Older adults are turning to online shopping more than ever before. While many still enjoy browsing in-store, the ease of purchasing items with a single click from the comfort of home has made online shopping an essential part of their routines. However, to stay safe and avoid scams, seniors should follow these eight important tips.
What Factors Lead Seniors to Shopping Online?
Most online shopping is done by younger generations, particularly Millennials and Generation Z. Based on historical data, Baby Boomers, despite having the greatest purchasing power in the US, are not primarily online shoppers. This is partly due to their lack of tech-savviness.
However, many aging consumers are starting to make purchases via their computer for several reasons. Seniors with mobility issues, for instance, struggle to shop in-store, making online buying a desirable path to obtain their everyday essentials, from groceries to vitamins.
Carrying a heavy shopping bag is difficult for seniors living with frailty or arthritic hands. Buying from online stores that deliver makes it easy for older adults to jump this hurdle. Plus, as more seniors gain tech literacy, it parallels their online spending.
What Tips Keep the Elderly Safe While Shopping Online?
Given that seniors bring the most capital to retailers, it’s no surprise that online stores see this consumer age group as a primary target. While online stores legitimately market to the elderly, scam artists see an opportunity to defraud unsuspecting online shoppers with brazen schemes.
Seniors should follow three general tips: 1) Understand what to be aware of when making online purchases; 2) When ready to buy, be sure the purchase is on a secure website; and, 3) In the event of a scam or counterfeit product, know to which agency to report it.
Tip 1: Shop On Trusted Websites
Fake shopping websites offer goods and prices that are too good to be true. Seniors should steer away from phony sites that aim to defraud victims. Rather, spend money on trusted retailers, like Amazon, that offer consumers protection. Investigate unfamiliar stores on the Better Business Bureau website.
Tip 2: Watch for Fake Reviews
When considering purchasing an item online and reading reviews, be aware that some reviews may be fake. Reviews are critical to being confident about making a purchase. However, online stores are beleaguered by streams of fake reviews that distort the actual quality of the item.
Tip 3: Be Vigilant for Online Scams
Though buying online comes with ease, it’s also a path for scammers to defraud older adults. Phishing scams, for instance, target seniors. This type of scam appears as a text or email from a trusted source, like an online store. However, it tricks seniors into revealing their personal information.
Seniors should practice caution by double-checking the suspected email. Usually, the email address contains errors that do not match the address of a legitimate sender. Upon receiving an unsolicited email that requests personal details, the elderly are advised to be skeptical.
Tip 4: Check Site Security
Before finalizing a purchase, check the security of the website. A secure site contains a URL that changes from “http” to “https” on the checkout page where the buyer inputs financial information. This ensures that any sensitive financial details are transmitted securely online.
Tip 5: Rely on a Credit Card
Use a credit card to make online purchases. It’s the securest form of payment to use online, since federal law caps the buyer’s liability to $50 in the event of unauthorized charges. Seniors who discover issues with the purchase can dispute it—the credit card company often removes the charge.
Tip 6: Be Wary of Impersonation Scams
After making a purchase, seniors could be flooded with unsolicited messages that request them to call a new phone number or enter personal identifying details. These scams are designed to look like they are being sent from a trusted online retailer.
Be wary of the possibility of impersonation scams when asked for further personal identifying information. Rather than call the new number, check with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB can offer more information on the latest scams targeting the elderly.
Tip 7: Report Scams
Seniors who experience problems with an online store should first contact the seller and attempt to resolve it with them. However, those who fall victim to an online shopping scam are urged to report it to the Federal Trade Commission, the state attorney general or the state consumer protection agency.
Tip 8: Rely on Trusted Individuals
Trusted family members or caregivers can help the elderly navigate online shopping safely. These individuals can inspect a site’s URL to ensure that it’s secure. They can also monitor transactions, manage accounts, and verify purchases to keep seniors’ financial information off risky sites.
In-Home Care from Assisting Hands
The professional caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care are among the trusted individuals whom seniors can count on to ensure their online transactions are secure. Our caregivers often educate the elderly on safe online practices, which can protect their financial details from fraudsters.
Our home care agency prioritizes the safety and physical, emotional, and social health of aging care recipients. In addition to helping seniors shop online safely, we offer a range of non-medical in-home care services. Care options are flexible and customized to meet seniors’ unique care needs.
Caregivers assist seniors with hygiene tasks to ensure they stay comfortable and clean, shop for groceries, perform light housekeeping, and give timely medication reminders. We also provide transportation and escort to the doctor’s office or pharmacy.
We are pleasant companions who engage socially with seniors via conversations, games, stimulating puzzles, outings, and enjoyable hobbies. Socialization at mealtimes encourages seniors to eat more, too. Our companionship prevents the elderly from experiencing loneliness, social isolation, and subsequent feelings of depression.
In-home care from Assisting Hands Home Care is an important part of a senior’s care plan. We are privileged to serve the communities of Burleson, Cleburne, Granbury, Mansfield, Midlothian, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, Waxahachie, Texas. Schedule a free in-home consultation today by calling (817) 592-8843, and let us help elevate your aging loved one’s quality of life—while keeping them safe, even when shopping online.
