Staying Safe Online: A Practical Guide for Older People

Brought to you by HaloCare 

 The internet can be a wonderful place to stay connected, manage your health, shop, and enjoy your interests. But just like the offline world, it’s important to know how to protect yourself. 

This guide from HaloCare is designed to help older people feel confident, informed, and safe online.  

Why Online Safety Matters More Than Ever 

More services now happen online,  from GP appointments and banking to keeping in touch with family. Unfortunately, scammers often target older people because they assume they’re less confident with technology. In a recent survey by Censuswide, 84% of respondents said they were concerned for vulnerable family or friends falling victim to online scams.  

The good news? 
Most online risks can be avoided with a few simple habits and a bit of awareness. 

Common Online Risks for Older People 

Understanding the risks is the first step to staying safe.

Scams and Fraud

Scammers may contact you by:

• Email (phishing emails)
• Text messages (smishing)
• Phone calls (vishing)
• Social media messages 

They often pretend to be: 

• Banks
• The HSE/NHS
• Delivery companies such as AnPost or Royal Mail
• Energy providers
• Even family members 

A common red flag for spotting scams is creating urgency, using terms like (“Act now!”) or fear (“Your account will be closed”) or (“You owe [x]). This is used to make victims feel under pressure and act quickly.  

Fake Websites

Some websites look legitimate but are designed to steal your information. 

Watch out for: 

• Misspelled website names
• No lock or https:// in the space bar
• Poor grammar
• Requests for personal or financial information 
• No contact details 

Identity Theft

Sharing too much personal information online can allow criminals to pretend to be you. 

This includes: 

• Full name and address
• Date of birth
• National Insurance number
• Photos of documents

Online Shopping Risks

Fake sellers or unsafe payment pages can lead to lost money. 

Stick to well-known retailers and always check reviews before buying. 

Simple Steps to Stay Safe Online 

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords
• A strong password: 
• Is at least 12 characters long
• Uses a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols
• Is different for each account

Enable Two-Step Verification 

This adds an extra layer of protection by sending a code to your phone or email when you log in. 

Even if someone knows your password, they still can’t access your account without that code. 

Keep Your Devices Up to Date 

Updates aren’t just about new features they fix security problems. 

Set your phone, tablet, or computer to update automatically if possible. 

Be Careful What You Click 

If you’re unsure: 

• Don’t click links in unexpected emails or texts
• Don’t download attachments from unknown senders
• Go directly to a website by typing the address yourself

Staying Safe on Email and Messaging 

How to Spot a Scam Message 

Scam messages often: 

• Use generic greetings (“Dear customer”) 
• Contain spelling mistakes 
• Ask for personal information
• Include suspicious links

What to Do If You’re Unsure 

• Don’t reply
• Don’t click links
• Contact the organisation directly using a trusted phone number 
  

Social Media Safety Tips 

Social media is a great way to stay connected and with a few measures put in place, it can be used safely.  

• Set your profile to private 
• Only accept friend requests from people you know
• Be cautious about sharing personal details or holiday plans
• Never send money or personal information through social media messages

Online Banking and Payments 

Safe Online Banking Habits 

• Use your bank’s official app or website
• Log out after each session
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking
• Check your statements regularly
  

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong 

If you think you’ve been scammed or feel unsafe online: 

• Stop engaging with the scammer
• Change your passwords immediately
• Contact your bank if money is involved
• Report the scam to An Garda Síochána  
• Speak to someone you trust for support

Remember You are not to blame, scams are designed to trick people. 

How HaloCare Can Help 

At HaloCare, we believe staying safe online is part of staying well and independent. That’s the HaloPad is a great option for those looking to stay connected:

• Safe & Secure Emails  
• Secure Photo Sharing 
• Personalised content (benefits of internet without the fear of scams)
• Trusted contact feature

If you ever feel unsure about something online, you don’t have to face it alone. 

Find out more about the HaloPad Here 

Quick Online Safety Checklist 

Here’s a quick at-a-glance guide that you can share with loved ones to ensure they are taking precautions online.  

✔ Strong, unique passwords 
✔ Two-step verification switched on 
✔ Devices kept up to date 
✔ Cautious with emails, texts, and links 

✔ Use toolcheckers such as fraudsmart.scamchecker.ie   
✔ Comfortable asking for help 

Additional Resources  

• Age Action Ireland offers a ‘Digital Literacy’ guide to help older people become more confident and aware of using the internet and online safety. Acess the guide here: https://www.ageaction.ie/get-help/advice-and-information/programmes/  

• If you’re unsure about using a website, try online tools such as https://fraudsmart.scamchecker.ie/