•  Canada’s guide to retirement living and care
• Research guide

12 tips to help seniors stay safe online

A comprehensive look at protecting older loved ones against scams and fraud

The Internet is just about as big a part of seniors' lives as it is for any group. 75% of seniors use email, and more than half are on instant messaging, according to Stats Canada. None of them are digital natives, though, and they may still be naive about things they read, see, and hear on social media, in emails, through texts, etc. They’re especially vulnerable to scams and phishing. 

In addition, identity theft and fraud are increasing in the last few years. There are over 700 cases of identity theft annually in Canada, and an additional 3,735 cases of identity fraud were reported nationally in 2022. In 2023, Canadians lost a total of $554 million to fraud, the vast majority being older Canadians. 

With that in mind, here are 12 tips to help your parents and older loved ones (and yourself, if you learn something) stay safe online in 2024:

1. Start with a conversation dedicated to online safety

Remind them that there are risks and dangers online. There are people with malicious, often criminal intent. 

The best time to discuss this is before there’s a problem when you’re both calm. Last summer my mother- and father-in-law were victims of a hack that took place exactly as my father-in-law had serious health issues and then passed. The days she was supposed to be mourning were spent dealing with banks, government offices, and the police. You don't want that to be your family. 

So have the conversation now.  

• Keep up on the latest platforms, software, devices, and other technology they’re using. 
• Ask questions that test their knowledge and understanding of the dangers, such as “How do you answer calls from unknown people?” or "Do you know how websites track you?" 
• Make sure they understand the importance of defaulting to protect personal information. 

2. Default to being overprotective

People need to share personal information online in some cases. Many websites ask for name, address, and date of birth. Giving out your social security number, credit card number, or other banking information should be done judiciously and carefully, though. It’s important to default to limiting this as much as possible, and always be aware of the risks. 

Even offline, it’s important to shred documents with any personal information. 

Make sure they avoid sharing any personal information over the phone or via email.

3. Help set up devices or review security

If you have time, assist parents when they set up new devices like smartphones, tablets, or computers. Walk them through security features like passwords, locking, and anything else that prevents others from accessing them. 

4. Emphasize strong password practices

Show them how to create strong, unique passwords that use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Make sure they avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or theirname123, for example. Help them set up a spreadsheet like Excel or Google Sheets where they can store sophisticated passwords. 

You can also use a password manager to create and save strong passwords without having to remember or save them. They’re stored securely, so they’ll only need to remember the main password of the password manager app.

5. Review privacy settings together

Walk them through privacy settings on Facebook, any other social media, or other online platforms they use. Again, default to limited personal information. Make sure they know how to limit what they share.

If you can, help them adjust settings to a level you’re both comfortable with. 

6. Coach the use of two-factor authentication

This is an extra layer of security for online accounts, where users get asked to provide two separate forms of identification.

Essentially, users need a second device (a phone) in addition to passwords. Even if their account information is compromised, bad actors won’t be able to access accounts without this secondary identification.

7. Discuss both common and emerging online threats

Talk about common threats like phishing scams, fraudulent emails, and fake websites. 

• Share stories online about others who’ve been scammed. Scammers update tactics constantly, so we all need to be ever more vigilant. 
• Let them know that emergencies or urgent requests from family can be handled with a callback. AI can mimic a family member's voice. 
• Make sure they understand other scams possible with artificial intelligence (AI). 

8. Pay special attention to phishing

Make sure they know about phishing scams. Criminals and scammers send emails or text messages that appear to be legitimate, for example, sounding like a bank or credit card company. Messages typically ask you to provide personal information or click on a malicious link. 

The best default is to never answer an email unless they ask for it and know the sender. In any case, always double-check the sender's name for any message and if they’re unsure, copy and paste the address and Google it to research its authenticity. 

9. Encourage safe browsing habits

Remind your loved ones to be cautious when clicking links or downloading files from unknown sources. Scammers are increasingly smart about mimicking official-looking websites (see “Pay special attention to phishing” above). Encourage them to only visit reputable websites and avoid sharing personal information unnecessarily.

10. Update software regularly and diligently

Ensure they understand the importance of keeping devices and software up to date. Show them how to enable automatic updates or regularly assist them in manually updating their devices when necessary. 

11. Monitor online activity (if acceptable and needed)

If they’re aware of the dangers but unsure how to act always, offer to help monitor their online activity, especially for devices, platforms, and media that are new to them. 

Keep an eye out for any suspicious emails or messages, and if you can, use those to instruct parents about how scams work and what some of the common tricks are.  

You can also set yourself up as the second email contact in case of suspicious activity. 

If needed, regularly check their bank and credit card statements. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, immediately report them to the bank or credit card company.

12. Be supportive

Be there to support them and let them know you’re there if they have questions or concerns about online safety. Offer to help them troubleshoot issues or seek assistance from tech-savvy friends or professionals. 

If they do fall victim to anything, assure them that this can happen to anyone and it's nothing to be ashamed of. 

If you or your loved ones have been scammed or defrauded, police services like the Ontario Provincial Police or the federal anti-fraud center can help you.

Lead by example by practicing good online habits yourself. Show your parents how to stay safe online by following the principles above.

By taking these steps and providing ongoing support, you can help your senior loved ones confidently navigate the digital world and stay safe online. 

It’s also critical to always be learning new things. Do your best to keep up with what’s new in artificial intelligence and other technology, and how these impact online safety and security. Guidance can make all the difference in helping your parents embrace technology while staying protected.

- Jim Huinink, Editor of Comfort Life

Further reading and resources

Has Mom or Dad been scammed? Comfort Life blog.

Seniors’ Guidebook to Safety and Security. RCMP.gc.ca

What Every Older Canadian Should Know About Fraud and Scams. Canada.ca