As part of the “Digital Inclusion for Adults & Seniors in Moldova” project, YMCA Moldova carries out digital literacy activities at the Community Center for the Elderly and Refugees in Budești, coordinated by Ms. Iulia Maistrov. Dozens of beneficiaries regularly participate in practical sessions in which they learn to use a laptop and smartphone, browse the internet, create and manage an email, and access online services useful for everyday life.

The activities are organized in a friendly and interactive format, adapted to the learning pace of seniors. Participants practice directly on the devices, receive individual support from facilitators and discuss how technology can help them communicate with family, access information, public services or banking applications.

An important element of the training is also online safety – how to recognize fraud attempts and how to protect their personal data.

How to protect yourself from online scams As we use the internet more, it’s important to be aware of the risks. Here are some simple rules that can protect you from fraud:

Do not share your account passwords with anyone – not by phone, email, or text. Banks and official institutions never ask for passwords or security codes.

Do not open suspicious links received in unknown messages or emails. These can lead to fake websites that try to steal your data.

Always check the website address before entering personal or banking details. Official websites have correct and secure addresses (usually starting with https).

Do not send money to strangers who contact you online or by phone with urgent stories or promises of quick wins.

If you receive a suspicious message or call, talk to a family member or someone you trust before taking any action.

Through such activities, YMCA Moldova aims to increase seniors’ confidence in using technology and help them use the internet safely and responsibly. The initiative contributes to reducing digital exclusion and creating more informed and connected communities.