1
Pause before
you click.
Unexpected text, email, or pop-up? Take a breath. Don’t open a link or attachment just because it looks urgent.
A little know-how. A safer online life.
More confidence.
Less worry.
Online.
The internet is full of good things. Let’s help you enjoy them—with simple steps to spot scams, protect your information, and stay connected.
No technical experience needed. Go at your own pace.
You belong online.
For older adults, family members, and friends. Clear guidance, trusted resources, and a reminder: you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
01 / Start with small steps
Five habits. A safer start.
You don’t need to become a technology expert. These everyday habits make a good foundation.
Pause before
2
Keep private
details private.
Don’t send banking details, Social Security numbers, passwords, or sign-in codes in reply to unexpected messages.
3
Check with
the real source.
Use a phone number or website you already trust, not the contact information in an unexpected message.
4
Give each account
its own password.
Use long, unique passwords. A password manager can help you create and remember them.
5
Add an extra
layer of security.
Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA). It asks for a second way to prove it’s really you when you sign in.
02 / Know what to look for
A familiar story.
A few warning signs.
Scams can look convincing. Learning the patterns helps you notice when something doesn’t feel right.
Being targeted isn’t your fault. Scammers practice making people feel rushed, worried, or hopeful.
01 Emails & texts that aren’t what they seem
The situation“Your delivery is on hold. Pay a small fee now.” The message includes a link.
What to notice: An unexpected request, a deadline, or a link asking for personal information. This is often called phishing. A familiar logo or sender name isn’t proof.
A safer next step: Leave the message. Open the company’s app or type its known website address yourself to check.
02 The “tech support” warning
The situationA pop-up says your computer is infected and tells you to call a support number immediately.
What to notice: Alarming messages that demand a call, payment, or remote access to your device. An unexpected call claiming to be support deserves the same caution.
A safer next step: Don’t call the number or give remote access. Close the tab or browser. If you need help, contact support through a company’s known website or ask someone you trust.
03 When a connection turns into a money request
The situationSomeone you’ve met online builds a close connection, then needs money for an emergency—or wants to teach you an investment opportunity.
What to notice: Pressure to keep secrets, repeated reasons they can’t meet, or requests for gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
A safer next step: Don’t send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Pause the conversation and talk it through with someone you trust. Never pay a fee to “recover” money without independently checking the claim.
04 Make your smartphone a little safer
A small step todayOpen your phone’s settings and check whether a software update is waiting.
Build the habit: Install updates, use a screen lock, and review which apps can access your location, camera, and microphone. Turn off permissions an app doesn’t need.
When a text surprises you: Don’t tap a link to “fix” an account or pay a delivery fee. Open the official app or check through a trusted website instead.
05 Give your accounts a stronger front door
A small step todayStart with your email account. It is often the way you reset passwords for other accounts.
Build the habit: Choose a long, unique password and consider a password manager. Turn on multifactor authentication in the account’s security settings.
Keep your way back in: Review your recovery email and phone number. Store backup codes somewhere safe. Never share a sign-in code with someone who calls or messages you.
03 / Try it together
A little practice.
A lot more confidence.
What would you do? Try three everyday situations. No timer, no pressure—just a chance to build your instincts.
Your answers stay on this page. Nothing is submitted or saved.
QUESTION 1 OF 3
Keep a friendly reminder nearby
Your pause-before-you-click checklist.
Print a simple one-page reminder for your desk, your fridge, or someone you care about.
- Was I expecting this message?
- Am I being pushed to act quickly?
- Is someone asking for private information or money?
- Can I check through a source I already trust?
- Could I talk this through with someone first?
Watch & learn / Trusted voices
See the warning signs.
Learn the next step.
Free videos from the Federal Trade Commission and CISA. Choose a video to watch on the source’s website. FTC video pages also include a transcript.
Federal Trade Commission · Video
How to Avoid a Tech Support Scam
Recognize the alarming call or pop-up that asks for money or access to your computer—and learn a safer response.
Watch on FTC.gov ↗Federal Trade Commission · Video
Family Emergency Imposter Scams
See why an urgent request involving a loved one deserves an independent check before you send money.
Watch on FTC.gov ↗CISA · Video
How to Avoid Phishing!
Learn to spot suspicious messages and take a safer next step when a link or request doesn’t feel right.
Watch on YouTube ↗CISA · Video
How to Turn on MFA!
Get to know multifactor authentication: an extra way to help protect your accounts beyond a password.
Watch on YouTube ↗Videos are hosted by the FTC or YouTube, not this site. These links take you to the source; no video player or tracking embed loads on this page. External sites have their own privacy practices.
Prefer to read? Explore our original guides ↓Our learning library / Made for everyday life
Small guides.
Useful next steps.
Our own practical guides, written to work through on your own or with someone you trust. Start with one habit today.
01 A safer smartphone, one setting at a time
Safe Surfing for Seniors original guide
Your phone holds conversations, photos, and access to important accounts. You don’t need to change everything at once. Set aside a few quiet minutes and work through these steps.
- Check for updates. Open your phone’s settings, find software updates, and install available updates. Turn on automatic updates if you’re comfortable doing so.
- Use a screen lock. Choose a passcode that isn’t easy to guess. Fingerprint or face unlock can make everyday use easier, but keep your passcode private.
- Review app permissions. Look at which apps can use your location, microphone, camera, and contacts. Turn off access an app doesn’t need.
- Choose apps carefully. Download from your phone’s official app store. Check the developer and reviews; being in a store is not a guarantee of safety.
- Pause at unexpected texts. Check account or delivery alerts through the official app, not the message’s link.
Try today: Check one permission. If you’re unsure, ask someone you trust to walk through it with you without sharing your passcode.
Source & further reading: FTC: How to protect your phone from hackers ↗
02 Make a family “pause and check” plan
Safe Surfing for Seniors original guide
An urgent call about a loved one can make anyone feel frightened. Agree on a simple plan before an emergency happens, so you have a familiar next step when a request feels overwhelming.
- Choose your check-in people. Keep trusted family or friends’ phone numbers somewhere you can find them easily.
- Agree that pausing is always okay. A request to keep a secret or send money immediately is a reason to stop and check.
- Call back independently. End an unexpected call and dial the number you already have for that person. Don’t use a number supplied by the caller.
- Don’t rely on a familiar voice. AI can imitate voices. A voice, caller ID, or personal detail alone cannot prove who is calling.
- Get a second perspective. If you cannot reach the person, contact another trusted family member before sending money.
Try today: Tell your family, “If I receive an urgent money request, I’ll hang up and call you back. Please do the same for me.”
Source & further reading: FTC: Scammers use fake emergencies to steal your money ↗
03 Shop online with a little more confidence
Safe Surfing for Seniors original guide
A bargain is only a bargain if the seller and the purchase hold up to a closer look. Before entering payment details, take a minute to check the store—not just the product.
- Research the seller. Search its name with words such as “complaint” or “scam.” Read independent reviews rather than relying only on testimonials on the store’s own page.
- Read the details. Check the full price, delivery estimate, return policy, and any recurring charges. Look for a practical way to contact the seller.
- Look beyond the padlock. HTTPS means a connection is encrypted; it does not prove that a business or offer is legitimate.
- Choose payment carefully. Credit cards can offer dispute protections, but recovery is not guaranteed. Avoid sellers insisting on gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- Keep your records. Save the listing, receipt, and order confirmation. Review your statement and contact your card issuer promptly about a problem.
Try today: Find a store’s return policy before making your next purchase.
Source & further reading: FTC: Online shopping ↗
These original educational guides complement—not replace—the independent resources below. Start with the FTC’s scam guidance and CISA’s account-safety guidance for more information.
04 / A few trusted places to turn
Good information.
From reliable sources.
Explore at your own pace. These links take you to independent organizations with more guidance and support.
Scam awareness
Federal Trade Commission
Learn about common scams, warning signs, and what to do if you’ve been targeted.
Explore FTC guidance ↗Fraud prevention
AARP Fraud Watch Network
Find practical information about fraud and resources for people affected by scams.
Visit AARP’s resources ↗Technology learning
Cyber-Seniors
Explore free technology webinars and digital support resources for older adults.
Explore Cyber-Seniors ↗Account protection
CISA: Secure Our World
Build everyday security habits, from strong passwords to safer sign-ins.
Read CISA’s safety tips ↗Learn & share
FTC: Pass It On
Clear, shareable advice about scams. Read it with a friend or use it to start a conversation.
Read Pass It On ↗Self-paced learning
HCSK online training
Explore six free online safety modules for seniors. No sign-up is required.
Explore the training ↗Learn together. Feel more confident.
Book a free seminar.
Bring practical online safety guidance to your community, organization, or group. Request a free seminar on smartphone safety, scam awareness, and protecting your accounts.
Book a Free SeminarOpens your email app with an editable request addressed to both contacts below. Add your preferred date, location, group size, and contact name, then send when you’re ready. Your seminar is not confirmed until you receive a reply.
Prefer to write your own email? Contact krand41@gmail.com and krand@virtusphere.io.
Something happened? Start here.
Take a breath.
Then take the next step.
If you clicked a suspicious link, shared information, or sent money, you’re not alone. Acting promptly can help limit harm. You don’t need to feel embarrassed to ask for help.
This is educational guidance, not an emergency service or a fraud-response hotline.
- Stop the contact and any further payments. Don’t respond to threats or promises to get your money back for a fee.
- Contact your bank or payment provider promptly if money or account details are involved. Use the official app or the number on your card or statement.
- Secure affected accounts. Change exposed passwords from a trusted device. Change them anywhere you reused them, and turn on MFA.
- Report what happened. Save messages and payment records. Tell someone you trust so you have support.
U.S. reporting resources
Report a scam: ReportFraud.ftc.gov ↗
For identity theft recovery steps: IdentityTheft.gov ↗
More next steps: FTC recovery guidance ↗
Report a scam: ReportFraud.ftc.gov ↗
For identity theft recovery steps: IdentityTheft.gov ↗
More next steps: FTC recovery guidance ↗