Digital Citizenship: accessing services and supports online

3.1 What can seniors use the Internet for?
-    Stay up to date with the latest
Being online means seniors have access to news and current events. They can also stream television shows, movies and music for entertainment – creating a common interest to share with others on online forums or Facebook groups.

-    Effortless communication
One of the biggest advantages of internet is communication. Through this network of networks, seniors can communicate with anyone remotely. Wireless systems or physical presence are unnecessary to communicate with people. Within seconds, seniors can connect with someone sitting thousands of miles away. This ensures that they do not lose touch due to increased distance.

-    Resources to learn: 
Seniors can learn about anything anytime through the internet. This is another advantage of internet. There are many resources to help them gain knowledge. This includes research papers, online courses, videos, tutorials, FAQs, case studies, etc.

-    Upgrading lifestyles
The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the best innovations through which human lives have become easier and more efficient. The effort in manual labour has been minimized due to the availability of technological innovations. These days, people do not have to put effort into switching on and off lights or be at home to turn their central heating on, this can be done remotely from a device such as a mobile phone.

-    Maintain cognitive health.
Studies show people who test their minds using mental games and puzzles can lower their chances of cognitive decline and neurological issues like dementia. Online ‘brain games’ like Tetris and Solitaire help to train memory and spatial recognition, while Sudoku and Chess involve forward planning and problem-solving skills. Other popular games to help sharpen your mind include Trivial Pursuit, Words with Friends, Mahjong and Candy Crush. Online puzzles – like these – also have cognitive benefits like improved memory, and provide a mindful activity to reduce stress.

-    Socializing: 
One of the most recent advantages of the internet has been identified as social networking sites. Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and others have helped build communities. Seniors having the same types of interests can connect with each other over these platforms. This is a new form of socializing through which people can share and express their opinions (See Chapter 2 for social media). 

-    Protect mobility and fitness.
Exercise is prescribed as a first line of defense for seniors to protect against falls, injuries and illness, and it is especially important to manage chronic conditions like arthritis. Exercise apps or videos on platforms like YouTube can guide seniors through basic exercises keeping them mobile during the day without leaving their home.

-    Manage medication
Seniors can use an app to help them, or their carer track daily medications and leave the worry of missing a dose behind. They can choose one that works for them on the App Store for Apple devices or Google Play for Android. Medisafe is one example of an application available to seniors and carers to help manage medication. 

-    Groceries are a click away.
Supermarkets and most other retail providers have made it easy to shop for essentials online. Seniors can order their weekly shop and have it delivered to their door in no time. This is especially useful if they have mobility issues, transportation challenges, or wish to avoid large crowds.

-    Hassle-free appointments.
Whether seniors have trouble with transport, or a health condition preventing them from leaving home, being online allows seniors access their doctor via telehealth, and other legal, financial or professional consultations through video conferencing or email. They can also avoid long phone cues for banking or insurance by downloading and becoming acquainted with the institution’s app or saving time by paying bills online.

3.2 More on The Internet of Things (IoT).
Seniors likely use IoT devices already every day. The list below outlines a few IoT devices that seniors may be familiar with:
3.2.1 Smart home devices. 
-    Smart TVs. 
-    These TVs connect to the internet to access content through applications, such as on-demand video and music. Some smart TVs also include voice or gesture recognition.
-    Smart lighting systems
In addition to being able to be controlled remotely and customized, smart lighting systems can detect when occupants are in the room and adjust lighting as needed. Smart lightbulbs can also regulate themselves based on daylight availability.
-    Smart thermostats. 
Smart thermostats, such as Google Nest, come with integrated Wi-Fi, letting users schedule, monitor and remotely control home temperatures. These devices also learn homeowners' behaviors and automatically modify settings to provide them with maximum comfort and efficiency. Smart thermostats can also report energy use and remind users to change filters.
-    Smart door locks and garage door openers. 
-    Homeowners can use smart locks and garage-door openers to grant or deny access to visitors. Smart locks can also detect when residents are near and unlock the doors for them.
-    Smart kitchen appliances. 
Brands such as Samsung offer smart kitchen appliances of all sorts. These appliances include smart coffee makers that can brew a fresh cup automatically at a programmed time; smart refrigerators that keep track of expiration dates, make shopping lists or even create recipes based on ingredients currently on hand; slow cookers and toasters; and, in the laundry room, washing machines and dryers.
-    Smart plugs. 
These connect to wall sockets to transform simple home devices, such as lamps and ceiling fans, so they can be controlled remotely via mobile apps and voice assistants such as Alexa.
3.3 Some disadvantages of the Internet
Cyber breach: 
One of the biggest disadvantages of the internet is the risk of cyber breaches. Websites, applications, emails and software, everything on the internet is prone to breaches. Cyber attackers can find a loophole in the system and breach it to extract the information. Due to this reason, information over the internet is vulnerable to theft.
Losses of Privacy
Although governments have started making laws to regulate this, internet-based companies are still infamous for taking user information and giving it to marketers. This has historically been done without the consent of unwitting users and continues to be done so still to a lesser extent.
Social media (see Module 2) has also been a way that individuals’ privacy has deteriorated.

Potential source of conflict
While the Internet is incredible for fostering wanted communications, it creates a very easy opportunity for unwanted communications. Before the internet, people had to look each other in the eyes to say what they thought. This meant there was both public pressure against it and a way to control it. But through the internet, this is not so. This is especially true when the social media user is anonymous, which means they have no direct disincentive.
Lack of socialization:
While the internet is helping in building communities through social networking sites, it limits real-life socialization. Due to this, people are unable to forge human bonds as strongly as decades before.
Identity theft:
Cyber criminals steal personal information and credentials to commit fraud. For identity theft, criminals access your information in an unauthorized and illegal manner. Once they steal your credentials, they misuse it to commit crimes to obtain goods and services. In the worst-case scenario, they may even try to ruin your reputation.
Addiction:
This is one of the biggest disadvantages of the internet. Over the course of time, people have become addicted to using the internet. This is evident in teenagers for example who spend more time playing games or using social media on the internet. They can sometimes value online lives more than real life. This makes virtual reality more addictive. Due to this, many become aggressive or even clinically depressed when they do not have internet availability.
Shortened attention span: 
Due to the availability of excessive means of entertainment over the internet, the attention span of the average human brain has become less. People nowadays have an attention span of less than a minute, requiring changes within minutes.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is an online form of harassment. It's most common in gaming and social media platforms. People make disparaging or hateful remarks about cyberbullying victims, humiliating them.
Fake News and Other Misinformation
Although the internet is regarded as the primary source of information, some websites include inaccurate and worthless information. Sometimes, users can have trouble distinguishing between what is correct and what is incorrect material. 
Because the internet is largely decentralized, there is little to no quality control on what information is put on it (in other words, there is no gatekeeper). This means that with anyone able to say anything, information that is untrue, incomplete, or misrepresented can spread very quickly and very widely.
Today, we see people who have become highly radicalized, indoctrinated, and manipulated into believing nonsense and conspiracies spread online. To address this, we all need to ensure we have very good media literacy skills.
New Stratification of Society
All the benefits that the internet brings can themselves create a negative effect when they are only possible for some people but not for others. This creates a new sort of stratification in society, dividing those that can use the internet well and those that can not. We call this the ‘digital divide’.
3.4 Email 
Email (electronic mail) is a way to send and receive messages across the Internet. It's like traditional mail, but it also has some key differences. To get a better idea of what email is all about, look at the infographic below and consider how seniors can benefit from using email:
 
3.4.1 Email advantages
-    Productivity tools: Email is usually packaged with a calendar, address book, instant messaging, and more for convenience and productivity.
-    Access to web services: If you want to sign up for an account like Facebook or order products from services like Amazon, you will need an email address so you can be safely identified and contacted.
-    Easy mail management: Email service providers have tools that allow you to file, label, prioritize, find, group, and filter your emails for easy management. Seniors can even easily control spam, or junk email
-    Privacy: Your email is delivered to your own personal and private account with a password required to access and view emails.
-    Communication with multiple people: You can send an email to multiple people at once, giving you the option to include as few as or as many people as you want in a conversation
-    Accessible anywhere at any time: You don’t have to be at home to get your mail. You can access it from any computer or mobile device that has an Internet connection.
3.4.2 Understanding email addresses
To receive emails, you will need an email account and an email address. Also, if you want to send emails to other people, you will need to obtain their email addresses. It's important to learn how to write email addresses correctly because if you do not enter them exactly right, your emails will not be delivered or might be delivered to the wrong person.
Email addresses are always written in a standard format that includes a username, the @ (at) symbol, and the email provider's domain. e.g. Firstname.Lastname@tus.ie 
3.4.3 About email providers  
In the past, people usually received an email account from the same companies that provided their Internet access. For example, if AOL provided your Internet connection, you'd have an AOL email address.  An Irish example would be @eircom.net.  While this is still true for some people, today it's increasingly common to use a free web-based email service, also known as webmail. E.g. yahoo mail.  Anyone can use these services, no matter who provides their Internet access. 
3.4.4 Webmail providers
Popular webmail providers are Yahoo!, Microsoft's Outlook.com (previously Hotmail), and Google's Gmail. These providers are popular because they allow you to access your email account from anywhere with an Internet connection. You can also access webmail on your mobile device.
 
3.4.5 Other email providers and applications
Many people also have an email address hosted by their company, school, or organization. These email addresses are usually for professional purposes. If you are part of an organization that hosts your email, they'll show you how to access it.
Many hosted web domains end with a suffix other than .com. Depending on the organization, your provider's domain might end with a suffix like .gov (for government websites), .edu (education), .mil (for military branches), or .org (for nonprofit organizations).
3.5 Video conferencing and apps
3.5.1 What is video conferencing? (also known as video calling). 
Video conferencing is a technology that enables two or more people in different locations to communicate in real-time through audio and video transmission. Instead of relying solely on traditional phone calls or emails, video conferencing allows participants to see and hear each other, fostering a more engaging and interactive experience.
3.5.2 The importance of video conferencing
The rise of remote work and distributed teams has made video conferencing indispensable for businesses of all sizes. With the ability to host virtual meetings, webinars, and presentations, video conferencing enhances collaboration and productivity while reducing the need for travel and face-to-face meetings. 
Virtual socializing can be enormously beneficial for seniors because it helps to:
-    Prevent senior isolation, which older people can be at greater risk for than other age groups
-    Keep seniors with weakened or compromised immune systems safe and healthy
-    Allow seniors with mobility challenges to socialize from the comfort and safety of home rather than having to navigate transportation and other logistics
-    Promote brain health in seniors by helping them learn to use new technology
-    Boost general mental health and overall wellbeing

3.5.3 Benefits of videoconferencing

-    Breaks down geographical barriers
Video conferencing breaks down geographical barriers, enabling seniors to meet others seamlessly regardless of their location and have discussions with family and friends as if they were in the same room
-    Cost savings for seniors
By replacing in-person meetings with virtual ones, seniors can save significant time and money on travel expenses, accommodation, and other associated costs. 
-    Environmental benefits
With concerns about climate change and carbon emissions on the rise, video conferencing offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional travel. By reducing the need for commuting and air travel, video conferencing helps lower carbon footprints and minimize environmental impact.
-    Sharing everyday life
One of the problems with visiting an elderly person is that they don’t share your everyday life. You can tell them about your week, and even show them photographs, but it’s not the same as being there. However, video calling can change all that. With a laptop or tablet set up at the kitchen table, grandparents can join in with children’s parties or enjoy the conversation at family mealtimes. Recipes or ideas can be shared during dinner preparation, and seniors can even help with homework. Without leaving home, a grandparent can feel included in everything, and it just takes a moment to set up.
-    Experiencing different places
A screen can act like a window and allow seniors who are not mobile to see the world by video connection. From the comfort of home, elderly loved ones can see the kids’ favourite animal at the zoo, the pool at your hotel or sunset over the beach. Even looking at the local park and how it has changed is interesting for seniors who don’t get outside.
-    Joining groups
These days there are online groups for just about everything. Some groups have virtual meetings where everyone connects via video apps. It could be a local group, a religious gathering, or a special interest that a senior might enjoy – the choices are endless. Online means that anyone can attend no matter how near or far they live. With a common interest, it’s easy to chat and strike up friendships. Joining a group might seem unthinkable for those who can’t get out, but when modern technology is embraced and explored, it’s all possible.

3.5.4 Components of videoconferencing 
Understanding the key components of video conferencing systems is crucial for ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.
-    Cameras and microphones
High-definition cameras capture video images of meeting participants and surroundings. Audio quality is essential for effective communication. Built-in microphones in laptops or dedicated USB microphones pick up voices clearly, while advanced models use noise-canceling technology to minimize background noise and echo.
-    Displays and speakers
Screens or monitors display video feeds of participants and shared content during meetings. Options range from built-in laptop screens to large TV displays or projectors. Clear audio output ensures that participants in the meeting hear each other without distortion.
-    Internet connection
A stable internet connection is essential for uninterrupted video and audio transmission. Whether using Wi-Fi or Ethernet connections, sufficient bandwidth supports smooth communication without lag or buffering during meetings.
-    Video conferencing software
Video conferencing tools and applications facilitate connection, scheduling, and management of virtual meetings. Popular platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Skype (now used to a lesser degree) offer features such as screen sharing, chat, and recording capabilities to enhance collaboration

3.6 Government online services
MyWelfare is the online home of welfare services in Ireland. It gives seniors access to a wide range of information and online services, including information about household benefits, fuel allowances, pensions, income supports, benefits for Carer’s, supports for widows or widowers, housing, medical supports including medical and GP visit cards, community care including public health nursing, chiropody, hearing and dental services, home support services, tax credits and allowances, advice on retirement and social welfare benefits.

3.7 Online Entertainment for seniors
3.7.1 Audiobooks and eBooks: 
Audiobooks and eBooks are a great way to pass the time. Reading can be relaxing and fun and can help seniors keep their minds active as they age. For some, reading can come with new challenges as we age such as difficulty reading the text, or limited transportation to go get new books. Fortunately, eBooks and audiobooks can help alleviate some of these challenges.

eBooks are simply books that are converted into a digital format that can be read on multiple devices. Most modern devices such as tablets, smartphones, and computers can be used to read eBooks. There are even devices specifically made for reading eBooks called eReaders.

eBooks can be purchased online or borrowed from your local library. If seniors enjoy reading but find that they are reading less in their older years, they may wish to consider trying eBooks. Here are some benefits that eBooks can offer:

-    Most devices that you can get eBooks on allow you to enlarge the font size, making eBooks easier to read. 
-    Seniors don’t have to worry about finding space for physical books – even an entry-level eReader can store around 2,000 eBooks. Could you imagine finding space for 2,000 paper books in your home?
-    eBooks are easy for seniors to take with them, especially if they have a lightweight tablet or eReader.

3.7.2 Music Streaming services 
Music streaming services give seniors access to a variety of music. Even with all the advancements in technology, many people still listen to broadcast AM/FM radio. However, over the years, music streaming services have soared in popularity. Online music streaming can be broken down into two categories: online radio and interactive streaming.

3.7.3 Online radio (or Internet Radio)
This acts similarly to AM/FM radio: you choose a station, and songs play on that station. Online radios generally have a vast selection of stations to choose from, often including local stations that you would find on your regular radio. Some online radio services also offer additional features, such as the ability to skip songs or listen to podcast.
 

3.7.4 Interactive music streaming
These services allow users to pick which songs or albums that they want to listen to. Thet typically allow a user to create playlists of their favorite songs or listen to playlists that other people have created. Music streaming services also utilize algorithms to make suggestions for new music based off the music you listen to. Some of the biggest names in interactive music streaming include Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music Unlimited.

One of the biggest reasons people gravitate toward music streaming services is because they want to be able to listen to a variety of music without purchasing a bunch of albums. For seniors who enjoy music but don’t like what’s played on the radio today, music streaming services can help provide access to music that better suits their taste.
An additional benefit of music streaming services, especially for seniors who are looking for additional forms of entertainment, is that many streaming services include access to podcasts or audiobooks.
3.8 Podcasts
Podcasts can be entertaining and educational. Many music streaming services also include access to various podcasts. Podcasts are digital audio or video files made available on the internet for downloading, typically available as a series. With music and video streaming services making it easier for people to access podcasts, there has been a steady increase in the number of people who listen to podcasts on a regular basis.
If seniors are not very familiar with podcasts, they may be surprised with how many genres of podcasts there are. Podcast genres include comedy, music, technology, health and fitness, business, news, politics, education, documentaries, and more.
When seniors browse podcasts in whichever music streaming service they use, they can typically browse by genre. If they’re unsure what genre they’d like to listen to, their app will typically show the most popular podcasts, or podcasts that are currently “trending”. This can be a great place to start. 
One of the best things about podcasts is that they are episodic. This means seniors can create a routine, which becomes important after they retire. For example, Saturday mornings can be spent mowing the lawn and listening to the newest episode of their favorite podcast.
 
 
3.9 Video streaming services
These services give seniors access to movies and TV shows. 
-    Netflix
One of the main positives of Netflix is its cross-platform support and streaming quality, as there is an app or stream from pretty much any device available. So, for seniors with mobility issues, instead of getting on their stairlift at home to get up or down their stairs to watch TV, they can watch it on their mobile phone or iPad.
-    Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime’s video streaming service is different in the UK compared to the US, but like Netflix, it offers a subscription-based streaming service. As well as users being able to pay a monthly subscription for the video streaming service, seniors can get it as an extra with Amazon’s Prime service, which offers a host of Amazon-based incentives such as free next-day delivery.
-    Disney+
This is the new kid on the block with regard to video streaming services and is now rivalling the well-established streaming services. It offers a whole library of Marvel Cinematic University (MCU), Disney Channel, Pixar and Fox content, but one of the main reasons it caught the attention of the wider public was its original Star Wars show The Mandalorian, which was a huge success when it debuted on the platform. This platform also has old classic shows such as The Simpsons as well as other favourite Disney films available to watch

Others- BBC iPlayer, NowTV, Rakuten TV, RTE Player
 
3.10 Video games
Video Games aren’t just for kids – They’re fun for seniors too! Many people think of video games as a hobby for children or young adults, but playing video games can be fun for older adults as well. Video games are not only a source of entertainment for seniors but can also help keep their brain engaged. Video games can also help seniors build social connections with other players and individuals in gaming communities.
Seniors can download games on their phone, play video games on their computer, or purchase a video game console such as a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. If they have never played a video game before, seniors can consider what they might enjoy playing. Do they like solving puzzles? Do they want a game that’s fast-paced and full of action? Many old video games have been re-released on newer devices/consoles. If there was a game they enjoyed years ago, chances are, that game is still available.
If seniors are at a total loss of where to start, they can consider looking up senior game players on YouTube or Google to see which video games other seniors are playing. They can ask their friends and family members if they like video games and if they have any recommendations for games that are easy to get started with. See here The Top 20 Easy Video Games for Seniors
 
 

3.11 Other Sources of Online Entertainment for Seniors
Seniors can visit their city museum or Library website to see if they have any online exhibitions or collections to view. 
 

3.12 Shopping Online- Benefits for Seniors 
From finding great deals and saving money to the ease of online grocery shopping, for seniors, the advantages of online shopping are significant, and include:

-    Convenience: Seniors can avoid crowded stores and long lines. With online shopping, they can shop at leisure anytime day or night from the comfort and safety of their home. Whatever they order is delivered to their door, which is great for bulky items such as 12KG dog food for example
-    Save Money: Online shopping is a great way to bargain hunt because seniors can visit several stores in just minutes. Prices can often be lower than in physical stores.
-    Comparison Shop: Along with comparing prices, seniors online shopping can quickly compare colours, sizes, varieties and quality in a matter of minutes. They can simply type what they are looking for in the search bar of their Internet browser and reveal a huge range of choices
-    Customer Reviews: Online reviews are a valuable tool to see what people are saying about the product and service. They are also a good way to determine if a company is trustworthy.
-    Hard to Find Items: Online shopping for seniors lets them find items they want that aren’t sold in their area.
-    Groceries: Stores such e.g. Tesco’s or Dunnes Stores make online grocery shopping for seniors fast and easy. They can fill out their shopping list online and have their groceries ready for pick up or deliver them to their door. 

3.12.1 Some disadvantages of online shopping

-    ‘No-Touch’ Frustration: the inability to physically touch products tops the list of online shopping disadvantages
-    Quality Uncertainty: A closely related issue is the ambiguity surrounding product quality, some consumers, are not always sure about the quality of their online purchases 
-    Logistics: there can be issues with shipping and returns which are not always so straightforward
-    The Threat of Digital Scams: with the rise in ecommerce fraud, digital scams have become a major concern, with many shoppers seeing it as a disadvantage of online shopping.
-    Disappointing Experiences: shoppers express disappointment with online shopping experiences, such as the absence of immediate sales assistance.

In summary, the major disadvantages of ecommerce can be categorized into three groups:
-    Physical Absence: concerns related to the inability to physically interact with products
-    Logistical Challenges: Concerns around returns and shipping
-    Social, Environmental, and Fraud Worries: The remaining concerns span these diverse categories.

3.12.2 Online shopping: Dos and Don’ts to Manage Your Security Online

Keeping your data safe is of the utmost importance. Everyone needs to practice good online habits to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft. Here are some basic security tips for seniors that will help:

Create secure passwords: 
Your password is your first line of defence against cybercriminals. That’s why you should never use your birthday, name, initials or street address even if it makes remembering your password easy. And never use e.g. “password” or “123456”. 

Instead, try these methods:

Make it Strong. A password that’s difficult to break is at least eight characters long and uses a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols such as #%@*(+). Spread them out, too, instead of bunching them together.

Make It Unique to You. Try creating a password that only you would now, such as a phobia like “&iH8teSpyders!”

Use Different Passwords for Different Accounts. Using the same password for all of your online accounts gives cyberthieves access to them all.

Change Your Passwords Regularly. Changing your password every few months makes it harder to remember, but it keeps the hackers guessing. Also, anytime you hear of a data breach or suspect suspicious activity, change your password immediately.

Make Sure the Website is Secure: Only enter your payment information if the website’s address starts with https://. The “s” stands for secure.

Avoid Using Public WiFi Networks – Only buy online when using your home Wi-Fi .  Free wireless on public networks at places like coffee shops and airports can be breached by cyberthieves.

Try to avoid shopping on Public Computers:  Using a public computer somewhere such as a library or hotel to shop isn’t always such a good idea. You could forget to log out of your account and the next user will have access.

Keep Your Computer or Tablet Up to Date: Whether it’s a PC or a Mac, your information is safer when you keep your operating system up to date.

Check Your Statements: Look at your credit card and bank statements every month for any unauthorized purchases.

3.13 Online Banking 

Online and mobile banking make managing your accounts easy and safe, wherever you are in the world. With instant access to your balance, payments and other features such as spending notifications, seniors can have the tools to stay in control of your finances and stop avoidable charges.

3.13.1 The uses of Online Banking

Online and mobile banking usually let you:

-    View your accounts, including savings, credit cards, mortgages, loans and investments
-    Pay bills and transfer money to other accounts
-    Set up or cancel regular payments, such as Direct Debits and standing orders
-    View transactions and bank statements
-    Open and close accounts, or request changes – such as adjusting your overdraft or credit limit
-    Set up instant spend notifications whenever your card is used
-    Freeze and order new cards, plus set maximum spending and cash withdrawal limits.

3.13.2 How to set up online and mobile banking

Seniors need to register for access, which they can usually request online. The easiest way is to go to the bank’s homepage and look for ‘register’, then follow the on-screen steps. For mobile banking, seniors can download their bank’s app from the app store on their mobile phone.

The registration process varies per bank but usually involves completing several security steps. This could include: 
-    a set-up code sent to their mobile
-    a password and registration number posted to them
-    a card reader or security device sent to them, which they will need to log on.

Once they are registered, seniors will be able to login whenever they need to.  
If they are not confident doing this themselves,  seniors can check if their bank can help them – many offer free digital lessons over the phone or via video call.
 
3.13.3 Keeping your online account safe
Banks take lots of precautions to make sure your online account is safe, including using encrypted websites, timed logouts and multi-step verification processes. This works by using something you know, such as a password, and something you have, like your mobile phone and fingerprint.  
For example, before allowing you to log in or make a payment, seniors could be asked to: 
-    enter their username and password
-    confirm a code that’s been sent to their device
-    use facial recognition or a fingerprint reader.
Having instant access to their accounts can also help seniors spot any unusual activity quickly, especially if they have set up spending notifications that alert them whenever their card is used.  
Many online banking platforms also allow customers to freeze their card – for example, if they realise it’s lost or stolen – and set up daily spending and cash withdrawal limits.  
3.13.4 How seniors can protect themselves from scams
While the technology has safeguards in place, there are many online and phone scams to watch out for. Run by fraudsters, the aim is to trick you into sharing your login details or other sensitive details so they can gain access.   
Here are a few rules to follow to stay safe:
-    Never give personal information, passwords or online banking login details to anyone – your bank will never call, email or text you asking for these.
-    If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from your bank, check with your bank to see if the number is genuine
-    Don’t reply to emails that claim to be from your bank asking for personal details or passwords, and never click on any links.
-    If you receive a suspicious text message, don’t respond, again, check with your bank first
-    Check your statement often and report any unusual activity to your bank as soon as you can.
-    If you notice a payment out of your account that you didn’t authorise, contact your bank or building society as soon as possible to ask for a refund.
-    Use a safe and secure wi-fi connection or mobile data when accessing your accounts – fraudsters can use public wi-fi to steal information.
-    Always remember to log out of your online banking session.