The dangers of identity theft

for the over 50s age group

Recent research has shown that the over 50s age group are frequent users of internet services and applications more commonly associated with their children, or even their grandchildren. It is a common misconception that a 7 year old automatically knows more about computers and other digital devices than their grandparents, given the emphasis of IT in education and the supposed distaste for technology that older people have.

Three in five in the over 50s group use the internet to manage their finances, often via internet banking. Two in five will book their holidays online. But unfortunately, just as doorstep confidence fraudsters have typically targeted elderly people living alone in the past, so some internet fraudsters are relying on the unfamiliarity of older people with technology to steal their identities or credit card details. 

Internet security is a complicated business, even for those who believe themselves to be au fait with computers and using online services. Hackers and fraudsters are increasingly organised, sophisticated, and progressive in their methods. Cyber crime really is big business these days. Their constantly evolving tactics often trip up the experienced and the inexperienced alike.

Tactics such as phishing, whereby the user is sent an electronic communication, such as an e-mail, from a seemingly legitimate sender such as their bank. The e-mail asks for sensitive data, like passwords or credit card details, to be entered into a fake website that very closely resembles the official one. Even with the best internet security packages, it is almost impossible to identify the fake website as a fake. This is why phishing is so dangerous. 

The important thing to remember is that a bank or other financial institution will never ask a customer for any sensitive information by e-mail. This is the one golden rule that can protect people from such attacks on their privacy. Unfortunately, while younger people are more aware of such tactics (children are often taught in school to question internet communications, after the rise in paedophiles ‘grooming’ children in internet chatrooms), older people often have not been taught about the dangers.

 Fortunately, providers of over financial products are increasingly providing help to their customers. Santander, for instance, provide up to £50,000 cover for identity theft – take a look at their website for more information on this, and other features relating to their bank accounts.