Issue: 046

Tech Tips, Tricks & Cybersecurity Advice – No Jargon, Just Help

Hey Techie,

Online shopping is incredibly convenient — but for many older family members, it feels risky, confusing, or overwhelming.

The goal isn’t to stop them from shopping online.

It’s to help them do it confidently and safely.

🛒 The “Safe Site” Rule

Teach this simple check before buying anything:

Look for:

• 🔒 Lock icon in the browser

• Website starts with https

• No strange spelling (like Amaz0n or Walrnart)

If something feels off, it probably is.

No need to overthink it — just pause.

💳 Use One Card for Online Purchases

Instead of using multiple cards everywhere:

Set up:

• One dedicated credit card for online shopping

Why this works:

• Easier to monitor

• Limits exposure if compromised

• Cleaner statements

Even better: turn on purchase alerts.

📦 Show Them How to Track Orders

A lot of anxiety comes from:
“Did it go through?”
“Where is it?”

Teach them:

• How to find confirmation emails

• How to click tracking links

• How to recognize real vs fake shipping updates

This builds trust in the process.

⚠️ The Biggest Red Flag

If a deal feels:

• Too cheap

• Too urgent

• Too pushy

It’s likely a scam.

Teach this phrase:

That one sentence prevents a lot of bad purchases.

📧 Clean Up Shopping Emails

Help them:

• Unsubscribe from spammy store emails

• Keep only stores they trust

• Reduce “limited time offer” pressure

Less noise = better decisions.

🧠 The Mindset Shift

They don’t need to become “tech-savvy.”

They just need a few rules they trust.

Once they feel safe, they’ll use the tools more confidently.

This Week’s Move

Sit with a family member and:

• Walk through one safe online purchase

• Show them how to confirm the order

• Show them how to track it

One successful experience changes everything.

🕹️ Gadget of the Week: Resqme

Not the most exciting thing on your keychain… until it really, really is. The Resqme is a tiny 2-in-1 lifesaver that can cut a jammed seatbelt or shatter a car window in seconds—no strength, no panic, just one quick move.

It clips right onto your keys, stays out of the way, and quietly earns its spot as the most important thing you hope you’ll never need. Bright yellow so you can actually find it under stress, and small enough that there’s no excuse not to carry one (or two).

It’s one of those “buy it, forget about it, be glad you have it” kind of gadgets.

Stay safe and savvy,
—Your Grandson Techie