From fake bank texts to fears about losing life savings with one wrong click, many older people still avoid online banking and shopping altogether
For millions of older Brits, online banking still feels like a risk not worth taking.
The fear is understandable. Every week seems to bring fresh stories about hacked accounts, fake delivery texts, stolen card details and pensioners being tricked out of thousands of pounds by sophisticated scammers.
For many people who grew up handling cash, speaking to bank staff face-to-face and keeping careful paper records, trusting an app or website with life savings can feel deeply uncomfortable.
But experts say avoiding online banking and shopping altogether may now be costing older people money — and in some cases could even leave them less protected against fraud.
With banks continuing to close branches across the UK and many companies offering their best prices online only, consumer groups say understanding modern protections is becoming increasingly important.
‘Scammers are deliberately targeting fear’
Marc Crosby, scams expert at MoneyMagpie, said fraudsters often specifically prey on people who already feel nervous about technology.
He said: “I completely understand why many older readers still feel wary. Some scams are incredibly convincing now and fraudsters know exactly how to create panic.
“Criminals deliberately target people when they are distracted or frightened, and many scams are designed to look identical to genuine bank messages.”
He added: “The important thing people should know is that banks and the law have changed massively in recent years. Customers often have far more protection than they realise if something goes wrong — but the key is slowing down and never acting under pressure.”
Your bank cannot always refuse to help
One of the biggest fears older people have is that one mistake online could mean losing all their money forever.
But under UK banking rules, customers are often protected against unauthorised fraud.
In many cases, banks are expected to refund victims if criminals:
- Hack an account
- Steal card details
- Make unauthorised payments
- Gain access through fraud
New rules introduced by the Payment Systems Regulator have also strengthened protections around many bank transfer scams.
However, experts warn there are still situations where banks may refuse refunds — particularly if customers ignored repeated fraud warnings or shared passwords and security information.
That is why learning basic online safety remains important.
The biggest scams older people should watch for
Fraudsters are increasingly using emotional pressure rather than complicated technology. Marc Crosby warned that some scams are now “almost impossible” to spot at first glance.
He said: “The old stereotype of scams being full of spelling mistakes and obvious nonsense simply is not true anymore. “Some fake texts, websites and emails are extremely sophisticated and can catch out anybody.”
Experts say older people should be especially cautious of:
Fake bank texts
Messages claiming there has been “suspicious activity” on an account are now extremely common. They often encourage victims to click a link or phone a fake number.
‘Safe account’
Victims are told their bank account is under threat and they must urgently transfer money to a so-called “safe account”.
Banks will never ask customers to do this.
Family emergency scams
Fraudsters pretend to be children or grandchildren in urgent need of money after “losing” their phone or bank card.
Fake delivery messages
Texts about missed parcels or unpaid customs charges are designed to steal payment details.
What banks will NEVER ask you to do
Experts say one of the simplest ways to stay safe is remembering what genuine banks do not do.
A real bank will never:
- Ask for a full password or PIN
- Ask customers to transfer money to another account “for safety”
- Pressure somebody into acting immediately
- Ask for remote access to a computer
- Send a courier to collect a bank card
If any of this happens, stop immediately and contact the bank directly using the number on the back of the card.
Online shopping is often safer than people think
Many older people still avoid online shopping because they fear card fraud or fake websites.
But experts say modern payment protections are actually extremely strong if shoppers use trusted retailers and the right payment methods.
Using a credit card for purchases between £100 and £30,000 gives shoppers protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
This means customers may be able to claim money back if:
- Goods never arrive
- A company collapses
- Items are counterfeit
- A service is not delivered properly
Experts also recommend:
- Checking for the padlock symbol in the web browser
- Making sure websites begin with “https”
- Avoiding deals that seem unrealistically cheap
- Looking for independent reviews
- Avoiding public WiFi when banking
Why staying offline can now cost more
Many companies now reserve their cheapest deals for customers using apps or websites.
This includes:
- Insurance
- Train tickets
- Supermarket discounts
- Energy tariffs
- Holiday deals
- Cashback offers
Some banks are also reducing branch services or moving routine tasks online.
Consumer experts warn this risks creating a “digital divide” where older people end up paying more simply because they do not feel confident online.
Online banking can actually help spot fraud faster
One surprising advantage of online banking is that suspicious activity can often be spotted immediately.
Banking apps now commonly offer:
- Instant spending alerts
- Card freezing
- Fingerprint login
- Scam warnings
- Notifications for every transaction
That means customers can sometimes react faster than if they waited for a paper statement arriving days or weeks later.
‘Nobody should feel embarrassed’
Marc Crosby said shame often stops people seeking help quickly after a scam attempt.
He added: “One thing scammers rely on is embarrassment. People often stay quiet because they feel foolish for nearly falling for something.
“But these criminals are professionals. They manipulate people emotionally and technologically every single day.
“If something feels wrong, stop immediately and speak to somebody you trust. A genuine bank employee would always rather you double-check than rush into a mistake.”
For anyone worried about scams or online banking, organisations including Age UK, Citizens Advice and Action Fraud offer free guidance and support.
And while online banking may never feel entirely comfortable for some older readers, experts say understanding the protections available can make the internet feel far less frightening — and potentially save people money too.
