Online shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering the convenience of shopping from the comfort of one’s own home. However, with this convenience comes the risk of fraud and identity theft, especially for seniors who may not be as familiar with the online shopping process. As adult children, it is our responsibility to protect our aging parents from these risks. Here are some tips on how to do so.
- Educate your parents about online scams: Scammers use a variety of tactics to steal personal information, such as phishing emails and fake websites. Make sure your parents understand how these scams work and how to avoid them. Encourage them to be cautious when clicking on links or entering personal information online.
- Help them create strong passwords: A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to generate and store passwords securely.
- Check for secure websites: When shopping online, make sure the website uses secure encryption technology (look for the lock icon in the address bar). Avoid entering personal information on unsecured websites.
- Use reputable websites: Stick to well-known, reputable websites when shopping online. Avoid unfamiliar or untested retailers, especially those that offer deals that seem too good to be true.
- Monitor credit card statements: Encourage your parents to check their credit card statements regularly for any suspicious activity. If they notice any unauthorized charges, they should report them immediately.
- Consider using a virtual credit card: Some credit card companies offer virtual credit cards, which are temporary card numbers that can be used for online purchases. This can help protect against fraud because the virtual number cannot be used for any other transactions.
- Be wary of public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to hackers, so encourage your parents to avoid making online purchases while connected to public Wi-Fi.
- Consider using a separate email address: Set up a separate email address for online shopping to help protect against phishing scams. This way, any suspicious emails related to online shopping will be easier to identify.
- Stay up-to-date on security measures: Make sure your parents keep their computer’s operating system, anti-virus software, and web browser up-to-date to ensure maximum security.
In conclusion, online shopping can be a great convenience, but it also comes with risks. As adult children, it is important to help protect our aging parents from these risks. By following these tips, we can help ensure our parents can safely and securely enjoy the convenience of online shopping. How To Protect Aging Parents From The Risks Of Online Shopping