Protecting older adults from online scams

Older adults are among the most overlooked and underserved groups in the field of cybersecurity. Often stereotyped as less knowledgeable about safe technology practices, they are perceived as especially susceptible to online scams and, as a result, frequently targeted by scammers. Despite this, little is understood about how older adults engage with scam attempts and how their interactions compare to those of other age groups.
This research aims to identify the factors that contribute to susceptibility to scams and how these factors are influenced by age. It examines how scams unfold and how individuals navigate them using a mixed methodology approach, including experimental designs. The findings aim to challenge prevailing assumptions, clarify differences between age groups and inform cybersecurity practices.