Part 2 of a 3-part series on protecting elderly relatives from scams. Part 1: phone scams · Part 3: doorstep scams
Online scams have grown a lot faster than most people's confidence with computers, which is exactly what makes them effective. None of them rely on anything technical to spot — just a few habits.
The most common ones
- Phishing texts and emails. A message claims to be from Royal Mail, a bank, or a delivery company, saying a parcel or payment needs "confirming" via a link. The link leads to a fake site built to steal card details or passwords.
- Fake online shopping deals. Adverts for big discounts on well-known products, on websites that turn out not to exist once you've paid.
- Romance scams. Someone met online - often on a dating site or social media - builds a relationship over weeks or months, then asks for money for an "emergency," a flight to visit, or a "investment opportunity."
Habits that keep you safe
- Never click a link in an unexpected text or email. Go to the company's website yourself by typing the address in, or use their app.
- A genuine bank or delivery company will never ask you to enter your card PIN or full online banking password through a link.
- If you've never met someone in person, don't send them money - no matter how long you've been talking or how convincing the story.
- Use a different, strong password for your email and banking, so one leaked password can't unlock everything else.
A moment's pause before clicking or paying is the single best protection there is.