Technology has become part of everyday life.
People use phones to stay in touch with family, pay bills, schedule appointments, shop, read the news, watch videos, join church services, and connect with friends. For many older adults, these tools create convenience and independence.
But technology can also feel confusing.
A suspicious email may look real. A fake phone call may sound urgent. A text message may claim that a package is delayed. A social media account may appear to belong to a friend. A website may ask for personal information without making it clear whether it is safe.
Older adults should not feel embarrassed if technology feels overwhelming. Digital safety is not always simple, even for people who use technology every day.
Families can help by offering support with patience, respect, and clear communication.
The goal is not to make elders feel helpless.
The goal is to help them feel more confident.
1. Start With A Calm Conversation.
The first step is not installing an app or changing a password.
It is having a conversation.
Ask older relatives how they use technology and what feels confusing.
Helpful questions include:
- Do you use email regularly?
- Do you shop online?
- Do you use online banking?
- Have you received any strange phone calls or messages?
- Does anyone ever ask you to send money quickly?
- Are there apps you do not understand?
- Would you like help reviewing your settings?
The conversation should not feel like a lecture.
Older adults deserve respect. They have handled difficult situations throughout their lives. They may simply need help understanding how online scams work.
A calm conversation creates trust.
2. Teach The Warning Signs Of A Scam.
Many scams depend on urgency.
The message may say:
“Your account will be closed today.”
“You owe money immediately.”
“Your package cannot be delivered.”
“Your grandchild is in trouble.”
“You have won a prize.”
“Click this link now.”
“Send a gift card.”
Scammers often want people to react before they have time to think.
Families can teach one simple rule:
Pause before responding.
If a message feels urgent, surprising, or emotional, do not click, send money, or share information immediately.
Call a trusted family member first.
A few minutes of caution can prevent a major problem.
3. Never Share Passwords Or Security Codes.
Passwords, banking details, Social Security numbers, and security codes should be protected carefully.
Older adults should know that legitimate companies usually do not call or message people asking for passwords or one-time security codes.
If someone asks for this information, stop the conversation.
Do not provide:
- Passwords.
- PIN numbers.
- Bank account details.
- Debit or credit card information.
- Social Security numbers.
- Security codes sent by text.
- Answers to security questions.
Families can also help elders create stronger passwords and store them in a secure place.
A password should not be easy to guess.
Avoid using simple information such as a birthday, pet name, or the word “password.”
4. Be Careful With Links In Text Messages And Emails.
A link may look official but still lead to a fake website.
A message might appear to come from a bank, delivery company, online store, government office, or social media platform.
Before clicking, pause.
Ask:
- Was I expecting this message?
- Does the sender look familiar?
- Is the message trying to scare me?
- Is it asking for personal information?
- Can I visit the official website directly instead?
It is often safer to open a browser and type the company’s official website address rather than clicking a link in a message.
Families can help older adults recognize suspicious messages by reviewing examples together.
Practice builds confidence.
5. Confirm Requests For Money.
Scammers sometimes pretend to be relatives.
They may claim that a family member is in an emergency, traveling, in trouble, or unable to speak freely. They may ask for money quickly and tell the person not to contact anyone else.
This is a major warning sign.
If someone asks for money unexpectedly:
- Stop.
- Do not send anything.
- Call the family member directly using a known phone number.
- Contact another relative.
- Ask questions only the real person would know.
Families can also create a simple family code word for emergencies.
The code word should be private and easy for relatives to remember.
This adds another layer of protection.
6. Review Social Media Privacy Settings.
Social media can help older adults stay connected with relatives, churches, classmates, and community groups.
But public profiles may reveal too much information.
A profile may include:
- Birthdays.
- Family names.
- Travel plans.
- Photos of grandchildren.
- Home locations.
- Personal phone numbers.
- Details about daily routines.
Scammers can use this information to sound more believable.
Families can help older relatives review privacy settings and limit who can view posts.
It is also helpful to discuss friend requests.
Do not accept requests from strangers simply because they have a familiar name or friendly photo.
7. Keep Devices Updated.
Phone and computer updates may feel inconvenient, but they are important.
Updates often help fix security problems and improve protection.
Families can help older adults:
- Turn on automatic updates.
- Update apps regularly.
- Remove apps they do not use.
- Install trusted security software when needed.
- Use screen locks.
- Back up important photos and contacts.
A short monthly technology check-in can make a difference.
It may take only a few minutes.
8. Set Up Extra Security.
Many websites and apps offer extra security steps.
One useful option is two-step verification. This means the account requires more than a password to sign in.
For example, the person may receive a code by text or through an app.
Families can help set this up for important accounts such as:
- Email.
- Online banking.
- Social media.
- Shopping accounts.
- Medical portals.
- Utility accounts.
Extra security may feel inconvenient at first, but it can help protect accounts if a password is stolen.
9. Help Without Taking Away Independence.
Older adults may feel frustrated if relatives treat them like children.
They may want support, but they also want independence.
Families should offer help respectfully.
Instead of saying:
“You do not understand technology.”
Try saying:
“These scams are getting harder to spot. Let’s review this together.”
Instead of taking control of every account, ask permission.
Explain each step clearly.
Write down instructions in simple language.
Give elders time to practice.
Respect builds confidence.
10. Create A Trusted Contact List.
Families can make a short list of people an older adult can contact before responding to suspicious messages.
The list might include:
- A son or daughter.
- A grandchild.
- A trusted neighbor.
- A close friend.
- A church member.
- A caregiver.
- A bank representative contacted through the official number.
Keep the list near the phone or in an easy-to-find place.
The message should be simple:
When in doubt, call someone you trust.
No one should feel embarrassed about asking for a second opinion.
11. Talk About Online Shopping Safety.
Online shopping can be convenient, but not every website is trustworthy.
Older adults should be encouraged to shop from familiar websites and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
Before making a purchase:
- Check the website carefully.
- Look for clear contact information.
- Avoid clicking random ads.
- Use secure payment methods.
- Do not save card details on unfamiliar websites.
- Review bank statements regularly.
- Ask for help if the website feels confusing.
Families can also help set up bookmarks for trusted shopping websites.
This makes it easier to return to the correct site.
12. Watch For Signs That Someone May Be Targeted.
Sometimes older adults do not tell family members that they received suspicious messages.
They may feel embarrassed.
They may worry that relatives will take away their independence.
They may not realize that a scam is happening.
Families should pay attention to warning signs such as:
- Sudden requests for money.
- Unusual bank activity.
- Frequent calls from unknown numbers.
- Gift card purchases.
- Secretive conversations.
- New online “friends.”
- Confusion about payments.
- Fear that an account will be closed.
- Pressure to send money quickly.
Approach the conversation gently.
The goal is support, not blame.
13. Make Technology Education A Family Activity.
Digital safety should not only be discussed after something goes wrong.
Families can make it part of regular conversation.
A monthly family technology check-in may include:
- Reviewing suspicious messages.
- Updating devices.
- Checking privacy settings.
- Changing passwords when needed.
- Discussing new scams.
- Organizing important contacts.
- Answering questions.
Children and teens can help too.
Young people often understand apps and devices quickly. Teaching a grandparent how to use a feature safely can become a meaningful moment of connection.
Technology support can bring generations together.
Conclusion.
Older adults deserve to enjoy the benefits of technology without feeling confused, afraid, or isolated.
Families can help by having calm conversations, teaching warning signs, protecting passwords, reviewing privacy settings, confirming requests for money, and creating a trusted support system.
The most important lesson is simple:
Pause before clicking.
Pause before sending money.
Pause before sharing information.
Ask someone you trust.
For Black families, protecting elders is part of community care.
The people who supported families for years deserve patient support as technology continues to change.
Akukulu Family encourages families to schedule a simple technology check-in with an older loved one. Review passwords, privacy settings, suspicious messages, and trusted contacts together. A short conversation today may help protect someone tomorrow.
