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If you are new to the internet and have had no formal training coupled with limited computer use and experience you may be vulnerable to fraudsters more than the average user.

The internet is vast, the information is endless and largely free. Over half of homes and business now has an internet connection and many people use it daily to buy, sell or send emails as well as socialise via networking sites and blogs.

For the older person approaching the web brings with it old fashioned values of honesty and fair play. Where everyone is polite and say please and thank you. In truth some elements of the WWW are prowled by thieves and fraudsters who are out to steal from you or your business.

These pages look at the special risks for the older person (50+) who uses the internet as a novice or beginner. Here and throughout the site we draw attention to the risks and various good practices you should adopt to stay secure, with your privacy, identity and finances intact.

There are several key types of sites some are free to use others charge in varying ways, so tend to provide less or better protection.

• finding old friends especially from school, college or university
• pursue hobbies and interests
• research family and ancestors
• buy goods and software for download or home delivery
• upload and download, view or print family photos and videos
• email friends and family locally or worldwide
• takes course and educate yourself
• relieve boredom, tedium and frustration, do something new, go somewhere new.

Risks

• making new contacts and friends with strangers who are not as genuine as they might first seem.
• taking advice from contacts or web sites on personal or financial issues where the information is incorrect, misleading, unreliable or biased towards selling you goods or services.
• divulging personal information which can later be used to steal from you including taking over your entire identity and obtaining goods, cash and credit in your name without your knowledge or consent.
• buying drugs and medical treatments for illnesses and conditions which may be expensive, fake, and dangerous.

Best Practices

• Discuss your web usage with close friends and relatives who have wider internet experience and knowledge.
• consider taking a short course on the use of computers and/or the internet, these are often free and are a good way of socializing too.
• contact the local library, they often have internet access and someone on hand to help and advise.
• read the manuals of any computer or laptop you have bought or been given including any software programs.
• Be cautious with new online contacts which may lead to friendship, ask questions and check for credible and reliable responses.
• Avoid giving out any personal details such as your home address, telephone number, even your real name.
• do not divulge bank or credit card details to anyone online or via email, other than via secured connections
• read our other sections for more specialist advice;
  • Buying Online
  • Banking Online
  • Identity Theft
  • Social Networking
  • Dating and Friendship

Useful web sites

http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/ageconcern

http://www.getsafeonline.org