Senior citizens have been advised on how to stay alert while carrying out online transactions and avoid becoming victims of financial fraud.

The session was held by Anantha Ganesh, founder and director, Bodhi Multiverse UK, on Wednesday, as part of a five-day awareness programme conducted by the District Social Welfare Office in Tiruchi.

The programme, held from October 8 at Anbu Cholai, a day-care centre for the aged under the auspices of Paavai Foundation in Ponmalaipatti, aimed to promote digital and financial literacy among senior citizens. It included sessions on digital devices, pension services, banking, financial independence, entrepreneurship and consolidation.

“It is important for the elderly to be vigilant when they are online, especially when they are carrying out banking operations, as cyber crime is increasingly targeting senior citizens. They have to check the veracity of callers to avoid getting cheated out of their savings,” Mr. Ganesh told The Hindu on Wednesday.

N. Kanagasabapathy, founder president, Export Import Federation, Tiruchi, R. Michael, former chief manager, Punjab National Bank, Tiruchi, A. Ebenezer Raja, assistant professor, Centre for Career Development, Hallmark Business School, and K. Varshini, development officer, LIC, Rockfort Branch, were the resource persons of earlier sessions.

A. Vijayalakshmi, District Social Welfare Officer, Tiruchi, spoke.