Protecting your older relatives from online fraud
If you’re under the age of 40, then the chances are you’ve grown up using computers at school, college, university and in your job.
To your parents and grandparents however, whilst the Internet is a great tool for keeping in touch with friends and relatives, it can still be a daunting task to know how to stay safe online.
If you have older relatives who have recently gotten their first computer, or just started out in the online world, then we have some tips to help you to help them stay safe online.
1) Help them set up their computer. Ensure that all security updates are actioned, that their firewall is switched on and that their anti-virus software is set to automatically update on a regular basis (preferably daily).
2) Explain to them that absolutely anyone can publish their opinions online as fact and that they shouldn’t put absolute faith in the information they read online.
3) Tell them that they should only open email attachments from people that they know and trust, as they could contain viruses. They may find it hard to understand that a friendly looking e-card from a stranger could be a technical timebomb.
4) Point them in the direction of this website so that they can learn more about email scams, phishing, advance fee fraud, lottery scams and safe online shopping.
5) Remind them that the old saying “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is” is even more applicable online than in the “real world”.
Above all, let them know that you’re available to answer any questions or offer help and advice if they need it, and if they’re not sure about something, they should ask.
We now have a great range of PC and Home Security products available in the Scam Detectives Security Supplies online store (powered by Amazon).
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