the right things and you can enjoy the internet safely
Despite all the scare stories, staying safe online is relatively straightforward.
With the right set-up to begin with and a bit of care on your part, you should be able to enjoy any activity you take part in online, so don’t be put off starting.
A bit like the time you learned to drive, you need to understand the rules of the road, where dangers are to be found and how to navigate safely to the right destination. Our guides are designed to help you do that.
Be Aware
Covid Vaccination Scam
Stay safe from scams
It’s a sad reality that fraudsters will use any way they can to try new scams. We want to help you to stay safe.
The first stage is knowing what to watch out for.
Spotting a scam isn’t always easy
Scammers and fraudsters have some things in common. They will use our fear or greed as ways to tempt us or to undermine our confidence.
They have a range of techniques they will use ranging from offering us unlikely returns on our money to telling you your banking is at risk, or one of your utility services is about to be cut off.
These are simply ways of seeing if you are vulnerable, because it is this vulnerability they will try to feed off.
They attempt to make their “sales pitch” as realistic and attractive as possible. So, while they may use scare tactics to unsettle you, they will then try to wrap their arms around you and let you know that they are the ones who can keep you safe.
The tell-tale signs of a scam
Scams share some tell-tale signs:
They are unexpected
They may get in touch with you by telephone, by email, by text message or even by word of mouth, but in every case, the call or communication will usually arrive out of the blue.
You are put under pressure
Watch out for the attempt to put pressure on you. If someone says, you must act now, phone this number, or speak to your bank urgently, for example, then you can be sure there is something wrong.
Your bank, your utility company, or Microsoft will never pressure you in this way.
You are offered unrealistic help from someone you don’t know
A common trick of pension fraudsters is to offer unrealistic returns and to play down the risks.
Credit card fraudsters or will attempt something slightly different, by offering to “sort” your problem in return for your bank details.
They are simply trying to steal information from you.
A quick word of caution
There are lots of jargon words on the internet. We will try to keep these to a minimum and explain them as we go along. These guides are intended to be easy.
If you are still unsure, we have a jargon-busting section you can read which will help you.
What to do if you have any doubts
Remember - you are in control
If you are not sure about a phone call, just end the call. If they call back, politely decline them. If they are persistent, report them.
Never hand over any financial details
Do not divulge your bank details, your card numbers or other personal financial information to anyone. There is no reason to do it.
Even with online shopping, only use your card once you know the site you are using is safe.
The moment you have any doubts, stop the transaction. There is always some way to resolve an issue with genuine businesses. Only fraudsters an untrustworthy people will push you to do anything. Say no and stop.
Never phone a telephone number you see online without checking it first
Scammers will build elaborate websites similar to your bank, or to a trusted body, in order to try to fool you. If it is not your normal bank number, do not call.
If you see a sign saying your computer or other device has been hacked, do not click on links or even believe it
Just close down your computer or device in the normal way and restart to check everything is working normally. If there is still a problem, report it to local IT support business to help you.
Always pause before you do anything
Why we focus on the problems of old age
Many older people suffer from loneliness and inactivity. Worse still, they are frequently viewed as being less important than other adults.
Research shows that all of us can live better lives in old age if we are more mobile and have the opportunity to talk and meet with other people. This is why we put so much effort into our programmes for physical, mental and social health.
Contact us
Email: info@actionforelders.org.uk
Phone: 030 330 30132
Post: Action for Elders, Elfed House, Oak Tree Court, Mulberry Drive, Cardiff Gate, Cardiff CF23 8RS
Get in touch
Action For Elders is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 7698491 and registered as a Charity number 1145996
Action For Elders CIC Company No. 7604286 ©Copyright 2019 - 2023 Action for Elders
Registered office: Elfed House, Oak Tree Court, Mulberry Drive, Cardiff Gate, Cardiff CF23 8RS
