As senior citizens across India embrace the digital world, connecting with family over WhatsApp, paying bills through UPI, or simply watching devotional videos on YouTube, they are also inadvertently stepping into a space that can be unfamiliar and, at times, unsafe. The growing menace of cybercrime has made it increasingly important for families to not only introduce their elders to technology but also to guide them on how to stay safe.
Here is a practical, easy-to-follow guide for families, caregivers and housing societies/ associations to help safeguard the digital lives of senior citizens. Because when it comes to cyber fraud, it is always better to prevent than to regret.
Step #1: Equip the devices, not just the people
Before we teach new habits, we must first ensure that the tools themselves are secure. This means checking that phones, tablets and computers used by senior citizens are updated and protected.
Start by installing reliable antivirus software. Make sure that system and app updates happen automatically, so that security loopholes are closed in time. Use a strong lock screen code—ideally a six-digit PIN, or enable fingerprint or facial recognition if available. Make it a point to download apps only from official sources such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and restrict app permissions to only what is necessary.
Step #2: Talk about it—without fear
When it comes to cybercrime, awareness makes all the difference. But it’s important to have these conversations with sensitivity. Seniors should feel informed, not frightened.
Explain some common scams in simple terms—fake calls from bank representatives, fraudsters posing as policemen, messages promising lottery wins or refunds. Encourage them to be sceptical of anything that sounds too urgent or too good to be true. Make it a family norm to say, “I’ll check with my son or daughter first.” That one line can save thousands of rupees.
Role-playing situations—such as someone asking for their OTP or claiming that their account has been frozen—can be especially helpful. Repetition reinforces learning.
Step #3: Create a digital safety kit
Just as we keep a medical first-aid box handy, we need a digital first-aid kit for seniors.
This should include a simple list of emergency numbers: the national cybercrime helpline (1930), the local police number, and a trusted family member’s contact. It’s useful to have a laminated card with these details placed near the landline or charging point.
Encourage keeping a small notebook to log digital activity—like online purchases or phone calls that seemed suspicious. Passwords, if written down, should be stored carefully. If they are open to it, a password manager could be introduced, though only if they are confident with technology.
Step #4: Family and caregiver involvement
Even if a parent or grandparent is digitally savvy, cyber safety must be a shared effort.
Make it a habit to check in once a month—review messages, look through their email inbox, check bank notifications, and uninstall unnecessary apps. Talk about any unusual activity they might have noticed.
Set a few clear house rules. For example, no sharing of OTPs, passwords, or clicking on refund links without checking first. Two-factor authentication should be enabled for online banking and social media wherever possible.
And above all, be patient. Learning to be cautious online takes time, especially for those who didn’t grow up with technology. Avoid mockery. Reassure, guide, repeat.
Step #5: Engage the housing society/association
Senior citizens living in communities or retirement complexes are best protected when the housing society also plays a part.
Consider organising quarterly sessions with a cybercrime officer or NGO that specialises in digital literacy. Print out simple Do’s and Don’ts in local languages and display them in lifts or notice boards.
It also helps to set up a WhatsApp group among residents or their family members to share verified warnings or scam alerts. Societies could even identify a few “tech-savvy seniors” who act as go-to helpers for others.
A few red flags worth highlighting
Help your elders recognise some of the most common signs of trouble. For instance, a sudden message from someone claiming to be from a bank, a caller pressuring them to act immediately, or an SMS with a suspicious-looking link. If something feels urgent, threatening, or too generous, it’s best to pause, verify, and only then proceed.
To summarise, cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to trick people—but with a bit of awareness, preparation, and family involvement, our elders can be better protected.
Helping them stay cyber-safe is not just about technology. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about enabling them to enjoy the conveniences of the digital world without anxiety or risk. And more than anything, it’s about showing them that they’re not alone on this journey.
Because the golden years deserve to be safe, secure, and full of dignity—online and off.
