AGE NI shares online safety tips

Anne O’Reilly, Age NI Chief Executive, said, ‘Anyone of us can easily fall for an email scam but by taking a few simple steps we can use the internet safely.

Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails (generally known as spam)

If you wish to visit a particular website, always key in the address directly rather than using an embedded link

Don’t open attachments from people you don’t know as they may carry a virus that could affect your computer

Beware of ‘phishing’ – this is a fake email designed to look exactly like it’s from your bank or tax office asking you to ‘update’ or ‘confirm your details. Don’t respond as the email will direct you to a website that may look like your bank’s website and will trick you into revealing your personal information. Forward phishing emails to your bank and then delete

Never send any payment details to ‘claim a prize’

Never disclose personal or financial information via email.

Visit www.getsafeonline.org for additional information about the Click and Tell roadshows and for more tips on how to avoid being targeted by scammers and use the internet with confidence.