Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) Launches Internet Safety Seminars for Seniors with Verizon Foundation Support

As the holidays approach and the risk of online scams and frauds increases, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) is launching a series of seminars on “Internet Safety for Seniors” to be delivered in four New York City communities. With the support of the Verizon Foundation and local officials, OATS has developed these seminars to educate older adults on the significant issues of digital fraud and the protection of personal information when using the Internet. The seminars are expected to reach over 500 older adults with critical information that allows them to stay safe online.

OATS is a citywide nonprofit that has taught over 5000 senior citizens to use computers and technology since 2004. The organization offers ongoing opportunities for learning by offering technology training in senior centers and community centers throughout New York City and through its SeniorPlanet website (www.seniorplanet.org).

Older adults are the fastest growing demographic of Internet users today, but as newcomers to the technology, many seniors are especially vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. And crime rates are increasing: In 2008, the national Internet Crime Complaint Center logged over 275,000 Internet fraud complaints (an increase of 33% over 2007). For older adults who do not use the Internet, fear of victimization by Internet scams and fraud is the most commonly cited reason for not going online. Unfortunately, seniors who stay offline have a higher risk of social isolation and have reduced access to information on topics such as healthcare, current events, goods, and services. These new seminars will address risks and best practices for staying safe online with a focus on practical examples and will be held in Harlem (A. Philip Randolph Senior Center), the Bronx (Casa Boricua Senior Center), Queens (location TBD), and Brooklyn (location TBD). Specific topics of the seminars include spam, phishing emails, identity theft, and safe online shopping. Participants in the seminars will be encouraged to ask questions and discuss their own online experiences. Participants will also be given a resource guide to Internet Safety, including agencies to call if they are victimized by identity theft or fraud. The seminars are free to all participants.

Supported by the Verizon Foundation