The internet offers ways for seniors to stay more connected to their loved ones than ever before, along with entertainment, health care, and financial management benefits. From video chats with family to pulling up health records, it's simple to stay in touch and in control. But with improved connectivity comes a darker side-scams, hackers, and fraudsters looking to take advantage.
That's why internet safety for seniors is more important than ever. Your data-like medical records, financial data, and even your home address-can be vulnerable depending on the websites you visit or the messages you respond to. Seniors are prime targets, and the numbers are staggering: in 2024 alone, seniors lost $4.8 billion to online scams. That’s nearly a third of the $16.6 billion lost to scams across the U.S., representing a troubling 33% year-over-year rise from 2023.
People of all ages are falling victim, and as online scammers grow more savvy, the number of scams targeting seniors continues to grow. That's why awareness of cybersecurity tips for seniors can help make the difference in protecting yourself and your loved ones online.
Why are seniors a cybersecurity risk?
Scammers often target older adults because they can be more likely to set easy-to-guess passwords or have less awareness of scam techniques like phishing. The always-evolving internet can overwhelm some people, and a scammer pretending to offer support could gain access to critical accounts.
Many seniors trust by nature, and some may not realize how valuable their personal data is-or how easily it can be exploited. Older internet users may also lack security awareness of tools like using a virtual private network (VPN) on public WiFi connections.
Because many seniors live alone or lack regular interaction with loved ones, they may also be more likely to interact with unknown numbers via text, call, or reply to emails from unknown senders.
Hackers and scammers are after:
- Medical information, which can be sold or used for fraudulent insurance claims
- Financial information, including bank accounts, credit cards, and retirement funds
- Home addresses, which can be used for identity theft or impersonation scams
When this information falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can be devastating, both financially and emotionally. Protecting your health data and financial information is paramount for your retirement. When a scammer opens a new line of credit in your name, for example, they may rack up thousands of dollars in purchases before you become aware.
Common online scams targeting seniors
Email has long been the top entry point for online scammers, but “wrong number” text messages are a rapidly growing threat. A simple text asking if you're "still on for dinner tomorrow" can lead to a seemingly friendly but malicious exchange if the recipient replies and engages. It's one example of how virtually every method of communication now includes risk. These are some of the most common online scams targeting seniors:
- Friendship and romance scams – Scammers build fake relationships online to gain trust and steal money
- Phishing – Fake emails or texts that trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing personal info
- Finance scams – Fraudulent investment opportunities or fake charities asking for donations
- Tech support scams – Calls or pop-ups claiming your computer has a virus and needs immediate help
- Government impersonation – Scammers pretend to be from the IRS, Medicare, or Social Security
- Family impersonation – Someone pretends to be a grandchild or relative in trouble, asking for money urgently
Six internet safety tips for seniors
Scammers are professionals, often able to quickly warm up their victims with friendly conversation. Here are a few simple internet security tips for seniors to help protect themselves online:
- Establish and follow rules for email safety: Rules can include double-checking any link before clicking and not downloading attachments
- Use code words with family: Create a phrase only your family knows to verify identity in emergencies, or even to verify the legitimacy of an email
- Never share personal info: Banks, government agencies, and legitimate companies won’t ask for your Social Security number or passwords via email or phone
- Stick with secure sites: Only visit websites that offer a secure, protected connection. If you don’t recognize a website, don’t click the link.
- Know what to expect: Your doctor, bank, or utility provider will never pressure you to act immediately or pay with gift cards
- Ask for help: If something feels off, talk to a trusted family member or friend before responding
Keeping up with new technology is difficult, even for people in the middle of their working lives. Seniors may not want to ask for help, but can get confused switching between email and social media accounts. One helpful solution is for a senior and an adult child or friend to establish a standing weekly call or check-in with someone who can help talk the senior through any tech problems they've had that week, even if it's as simple as helping them sign back into an account.
Why is fiber internet a smart choice for seniors?
A fiber connection offers more than just speed-it can offer peace of mind. The Quantum Fiber network provides a strong, secure connection that's resilient during natural disasters. And when logging on is easy and reliable, it's one less thing to frustrate seniors trying to navigate an evolving landscape online. With a Quantum Fiber connection, you get:
- Speed – Fast, reliable connections for video calls, streaming, and browsing
- Security – A connection that’s difficult for scammers to intercept
- Ease of use – Simple setup and 24/7 support
- Affordability – Choose from low-cost internet service for seniors like our Simply Fiber Internet™ plan, for qualifying households
Is fiber available in your area?
Internet por fibra óptica uses advanced fiber-optic lines to deliver fast, secure service. But because it requires new infrastructure, it's not yet available everywhere.
Check your address to see if Quantum Fiber is available in your neighborhood.
Fiber internet options for seniors
Quantum Fiber offers a range of internet plans for seniors designed to fit your lifestyle. With speeds of up to 940 Mbps (and multi-gig plans available in select areas), a fiber connection provides the speed you need to video conference with grandchildren and financial advisors while streaming your favorite shows in high-definition resolution. Depending on your needs, qualifying households may be eligible for the Simply Fiber Internet Plan™, offering a low rate with speed up to 200 Mbps. Whatever plan you choose, there's no annual contract required with Quantum Fiber.
Explore WiFi for seniors that’s fast, secure, and built for how you live today.
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