Key Takeaways
- Adults with disabilities face a higher risk of online scams, phishing, and identity theft, which makes internet safety an essential part of digital independence.
- Strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication are two of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your personal information online.
- Most online scams share the same warning signs — a sense of urgency, requests for money or personal details, and unexpected links — that anyone can learn to spot.
- If you think you or a loved one has been scammed, act fast: Contact your bank, change your passwords, and report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission.
The internet opens doors to friendships, shopping, learning, and greater independence. It also comes with real risks, and adults with disabilities are often targeted more aggressively than most. Building strong internet safety habits helps everyone enjoy the best parts of being online while steering clear of the dangers.
Why Adults With Disabilities Face a Higher Online Risk
Scammers tend to target the people they expect to catch off guard, such as older adults and people with disabilities. Research describes people with intellectual disabilities as being at greater risk of online victimization, from scams and phishing to identity theft and cyberbullying.
A 2025 survey of adults with intellectual disabilities found that about a third of participants had been asked by a stranger for their bank details, and roughly one in seven had shared them, in some cases after being groomed or scammed. Many were also asked for personal information like their home address, and about a third had accidentally downloaded a virus.
A few factors raise the risk, including social isolation, reliance on caregivers who may have access to financial information, and scammers who prey on trust. The same research points to a practical answer: accessible, hands-on training that helps people spot risks and build the confidence to handle them.
None of this means going offline. Staying safe online is about using technology with confidence, not avoiding it.
Common Online Scams to Watch For
Most scams follow familiar patterns. Learning to recognize common types of online scams and fraud is half the battle:
- Phishing: Fake emails or texts are made to look like they come from a bank, an insurance company, or a healthcare provider, and ask you to click a link or share personal information
- Romance and financial scams: Someone builds a relationship online, then asks for money, gift cards, or bank details.
- Tech support scams: A caller claims your device has a problem. Legitimate companies do not reach out this way.
- Identity theft: Criminals gather enough personal details to open accounts or file claims in your name.
A good rule to remember: No real business or government agency will ever demand payment by gift card. Anyone who does is a scammer.
Simple Ways to Stay Safe Online
You do not need to be a tech expert to protect yourself. A few online safety habits go a long way:
- Use strong, unique passwords: Aim for long passwords that mix upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols, and never reuse the same one. A password manager can keep track of them for you.
- Turn on two-factor authentication: This extra step blocks intruders even if they get hold of your password.
- Pause before you click: If a message feels urgent or unexpected, stop and verify it through an official website or phone number, not the link in the message.
- Protect your personal information: Review your privacy settings often, and think twice before sharing your birthdate, address, or daily routine.
- Keep your devices updated: Security updates patch the weaknesses scammers look for.
What to Do If Targeted
If something feels off, trust that instinct. Talk with a trusted friend, family member, or caregiver before sending money or sharing details. A second opinion is one of the best defenses against a scam built on pressure and secrecy.
If you believe you or someone in your care has been scammed, move quickly. Contact your bank or credit card company, change the passwords on any affected accounts, and report the fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The National Disability Institute also shares helpful resources on preventing identity theft. Reporting does more than protect you; it helps protect the next person, too.
Build Confidence With The Abilities Connection (TAC)
Internet safety is one piece of a bigger picture: living independently. Like any life skill, independence grows with practice and support. At The Abilities Connection (TAC), that growth is at the heart of everything we do.
Through Adult Day Services, TAC team members build self-advocacy, decision-making, and community skills — from making choices and solving everyday problems to connecting with others and taking part in community life. That confidence carries into every part of a person's day, and it strengthens the same judgment that helps someone stay safe, whether at the store, on the bus, or online.
TAC's broader programs, from workforce development to transportation services, share one goal: empowering people with disabilities to reach their full potential and live as independently as possible.
TAC is a nonprofit organization that empowers people with disabilities and other barriers to reach their full potential. Through workforce development initiatives, day programs, transportation services, and more, we enable individuals with disabilities to thrive by providing meaningful employment, dedicated training, and comprehensive support. Explore our programs and business offerings, or donate to make a lasting difference in the lives of those with disabilities in our community.
