Keeping Older Adults Safe Online
Keeping Older Adults Safe Online
Part 3 of 3: Tech That Connects, Supports, and Engages
In Parts 1 and 2 of this series, we explored how seniors can benefit from technology and how the right coaching can open doors for older adults. But technology can also expose seniors to new risks — especially online scams and misinformation.
Russell Klein doesn’t mince words about the scale of the problem.
“Seniors are under assault by scammers,” he said, referencing insights shared by local law enforcement. “Much of it comes from overseas, and it’s relentless.”
Russell regularly presents to senior groups about online safety. His approach focuses less on fear and more on awareness, critical thinking, and slowing down.
Understand Why Scams Work
Most scams rely on the same tactic: urgency.
“Someone is trying to prompt you to act without thinking,” Russell said. “They create an emergency and then offer a solution.”
That solution might involve clicking a link, downloading software, sending money, or sharing personal information. The goal is to push the victim into reacting emotionally rather than logically.
“This isn’t about technology skills,” Russell said. “It’s about human psychology.”
Follow the Pause-and-Verify Approach
Russell teaches older adults to pause before responding to any unexpected message — whether it’s a call, text, email, or video.
He encourages seniors to ask themselves:
- What is happening right now?
- Who is contacting me?
- What do they want me to do?
- Why are they rushing me?
“If you’re not in immediate bodily danger, give yourself time to think this through before you share personal information or send money,” he said.
Next comes verification. If a message claims to be from a bank, Medicare, or a utility company, seniors should use contact information they already trust — such as the number on a credit card or bank statement — rather than the one provided in the message.
“That’s independent verification,” he explained. “Never let the person provoking you also give you the solution.”
Use Two Brains Instead of One
One of the most powerful safeguards is involving another person.
“Two brains are better than one,” Russell said. “Have a trusted friend, family member, or staff member look at it with you.”
Scammers often rely on secrecy and isolation. Bringing someone else into the conversation disrupts that dynamic and makes manipulation easier to spot.
Families can help by establishing clear rules in advance — for example, agreeing that any financial request or urgent message will be checked with someone else first.