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Not Just Kids Need To Worry About Online Safety

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By DEBRA BERLYN Special to the Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 13, 2008

Seniors watch your virtual pocketbooks.

You may have read stories about how Internet con artists empty the entire retirement savings of older individuals. E-mail messages claiming possible lottery winnings or messages asking for personal credit card information prey on our most vulnerable citizens. With so much focus today on Internet safety for kids, we need to stop and also think about one of the quickest growing groups of online users: older Americans. We must strive to inform all family members how to be safe online.

According to a study by the Pew Internet Project, 32 percent of Americans age 65 and older are active online - and these numbers will continue to grow as millions of Baby Boomers age. Older Americans now use the Internet to connect with grandkids and share family news and photos, arrange travel plans, telecommute from home, and gather critical health information. The Internet offers endless benefits, but older individuals can also fall prey to the potential dangers of online fraud, scams and other hazards.

The scammers are getting more devious and creative, making it difficult for users to recognize potential problems. According to a study by AARP, people over age 50 are more frequently targeted for scams. What precautions can older adults take to keep safe while online? It is increasingly important to educate older Americans about potential frauds and scams, and how they can avoid becoming victims.

There are a number of ways to protect older adults online.

For those engaging in online shopping, it's a great convenience and possible cost-saving opportunity. However, when using these sites, it's important to be mindful of possible scams. Entering credit card information is safe on secured sites, which start with "https" or "shttp" at the beginning of the Web address or have a padlock to show the site is secured.

It is important to know that some sites and e-mail communications can be scams. E-mails requesting banking information are known as "phishing" scams that attempt to lure victims with official-looking e-mails that request personal financial information. Legitimate banks will not request this sort of information online.

Many older Americans are using the Internet to join online social communities. In a recent AARP Bulletin, Sean Elder explained that the older generation of online users don't necessarily join Facebook and MySpace-type social networks, but rather communities oriented toward their hobbies and interest. For example, there are Web sites for bridge players to participate in games with other online users. But participants need to be careful about the personal information they provide online.

Using a separate e-mail specifically for online communities is a good rule of thumb. Never reveal your full name, address or other identifying traceable information.

Debra Berlyn is president of Consumer Policy Solutions.

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