Credit Cards online. Image by Bruno from Pixabay
As more and more seniors turn to online shopping and e-commerce, using credit cards online safely and securely is important to understand. Credit cards can be a convenient and easy way to make purchases online, but they can also put seniors at risk of fraud and identity theft. Here are some tips for senior citizens to use credit cards online safely:
Use A Secure Website
When shopping online, make sure the website is secure before entering any personal or financial information. Look for a padlock icon in the browser bar or “https” at the beginning of the URL to ensure the site is secure.
Keep Personal Information Private
Seniors should never share their credit card information or other personal information, such as their social security number or date of birth, with anyone online or over the phone.
Use Strong Passwords
Seniors should create strong passwords that include a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. They should avoid using easily guessable information, such as their name or birthdate, as part of their password.
Check Credit Card Statements Regularly
It’s important for seniors to review their credit card statements regularly to ensure there are no unauthorized charges or suspicious activity. If anything looks suspicious, seniors should contact their credit card company immediately.
Be Cautious of Emails and Phone Calls
Seniors should be wary of emails or phone calls requesting personal or financial information. Scammers often use these tactics to try to obtain sensitive information from unsuspecting seniors.
Use Credit Cards, Not Debit Cards
Credit cards offer greater protection than debit cards in the event of fraudulent activity. If a senior’s credit card is used fraudulently, they can dispute the charges with the credit card company and avoid any financial liability.
Sign Up For Fraud Alerts
Many credit card companies offer fraud alerts that notify cardholders of any suspicious activity on their account. Seniors can sign up for these alerts to receive notifications via email, text message, or phone call.