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Protecting Older Adult's Online with Home Instead Charnwood

February 11th marks Safer Internet Day, a perfect reminder of how important it is to keep older adults safe online. Many seniors are vulnerable to scams, misinformation, and online risks—but together, we can help them navigate the digital world with confidence.

At Home Instead Charnwood, we support our clients by:

🔹 Educating them on common scams and online safety tips
🔹 Helping them stay connected with family through safe digital communication
🔹 Offering companionship to reduce loneliness and reliance on potentially unsafe online interactions

We’d love to collaborate with you to spread awareness and help protect the elderly in our community. Let’s chat about how we can work together—whether through educational resources, workshops, or simply sharing safety tips.

Home Instead Charnwood’s Brief Guide to Help You Recognise and Avoid Common Online Scams

Email Scams (Phishing)

Scammers often send emails pretending to be from trusted organisations to trick you into revealing personal details.

How to Spot a Scam Email:

  • Poor spelling/grammar or an unusual writing style.
  • Requests for personal details (passwords, bank information, etc.).
  • Urgent threats or warnings about account closure or missed deals.

Top Tip: If an email looks suspicious, do not click on any links or open attachments. Instead, contact the organisation directly using their official website or phone number.

Fake Websites

Scammers create fake sites that look official to steal your information or charge extra fees for services.

How to Stay Safe:

  • Type your bank’s official web address into your browser rather than clicking on links in emails.
  • Use GOV.UK for official government services to avoid unnecessary charges.

Computer Viruses & Malware

Viruses spread via email attachments or fake tech support calls, compromising your data and device security.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Avoid clicking on unknown attachments or links.
  • Never trust unsolicited calls claiming your computer has issues.
  • Use reliable anti-virus and anti-spyware software.

Health Scams

Fake online pharmacies may offer discounted medicine, but these can be poor quality or even dangerous.

How to Check Legitimacy:

  • Look for a ‘Registered Pharmacy’ logo linking to the General Pharmaceutical Council website.

What to Do If You’re Scammed

If you believe you’ve been a victim of an online scam:

  • Report it to Action Fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040, Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm).
  • Speak to your bank if financial information has been compromised.
  • Seek support—scams are common, and you’re not alone.

Keeping Your Devices Secure

  • Use strong passwords and avoid common words or numbers.
  • Install anti-virus software from reputable providers (e.g., Norton, McAfee, AVG, Avast).
  • Update your devices regularly to protect against new security threats.
  • Secure your Wi-Fi with a strong password.

Staying informed and cautious can help protect you from online scams. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.