At the shop, we see elderly customers almost every day who arrive worried because their computer is showing virus warnings, pop-ups, or strange messages. And the line we hear again and again is:
“But I already have Norton/McAfee/paid security… how did this happen?”
It makes perfect sense for them to be confused. Years ago, having antivirus was enough.
Today, most scams don’t come through traditional “viruses” at all. They come through fake websites, sponsored search adverts, misleading emails, and notification pop-ups that trick the user rather than infect the machine.
This guide explains in simple terms how these scams happen and how families can protect elderly relatives from being targeted.
1. How Elderly Users Get Caught Out
1. Sponsored adverts and fake links
Many older users don’t type website addresses directly. They go to a search page, type the name of the company (Sainsbury’s, NHS, HMRC, bank, etc.) and click the first result.
The first result is often a sponsored advert, not the real website.
Scammers create adverts that look identical to genuine sites. Clicking one of these can lead to:
- fake support pages
- false virus warnings
- pages asking for payment
- websites that steal information
- phone numbers that connect straight to scammers
A real case from our shop
A gentleman came in saying his PC became “infected” while he was on the Sainsbury’s website.
When we checked, he wasn’t on the real site at all — he’d clicked a sponsored advert that led to a fake page.
When I asked how he normally gets there, he said:
“I search for it and click the first link.”
This is exactly what scammers expect people to do.
2. “Allow Notifications” pop-ups
Another very common problem comes from websites asking:
“This site wants to show notifications — ALLOW / BLOCK.”
If someone accidentally clicks Allow, that website can send endless messages straight to the browser. These messages often look like:
- security alerts
- warnings saying the computer is infected
- messages telling them to call a number
- payment requests
These are not coming from the computer. They are coming from the website they allowed.
3. Emails that look completely genuine
Scam emails pretending to be from:
- Royal Mail
- DVLA
- Banks
- Amazon
- PayPal
- HMRC
…are getting more convincing every year.
Simple rules make a huge difference:
- If you didn’t expect the email, don’t click anything.
- If unsure, forward it to a family member or someone you trust.
- If it landed in the spam folder, leave it there.
- Never call phone numbers mentioned inside emails.
2. Why Antivirus Isn’t Enough Anymore
Norton, McAfee, Defender and other security software all protect against traditional viruses.
But today’s scams don’t normally install anything. They rely on:
- fake websites
- phishing links
- pop-ups
- browser notifications
- fake phone numbers
- adverts placed by scammers
None of these count as “viruses”, so antivirus doesn’t block them.
This is why customers with paid protection still get caught out.
3. Practical Ways to Keep Elderly Users Safe
These steps are simple, effective, and make everyday browsing much safer.
1. Use a Standard User account
Don’t give elderly users administrator access.
A standard account automatically blocks unwanted installs and system changes.
2. Turn Windows and browser security settings to the highest level
Enable:
- SmartScreen
- Reputation-based blocking
- Ransomware protection
- Controlled Folder Access
- Automatic updates
- Highest browser security mode
3. Install an ad blocker
A good ad blocker removes most of the misleading adverts and scam pop-ups that lead to trouble.
4. Turn off all website notifications
Disable all website notification permissions unless absolutely needed.
This stops fake “virus” messages appearing in the corner of the screen.
5. Use bookmarks for important websites
If someone uses a site regularly (their bank, supermarket, NHS, etc.), set up a bookmark.
This avoids them having to search for it — and avoids fake adverts pretending to be the real site.
6. Never phone any number that appears on the screen
Pop-ups saying “Your computer is infected — call this number” are always fake.
Always check with a family member or with us before calling anyone.
7. Be cautious with unexpected emails
- Don’t click links or attachments
- Forward suspicious emails to someone you trust
- If it’s in the spam folder, treat it as spam
- Never enter personal details from an email link
8. Keep a trusted list of safe phone numbers
Make sure they only call numbers from:
- family
- known technicians
- official websites (typed manually, not from emails or search adverts)
4. What to Do If a Scam Has Already Happened
- Stay calm — this happens to many people.
- Disconnect the computer from the internet.
- Change their important passwords (email first).
- Contact the bank if money was transferred.
- Bring the computer in for a safety check.
- Remove notification permissions and any suspicious browser extensions.
- Tell them not to answer any follow-up calls — scammers try again.
Final Words
Elderly people grew up in a world where trust was normal and businesses were honest. Scammers take advantage of that kindness.
With a few simple habits and some protective settings, elderly users can enjoy their computers safely without fear or confusion.
If you need help setting up a safe, scam-proof computer for a family member, we’re always here to help.
Swiftech Solutions
50 St johns Road
Tunbridge Wells
TN4 9NY
01892 501231
