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Older
People Using Online Services
If you are new to the internet and have had no
formal training coupled with limited computer use and experience you may be
vulnerable to fraudsters more than the average user.
The internet is vast, the information is
endless and largely free. Over half of homes and business now has an internet
connection and many people use it daily to buy, sell or send emails as well
as socialise via networking sites and blogs.
For the older person approaching the web
brings with it old fashioned values of honesty and fair play. Where everyone
is polite and say please and thank you. In truth some elements of the WWW
are prowled by thieves and fraudsters who are out to steal from you or your
business.
These pages look at the special risks for the
older person (50+) who uses the internet as a novice or beginner. Here and
throughout the site we draw attention to the risks and various good
practices you should adopt to stay secure, with your privacy, identity and
finances intact.
There are several key types of sites some are free to use
others charge in varying ways, so tend to provide less or better protection.
- finding old friends especially from school, college or
university
- pursue hobbies and interests
- research family and ancestors
- buy goods and software for download or home delivery
- upload and download, view or print family photos and
videos
- email friends and family locally or worldwide
- takes course and educate yourself
- relieve boredom, tedium and frustration, do something
new, go somewhere new.
Risks
- making new contacts and friends with
strangers who are not as genuine as they might first seem.
- taking advice from contacts or web sites
on personal or financial issues where the information is incorrect,
misleading, unreliable or biased towards selling you goods or services.
- divulging personal information which can
later be used to steal from you including taking over your entire identity
and obtaining goods, cash and credit in your name without your knowledge
or consent.
- buying drugs and medical treatments for
illnesses and conditions which may be expensive, fake, and dangerous.
Best Practices
- Discuss your web usage with close
friends and relatives who have wider internet experience and knowledge.
- consider taking a short course on the
use of computers and/or the internet, these are often free and are a good
way of socializing too.
- contact the local library, they often
have internet access and someone on hand to help and advise.
- read the manuals of any computer or
laptop you have bought or been given including any software programs.
- Be cautious with new online contacts
which may lead to friendship, ask questions and check for credible and
reliable responses.
- Avoid giving out any personal details
such as your home address, telephone number, even your real name.
- do not divulge bank or credit card
details to anyone online or via email, other than via secured connections
- read our other sections for more
specialist advice;
Useful web sites
http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/ageconcern
http://www.getsafeonline.org
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