How can senior citizens prevent digital frauds?

 

    Senior Citizens and Digital Frauds?

                                                             -Rajeev Pathak

Introduction:

In today’s connected world, smartphones and the internet have opened doors to convenience, but they’ve also brought new risks—especially for senior citizens. Sadly, cybercriminals see elderly people as easy targets due to their trusting nature, limited digital exposure, and tendency to share personal details without suspicion. The unfortunate part is that even retired police officers, senior bankers, army personnel and teachers have fallen prey to criminals.

The result? Online scams that can drain hard-earned savings, compromise personal data, and shatter peace of mind and even threat to life in a few unfortunate incidences. But with awareness and a few simple precautions, these risks can be drastically minimized.

 

Why Senior Citizens are more vulnerable?

1.       Emotional quotient: The first and most important reason is that our seniors are full of emotions, their hearts beat for the well beings of family members. The elderly people are seen to be much emotional, their attachment to near and dear ones is at its best.

2.       Limited Digital Literacy – Many seniors are still learning the basics of apps, UPI, and online banking, making them less aware of fraud indicators.

3.       Trusting Nature – Being polite and accommodating often means they don’t suspect malicious intentions quickly.

4.       Isolation – Living alone or being away from tech-savvy relatives can make them dependent on strangers for “online help.”

5.       Lack of Cyber security Tools – Weak passwords, outdated devices, and missing antivirus protection open the door for hackers.

Common Online Scams Targeting Seniors:

•         Fake Bank Calls – Imposters posing as bank staff asking for OTP, ATM PIN, or account details.

•         Lottery/Prize Scams – Messages claiming “You’ve won ₹25 lakh” and demanding a “processing fee.”

•         Phishing Emails/SMS – Links that lead to fake websites to steal passwords.

•         Fake Customer Care Numbers – Fraudsters post fake helpline numbers online for e-commerce or payment apps.

•         Romance & Friendship Scams – Befriending seniors on social media to gain trust and then asking for money and countless methods to defrauds are emerging every day.

How to prevent Digital Frauds:

·       Never Share OTP or Bank Details- Even bank employees will never ask for passwords, PINs, or OTP. Treat these like the keys to your home.

·       Use Strong, Unique Passwords. Avoid using date of birth or “123456.” Instead, use a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols.

·       Enable Two-Factor Authentication- This adds an extra layer of security for email, WhatsApp, and banking apps. Also avoid doing banking transactions on shared wi-fi.

·       Verify Before You Trust- If you get a call or message about money, confirm with a family member or call the bank’s official number from their website—not from a Google search result.

·       Never respond to calls and video calls on WhatsApp unless you know the caller. Fraudsters take only a few seconds and capture your photo. Later, such photos are mixed with photoshop tricks and used to blackmail you, this is one sort of honey-trap.

·       Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links- Messages saying “Click here to claim your gift” are usually traps.

·       Keep Devices Updated- Install antivirus and keep your smartphone or laptop updated to block new types of malware.

·       Limit Social Media Sharing- Don’t share details like your address, date of birth, or travel plans publicly.

·       Never share family details on social media- Out of enthusiasm and to share our happiness with others, we post photos and relationship information like-son, daughter, daughter-in-law and their birth date etc. on social platforms. This has to be avoided. Fraudsters pick the information and start calling you to blackmail. There have been many cases when it was reported that your son/daughter is in our custody and you can save him/her if you a certain amount.

·       Lock your social-media profile and protect your contact number from public view, make necessary changes in your profile settings.

·       Never rush to pay the money to cyber criminals. There have been instances when our senior citizens have paid them huge money, even after taking before maturity payment of fixed deposits and sold shares to pay to fraudsters.

·       Last but, not the least, please remember there is nothing like ‘Digital Arrest’. If someone threatens you of an arrest, share the information with your family members or friends who so ever, is available. Even your banker can help you if you go to the bank for withdrawal of ransom amount.

 Role of Family Members:

Family support is the strongest shield against online frauds. Family members should

•         Teach elders how to identify suspicious messages.

•         Help them check and update their phone settings for privacy and security.

•         Encourage them to call you before making any unusual payment.

In Case of Fraud

If, despite precautions, fraud happens:

1.       Immediately call your bank and freeze transactions.

2.       Report to the National Cybercrime Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in or dial 1930.

3.       Keep all evidence—screenshots, messages, and bank statements.

 Conclusion:

Online fraudsters are smart, but awareness can make you smarter. Senior citizens should not fear technology—rather, they should embrace it with caution. With simple safety habits and family guidance, the internet can remain a source of connection and convenience, not anxiety.