Online Shopping: Tips to Help Safeguard Your Information

In today's digital age, online shopping has become increasingly popular for seniors—and it’s easy to understand why:

• Convenience: Online shopping allows seniors to shop from the comfort of their homes, avoiding the need to travel to physical stores. This is particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or transportation limitations.
• Accessibility: Online shopping platforms are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to people of all ages. Many websites offer features such as larger font sizes, simple navigation, and clear product descriptions. 
• Wide Selection: Online retailers typically offer a vast array of products, ranging from everyday essentials to specialty items. Seniors have access to a diverse range of goods without the constraints of physical store inventory.
• Time Savings: Shopping online eliminates the need to spend time browsing aisles or waiting in checkout lines. Seniors can quickly find what they need and complete their purchases with just a few clicks, freeing up time for other activities.
• Home Delivery: One of the most significant benefits of online shopping for seniors is home delivery. Products ordered online can be conveniently shipped directly to their doorstep, eliminating the need to carry heavy bags or boxes from the store.

While the convenience is undeniable, it's essential to prioritize the security of your personal and financial information when making online transactions. Here are some tips to help safeguard your information so you can enjoy the full online shopping experience:

Use Secure Websites

When shopping online, always ensure that you are using secure websites with HTTPS encryption. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates that the website is encrypted and secure.

You can see some examples of the symbols to look out for on the Google support website. Click here to visit Google support.

Keep Your Devices Secure

Make sure your computer, smartphone, or tablet is equipped with up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software. Regularly update your operating system and applications to patch any security vulnerabilities.

Using an Apple device? Click here to learn more about turning automatic updates on and off. 

Create Strong Passwords

Choose strong, unique passwords for your online accounts and avoid using easily guessable information like your name or birthdate. Consider using a password manager (such as Google Password Manager) to securely store and manage your passwords.

Beware of Phishing Scams

Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal or financial information. These may be phishing scams attempting to steal your sensitive data. Never click on suspicious links or provide sensitive information to unknown sources.

When checking your emails look out for:

• Errors in the spelling or grammar, or an unusual style of writing.
• Requests for personal information, such as your username, full password or bank details – genuine organizations will never ask for this information like this over email.
• A sense of urgency, threatening that unless you act now, a deal will expire or your account closed.

If you think you have been sent a scam email, ignore attachments and links and don’t reply. You may find it useful to ask for a second opinion from someone you can trust, so you can then mark the email as spam through your email provider. 

Monitor Your Accounts

Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity. Report any discrepancies to your financial institution immediately.

Use Trusted Payment Methods

When making online payments, use trusted and secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal. Avoid using debit cards or wire transfers, as they offer less protection against fraudulent transactions.

Be Mindful of Public Wi-Fi

Avoid making online purchases while connected to public Wi-Fi networks—such as in a coffee shop—as they may not be secure. If you must shop online while on the go, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.

Staying Vigilant and Proactive

Overall, online shopping provides seniors with a convenient, accessible, and efficient way to purchase goods, making it an invaluable resource for everyday life. By following these tips, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping while protecting your personal and financial information from potential security threats.