Older people urged to stay safe online

Elderly people are advised to ensure that their online bank accounts are not compromised by internet fraudsters.

Older people are being urged to take steps to prevent transaction accounts, credit card details and other financial information from falling into the hands of cybercriminals.

As research from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates such consumers are the fastest growing group of internet users, Telstra claims they are particularly susceptible to be the target of fraudsters.

"People can now do so much at the click of a button - stay in touch with loved ones, shop and bank online," Telstra spokeswoman Jenny Young tells the Herald Sun.

However, a lot of online activity - she states - involves sharing personal information and credit cards.

In an effort to protect their money, Telstra advises older people to ensure they install and update security software on a regular basis, while passwords should be changed twice a year.

Furthermore, consumers are urged to never send their credit card or bank account details - as well as personal information - by email.

Such Australian banking guidance comes as superintendent Brian Hay, head of the Queensland fraud squad, recently claimed that the country is seen as the "land of milk and honey" for credit card fraudsters.

Posted by Bret Clement