Introduction
As our loved ones age, their digital literacy skills have been improving. More seniors in Singapore are embracing technology, using smartphones and digital tools for communication, information-seeking, and online payments. However, there’s a significant concern: seniors often lack confidence in identifying online scams. In this article, we’ll explore this issue, its implications, and how caregivers can assist seniors in overcoming it.
The Issue: Senior’s Lack of Confidence in Spotting Scams
Seniors are embracing digital technology at an impressive rate, but they often face challenges in spotting online scams. According to a recent report, only 44% of seniors feel moderately confident in identifying scams on messaging platforms. This lack of confidence is attributed to their vigilance, which might deter them from enjoying the benefits of digital technology.

Implications for Seniors
This lack of confidence in spotting scams can have several negative implications for seniors. Scammers often target the elderly, leading to financial losses and emotional distress. In addition, seniors may become reluctant to engage with online services, missing out on opportunities for convenience and connectivity.
How Caregivers Can Assist
Caregivers play a crucial role in helping seniors overcome this issue. Here are some steps caregivers can take to support their loved ones:
Education and Awareness: Caregivers can educate seniors about common online scams and teach them how to recognize warning signs, such as unsolicited messages or suspicious links.
Two-Factor Authentication: Encourage seniors to enable two-factor authentication for their online accounts. This extra layer of security can protect them from unauthorised access.
Truecaller: Truecaller helps identify and block scam calls. It has a large community of users who contribute to its extensive spam database.
Hiya: Hiya is a caller ID and spam blocking app that can identify incoming calls and block unwanted ones. It relies on a large database to detect and block spam calls.
ScamShield App: Caregivers can help seniors install and use the ScamShield app to block and report scams effectively.
Regular Check-Ins: Regularly checking in with seniors to ensure they’re not falling victim to scams and addressing any concerns they may have.
Reinforce Online Etiquette: Emphasise the importance of verifying the authenticity of online requests and not sharing personal information without validation.
Online Shopping Safety: Teach seniors how to make safe online purchases, such as from reputable websites and not clicking on suspicious ads.
Social Organizations in Singapore
Fortunately, Singapore offers various resources to assist caregivers in helping their senior loved ones navigate the digital world safely. Organisations like the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) provide valuable guidance and educational programs, like the Seniors Go Digital program. These initiatives can help seniors build their confidence in using technology securely.
Conclusion
As seniors in Singapore become more digitally literate, they face the challenge of spotting online scams. Caregivers play an essential role in supporting their loved ones in overcoming this issue. By providing education, promoting safe online practices, and utilising available resources, caregivers can help seniors enjoy the benefits of the digital age while staying protected from online scams. Together, we can ensure our seniors have the confidence and knowledge to navigate the digital world with security and ease.
At SG Assist, we are dedicated to supporting caregivers and your loved ones. From providing essential resources to connecting caregivers with professional care services, we are here for you every step of the way. Visit our websites at SG Assist and CareConnect, and our Caregiver Resource Centre, or sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments and caregiver support initiatives. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those we care for.
Story was adapted from The Straits Times, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/seniors-becoming-more-digitally-savvy-but-lack-confidence-in-spotting-scams-imda-report