Verizon commissioned a booklet entitled Internet Safety Tips For Seniors FOR DUMMIES by Linda Criddle of the Safe Internet Alliance and Nancy C. Muir from iLookBothWays to help seniors have a safe, fun and productive time online.

Mike McKeehan has been sharing excerpts of the Internet Safety Tips booklet at his blog on online safety issues as part of his work on Internet and technology public policy:

“If a site tells you to change your browser settings for a “better experience” – ignore it and use a different web site.”

“Think twice before you open attachments or click links in e-mail.”

On Friday July, 10, 2009 as part of Verizon’s New Jersey Partnership for Online Safety “Forum on Internet Safety for Seniors,” the booklet was shared with the public.

Thomas Dailey, vice president and deputy general counsel for Verizon, was one of the Verizon officials who gave a presentation on how seniors can safely take advantage of all the benefits of broadband and the Internet. He highlighted the online risks facing seniors today, and the ways to help avoid falling victim to Internet scams and other dangers.

“The Internet is a fantastic place to learn, communicate, meet people, shop, bank, play and do so much more,” said Daily. “But as wonderful as the Internet is, the fact is that on occasion people have their identities stolen, fall victim to fraud, or place themselves or their families at risk — almost always through inadvertence or lack of appreciation of the danger’s warning signs. The good news is that by following a few simple, common-sense rules, you can greatly reduce the risk of bad things happening.”

Another good resource for Seniors’ Internet Safety is the FBI Seniors Fraud site.

They write that Seniors should consider the following:

* Do not respond to unsolicited advertisements.

* Be suspicious of anyone claiming that you can own a home with no down payment.

* Do not sign anything that you do not fully understand.

* Do not accept payment from individuals for a home you did not purchase.

* Seek out your own reverse mortgage counselor.