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Best Ways for Retirees to Protect Themselves Online in 2025

  • By Curtis Hearn, CFP
  • September 7, 2025

A Client’s Painful Phishing Trip

Recently, I spoke with a retired client who had just gone through one of the most stressful experiences of their life. Despite being a careful, responsible person who had always prided themselves on being savvy with money, they fell victim to a phishing scam that cost them $10,000.

While the financial loss was painful, the emotional toll was even greater. They felt embarrassed and ashamed—like they should have “known better.” For months, their life was disrupted as they worked to restore accounts, monitor their credit, and rebuild their confidence.

Unfortunately, this isn’t unusual. Today’s scams are far more sophisticated than they were even a few years ago. Fake websites look nearly identical to official government or financial institution portals. Phishing emails and text messages are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. If a smart, detail-oriented client can be tricked, anyone can.

At our firm, we’ve seen how devastating these attacks can be, and that’s why we believe protecting online privacy is as important as protecting investments. Below are some of the most effective ways to stay safe in 2025.

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Reusing the same password across accounts makes it easy for hackers.

  • A password manager (such as 1Password, LastPass, or Bitwarden) can create and store unique, secure logins.
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is essential. Even if a password is stolen, the second step—like a code or biometric check—keeps accounts secure.

2. Reduce Data Broker Exposure

Data brokers collect and sell personal details, which can then be exploited by scammers.

  • Services like DeleteMe, Incogni, or Optery can automatically request removals from hundreds of broker sites.
  • For those who want to do it themselves, manual opt-out requests are possible but very time-consuming.

3. Monitor the Dark Web

Compromised data from breaches often circulates online for years.

  • Free tools like Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) let you check if your email or phone number has been exposed. (HIBP is recommended by organizations like the FBI and the UK’s National Crime Agency.)
  • Identity theft monitoring services such as Aura, Norton LifeLock, or Experian provide alerts when sensitive data appears in suspicious places.

4. Protect Financial Identity

Even when data leaks, there are steps to prevent criminals from opening new accounts.

  • A credit freeze with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion blocks new account openings.
  • Fraud alerts force lenders to confirm your identity before extending credit.
  • Regularly reviewing bank and investment accounts helps catch suspicious activity quickly.

5. Be Wary of Phishing and Smishing

Phishing emails and “smishing” (scam texts) are the leading causes of financial fraud.

  • Remember: government agencies and banks will never request payment by text message or through unofficial websites.
  • If something looks suspicious, go directly to the institution’s website or call the number on your statement.
  • Never click unknown links or download attachments from strangers.

6. Secure Devices and Connections

  • Keep software and devices updated to patch security flaws.
  • Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi to avoid snooping.
  • Review social media privacy settings and avoid oversharing personal details.

Final Thoughts

Our client’s experience is a reminder that even the most responsible and financially savvy people can be vulnerable in today’s digital environment. Protecting wealth goes hand in hand with protecting personal information.

By layering strategies—strong passwords, monitoring data exposure, freezing credit, and staying vigilant against phishing—anyone can dramatically reduce their risk.

At our firm, we believe financial security extends beyond investments. It includes taking steps to protect yourself online to not only help avoid costly scams but also enjoy peace of mind that the future is safeguarded.

Disclaimer: the above websites and services are not affiliated with NewEdge Advisors DBA Symphony Wealth LLC, nor is this an endorsement of their services. Please do your own research before signing up with or hiring any third party.

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Associate Financial Planner

Megan Green, CFP®, EA

As Associate Financial Planner, Megan supports clients in many aspects of the financial planning process at DeepRiver Wealth. She conducts data gathering activities, performs detailed analyses, proposes recommendations, and identifies potential planning opportunities, all under the supervision and support of senior advisors.

Megan developed an early interest in finance and has built her career around helping others make informed financial decisions. Prior to joining DeepRiver Wealth, she worked as a financial content writer, where she honed her ability to communicate complex financial topics in a clear and effective way. She loves helping clients understand the rationale behind their financial plan, so they feel confident and empowered.

Committed to continuous learning, Megan has received her CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) designations, strengthening her comprehensive and tax-centric planning expertise.

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As a Client Service Manager, Gabby focuses primarily on providing a “white glove” client experience as she acts as a liaison between the financial institutions and our clients. In this vital role, Gabby facilitates a wide range of client needs, including onboarding, account maintenance, client scheduling, money movements, and more.

Gabby’s commitment to excellence, proficiency in technology tools, and dedication to serving her clients makes her a valuable asset to DeepRiver Wealth. “Each client that I work with can expect to be treated with respect and know that I will perform to the best of my ability each day throughout the entirety of our relationship.”

Gabby attended Georgia State University and is a big supporter of the Braves baseball team. For the past three years, she has volunteered at the Shepherd Center Derby Day which is a fundraising event for their Recreation Therapy Program. When she’s not working, Gabby enjoys traveling and working on home improvement projects.

Founder and President

Curtis Hearn, MBA, CFP®, CEPA®

In His Own Words… If I’m completely honest, when I first stepped into the financial industry over 20 years ago, I did so with a great deal of trepidation. Deep down, I felt a small tinge of resignation in trading in my idealistic dreams of being a high school teacher for the cold and impersonal world of finance. And the first several years did little to encourage me, as I learned the hard way that conflicts of interest are rampant in the industry. Sadly, the ways in which the advisor community can abuse the trust of clients are as numerous as the number of products that they sell. Then, just as I was ready to quit the industry, I was introduced to the “fee-only” advisor community—a whole new approach to financial advice. There I found an environment in which clients and advisors work together to reach the client’s goals, and where conflicts of interest are eliminated. I also found a peaceful, collegiate atmosphere, where advisors work together on the client’s behalf, rather than in cutthroat competition. On top of all that, I was blessed to work alongside and be mentored by one of the most insightful and experienced advisors in the country. Under Jon Houk’s tutelage, I’ve found a passion for teaching again, only this time by helping executives, business owners, and retirees break down complex financial problems into simple decisions. I get the satisfaction of helping them stride forward with confidence towards the future, even as the markets and political world shifts around them. Over the last two decades, I completed an MBA, obtained the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation, and added exit planning (including the in-depth CEPA certification) for business owners to my service offerings. I’ve also started three businesses, exited one personally, and helped numerous clients through their own business exits as well. I am an incorrigible serial entrepreneur at heart, and I love working with that same community. I also enjoy working with executives and retirees to help them plan for retirement, invest prudently, and leave a legacy worthy of their hard work and reputation.