What are the most common scams targeting seniors online?

The three most frequent scams are phishing emails (fake messages from banks or HMRC), fraudulent phone calls (fake Microsoft technical support or fake bank advisers) and fake promotions on social media. Seniors account for a significant proportion of online fraud victims.

How do you create a secure password that is easy to remember?

Use a personal phrase as a base: 'My cat Felix is 3 years old since May!' becomes 'McFi3yosM!'. Better still, use a free password manager like Bitwarden: you only remember one master password and the app manages all the others.

How do you recognise a fraudulent email?

Check the sender's address (not just the displayed name), be wary of urgent requests ('your account will be closed'), never click a link in a doubtful email, and know that your bank will never ask for your login details by email.

Do you need an antivirus on a smartphone in 2026?

On iPhone, no — the system is sufficiently secure. On Android, the built-in Google Play Protect is sufficient for most uses. The key is to only download apps from the Google Play Store or App Store.

What should you do if you have been a victim of an online scam?

Contact your bank immediately to block your card, change your passwords, report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk, and contact Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848 for support.

Digital Security Guide for Seniors in 2026

Do you use the internet for your admin, shopping or keeping in touch with family? That is wonderful. Digital technology makes daily life easier. But like your home, a few simple precautions are enough to protect you from ill-intentioned people.

This guide has been designed to accompany you step by step. No need to be an IT expert: every piece of advice is explained simply, with concrete examples and free tools.

Why Digital Security Matters

The internet is now part of daily life. Checking bank accounts, booking doctor appointments, chatting with grandchildren: these are natural everyday actions.

But this openness also attracts scammers. In the UK, older people account for a significant proportion of online fraud victims. Losses can reach thousands of pounds per victim.

The good news is that the vast majority of scams rely on trickery, not technical skill. By adopting a few simple habits, you protect yourself from most risks.

Passwords: Your First Protection

Why a Good Password Matters

Your password is the key to your digital home. If it is too simple, it is like leaving the front door open.

A weak password (your date of birth, a relative’s name, “123456”) can be guessed in seconds by automated programs.

How to Create a Strong Password

The simplest method is to start from a phrase you remember easily.

Example: “My granddaughter Louise is 8 in March” becomes MgLi8iM. Add a special character and you get: MgLi8iM!

The rules to remember:

At least 10 characters
Upper and lower case letters
At least one number
At least one special character (!, @, #, etc.)
A different password for each important account

Use a Password Manager

Remembering dozens of different passwords is impossible. That is where password managers come in.

Bitwarden is a free tool available in English. The principle is simple: you only remember one master password, and Bitwarden stores and automatically fills in all the others.

To install it:

Go to the Google Play Store or App Store
Search for “Bitwarden”
Download the official app (developer: Bitwarden Inc.)
Create your account with a strong master password
Gradually save your login details as you use websites

Email Scams: Learning to Spot Them

The Most Common Techniques

“Phishing” involves sending you an email that mimics an official organisation — your bank, HMRC, the NHS — to push you into sharing personal information.

Warning Signs to Know

Before reacting to an email, ask yourself:

Is the sender’s address consistent? An email from your bank coming from “service@bank-secure.xyz” is suspicious. Look at the full address, not just the displayed name.
Does the message create urgency? “Your account will be closed in 24 hours” is a classic tactic to prevent you from thinking.
Are you being asked for sensitive information? Your bank, HMRC or the NHS will never ask for your login details, bank card code or National Insurance number by email.
Are there spelling mistakes? Official emails are generally well-written.

The Right Reflex

Never click a link in a doubtful email. If you think the message is legitimate, open your browser and type the official website address yourself (e.g. gov.uk, nhs.uk).

Phone Scams: Keep Your Calm

The Most Common Scenarios

The fake bank adviser: Someone calls pretending to be your bank. They claim a fraudulent transaction is in progress and ask you to “confirm” your codes.

The fake technical support: A supposed Microsoft or BT technician contacts you about a “virus” on your computer.

The relative-in-trouble scam: You receive a call or message: “Mum, it’s me, I’ve lost my phone and need money urgently.”

How to React

Essential rule: Never give personal or bank information over the phone, even if the person seems to know details about you.

Hang up politely
Call the organisation back using the official number (on the back of your bank card, or on their official website)
If a relative contacts you for money, verify by calling them directly on their usual number

Browsing the Internet Safely

Check the website address. Before entering information, make sure the address starts with “https://” (the “s” means secure) and a small padlock appears in the address bar.

Be wary of offers that seem too good. An iPhone for £1, an unexpected refund, an inheritance from a stranger: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Avoid public WiFi for sensitive operations. In a cafe, station or hotel, free WiFi is not secure. Do not check your bank or make purchases on public WiFi. Use your mobile connection (4G/5G) instead.

Updates: Your Allies

Updates fix security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates on your phone:

On iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates
On Android: Settings > System > System Update

Protecting Your Personal Data

Your full bank card details (number, expiry date, CVV)
Your online banking login credentials
Your National Insurance number
A copy of your ID (except on a verified official site)

On Facebook or other networks, avoid sharing your home address, phone number, dates of absence, photos of official documents, or information about daily routines.

Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication adds a second check when you log in. Even if someone steals your password, they cannot access your account without the code sent to your phone. Enable it on your most important accounts: email, online banking, social media.

What to Do If You Have Been a Victim

If despite all precautions you become a scam victim, do not blame yourself. It happens to thousands of people daily. The important thing is to act quickly.

Within the Hour

Contact your bank immediately to block your card. The number is on the back of your card and works 24/7.
Change your passwords starting with your email and online banking.
Take screenshots of fraudulent messages, emails or websites. These are evidence.

Within 24 Hours

Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk.
Report suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 (free).

In the Following Days

Monitor your bank statements for several weeks to spot suspicious transactions.
Contact Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848 for personalised, free support.

Useful Resources and Emergency Contacts

Numbers to Save in Your Phone

999: Emergency services
101: Police (non-emergency)
0300 123 2040: Action Fraud (UK’s national fraud reporting centre)
0800 144 8848: Citizens Advice (free)
Your bank’s number: on the back of your bank card

Official Reference Websites

actionfraud.police.uk: reporting fraud and getting advice
ncsc.gov.uk: National Cyber Security Centre guidance
gov.uk: all official government services
citizensadvice.org.uk: free advice on all matters

Recommended Free Tools

Bitwarden: free password manager
Signal: secure messaging app recommended by security experts
Truecaller: suspicious call identification and spam blocking
Google Play Protect: built-in antivirus for Android phones

In Summary: The 5 Habits That Protect You

You do not need to remember everything. These five habits cover the essentials:

Never click a link received by email or text if in doubt. Go directly to the official website.
Never share your codes by phone, email or text, even to someone claiming to be your bank.
Use a different password for each important account, with help from a manager like Bitwarden.
Keep your devices up to date by enabling automatic updates.
If in doubt, do nothing and ask advice from a trusted family member or call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Digital security is not a question of technical skill. It is a question of vigilance and good habits. And you have just taken the first step by reading this guide.

Questions fréquentes

: The three most frequent scams are phishing emails (fake messages from banks or HMRC), fraudulent phone calls (fake Microsoft technical support or fake bank advisers) and fake promotions on social media. Seniors account for a significant proportion of online fraud victims.
: Use a personal phrase as a base: 'My cat Felix is 3 years old since May!' becomes 'McFi3yosM!'. Better still, use a free password manager like Bitwarden: you only remember one master password and the app manages all the others.
: Check the sender's address (not just the displayed name), be wary of urgent requests ('your account will be closed'), never click a link in a doubtful email, and know that your bank will never ask for your login details by email.
: On iPhone, no — the system is sufficiently secure. On Android, the built-in Google Play Protect is sufficient for most uses. The key is to only download apps from the Google Play Store or App Store.
: Contact your bank immediately to block your card, change your passwords, report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk, and contact Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848 for support.