Pharos Safety Guide
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PHAROS WEB SAFETY GUIDE
Older Adults Edition — Guiding Trust Online
Safety Guide: Older Adults Track
Tape this near your computer screen or desk for quick reference.
Watch Spelling Tricks (Lookalike Letters)
Scammers swap characters to mimic big brands. They use numbers like '1' for the letter 'l' (e.g. `paypa1`) or double letters like 'rn' (looks like 'm' in `arnazon`). Always inspect the address bar carefully.
Avoid Insecure Connections (HTTP vs HTTPS)
Never type passwords, credit card details, or verification codes on websites that lack the letter s at the start (http://). Secure websites always start with https:// and display a small padlock icon.
Resist Panic Texts & Urgent Account Suspensions
Banks or utility workers never text/email warning you that your account is locked and force a link click. Ignore alerts claiming your credit card was charged $900 or that your package delivery failed.
Search Manually (Never Use Links in Messages)
Instead of clicking a link in a text message or email, open your browser, go to Google, and search for the company website. Access your account solely through their official website or call them using the phone number printed on your physical billing statement.
Tech Support Popups
Fake popups saying your PC is infected, directing you to call their phone support line. **Do not call.** Official computer manufacturers never write phone warnings.
Apple/Google Gift Cards
Requests to pay bills or verification fees using Apple/Google gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto codes are scams. Official businesses never accept gift cards for verification.