Empowering Older Australians Through Education
In the digital age of today, online safety is vital for everyone, particularly for older Australians who are increasingly engaging with technology.
Navigating online banking, social media, and email can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and a touch of caution, everyone can protect themselves from scams.
Whether you are exploring new technology or looking out for a loved one, these stories and tips will help you stay safe online.
A Cautionary Tale: Margaret’s Online Banking Advantage
“By switching to online statements, Margaret has gained secure access to her financial information with two-factor authentication, making it much more difficult to steal her personal data. Being able to monitor her accounts in real-time also allows her to be aware of anything alarming.”
Margaret is an active retiree, dog lover, and gardener who has always preferred traditional methods for managing her finances. Each month, she received her bank statements by mail, but one day, she noticed that her statement had never arrived. A few weeks later, Margaret received an alarming call from her bank, notifying her of large withdrawals being made from her account.
Margaret discovered that someone had stolen her bank statement from her mailbox, using the information to access her account. This unsettling experience prompted her to explore online banking as a safer option for her money. By switching to online statements, Margaret has gained secure access to her financial information with two-factor authentication, making it much more difficult to steal her personal data. Being able to monitor her accounts in real-time also allows her to be aware of anything alarming.
Safety Tips for Online Banking:
- Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters, and avoid reusing the same password across different accounts.
- Monitor Your Accounts Regularly: Check your transactions frequently to spot any unauthorised activity early.
Recognising Scams: Vincent’s Close Call
Before sending any money, he chose to consult his own daughter. Together, they investigated common romance scams and uncovered that his “love interest” was using a fake profile. This discovery was made after they cross-referenced Belinda’s full name on Google.
Vincent, a 70-year-old retired widower, believed he had found love once more, however this time online. After several weeks of chatting with a kind woman named Belinda, she requested money for an emergency, claiming her granddaughter was unwell. Although initially sceptical, Vincent found it difficult to resist her heartfelt messages and convincing words, especially since they had been forging a connection for a month.
Before sending any money, he chose to consult his own daughter. Together, they investigated common romance scams and uncovered that his “love interest” was using a fake profile. This discovery was made after they cross-referenced Belinda’s full name on Google. This saved Vincent from potentially losing his hard-earned savings to a scammer.
Safety Tips for Recognising Scams:
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to question it or seek advice from loved ones.
- Never Send Money to Strangers: Be wary of anyone you’ve never met asking for financial assistance, regardless of the circumstances and be wary of anyone who asks for payment via bizarre methods i.e. gift cards.
Social Media: Linda’s Journey to Safety
Linda regularly reviews her privacy settings and only accepts friend requests from people she knows. She’s discovered that sharing joy and memories doesn’t have to compromise her safety.
Linda, a vibrant 68-year-old, self-described social butterfly who loves sharing photos and updates about her life on social media. However, she realised that some of her posts contained personal information that could be misused. After attending a local workshop on online safety, she learned how to adjust her privacy settings and be more selective about what she shared.
Now, Linda regularly reviews her privacy settings and only accepts friend requests from people she knows. She’s discovered that sharing joy and memories doesn’t have to compromise her safety.
Safety Tips for Social Media:
- Think Before You Post: Avoid sharing sensitive information like your address or vacation plans that could attract unwanted attention.
- Review Privacy Settings: Regularly check and adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts and personal information.
General Online Safety: Ki Xuen’s Tech Support
Linda regularly reviews her privacy settings and only accepts friend requests from people she knows. She’s discovered that sharing joy and memories doesn’t have to compromise her safety.
Ki Xuen is a retired optometrist and is eager to embrace technology but often feel overwhelmed, especially when trying to find information in his first language. One day, he received a call from someone claiming to be from his internet provider, asking for personal details to resolve a supposed issue. The caller spoke simply and clearly, which initially made Ki Xuen feel relieved that someone was there to help him, as he was unsure he could fix the problem on his own.
However, he remembered his granddaughter’s advice: “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” This made him reconsider the legitimacy of the call. Instead of sharing any personal information, Ki Xuen politely hung up and called his provider directly using a publicly advertised number to verify the call. He soon learned that it had been a scam, and he felt grateful for trusting his instincts and his wise granddaughter.
Safety Tips for General Online Safety:
- Educate Yourself: Take advantage of community resources and workshops to improve your online safety knowledge.
- Be Cautious with Calls: If you receive unsolicited calls asking for personal information, always verify before providing any details.
Share the Love
As more older Australians like Margaret, Vincent, Linda, and Ki Xuen embrace the online world, understanding safety measures becomes essential. Unlike younger generations, many older adults did not grow up with technology, making this knowledge even more critical.
By learning from their experiences and sharing valuable insights, older Australians can navigate the digital landscape with confidence. Whether you’re a Gen Z online pro chatting with your grandparents or a senior yourself, take the time to share these tips and stories.
By exchanging personal experiences about online safety, we can create a safer digital environment for everyone, ensuring that all users can connect, learn, and thrive online.
More Information
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