Learning tips for how to avoid online scams
Concerned about the increasing number of scams on the internet, Patricia Rossiter, 75, worried that she might be next.
Patricia lives in Kidsgrove, Stoke on Trent and learned about the free digital support in her area, provided by the AbilityNet and BT Group partnership.
"I received a great deal of support, along with my peers who also attended the sessions," says Patricia.
"Becky and Phil [the trainers] were very patient with us; there was a casual atmosphere which helped enormously so that it didn’t seem like school."
Improving confidence online
The AbilityNet team helped Patricia and her University of the Third Age (U3A) group with digital skills sessions, including an introduction to the internet and and the basics of sending emails. They also received support with downloading and using specific apps such as WhatsApp and the NHS app.
AbilityNet BT Digital Skills trainers also shared the latest advice with the U3A group about staying safer online, and how to spot scams, amongst other things.
"I feel more confident that I can spot a scam and even if I know the sender of an email, I still don’t click on any links before I’ve researched," says Patricia. "I have also learned how to discover whether my passwords have been compromised," she says.
As well as learning valuable ways to avoid online scams, Patricia was given a few tips on the type of new laptop she needed to buy and its approximate cost.
"I learned how to access the barcodes relevant to my Samsung A53 in case it is lost or stolen and finally, I learned how to update the Apps I use," she says.
Patricia has also downloaded and used the NHS app, which has proved extremely useful in communicating with her surgery.
Sign up for free digital support
"Had your service not been available I probably would have fallen for a scam and would have had to find a computer expert to help me out. Hopefully, this eventuality has been averted," says Patricia.
Would you like to learn new digital skills too? Or know an older or disabled adult who needs support with their tech? AbilityNet can help you.
Please note: Patricia Rossiter is not the real name of the person profiled, and the image shown at the top of the page is a stock photo provided by the Centre for Ageing Better.