SENIORS - STAY SAFE ONLINE
You Deserve to Feel Safe Online
Simple, practical steps to protect yourself from scams, fraud, and tech abuse—explained clearly, without the jargon.
Why Seniors Are Targeted
Older Australians are increasingly targeted by scammers and cybercriminals. In 2024, Australians aged 65 and over reported 62,147 scams with total losses of $99.6 million, with investment scams alone accounting for $66.5 million of those losses. Scammers specifically target older people because they often have retirement savings, tend to be trusting, and may have less familiarity with digital threats.
The good news? With some basic knowledge and simple steps, you can protect yourself and your money
Common Scams Targeting Seniors
Investment Scams
Fake investment opportunities promising high returns on retirement savings. These sophisticated schemes often use social media platforms and professional-looking websites to appear legitimate.
Government Impersonation
Scammers pretending to be from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Centrelink, Medicare, or MyGov, claiming there's a problem with your payments or tax return and requesting your bank details or personal information.
Romance Scams
Criminals create fake online profiles to build emotional relationships, then ask for money for emergencies or travel expenses.
Phishing Emails & Texts
Messages that look like they're from your bank, Australia Post, or other trusted organizations, asking you to click links or provide passwords.
Phone Scams
Calls claiming to be from NBN, tech support, or your bank, often requesting remote access to your computer or urgent payment.
Tech-Facilitated Financial Abuse
Family members or carers who misuse technology to access your bank accounts, control your finances, or monitor your activities without permission.
Warning Signs of a Scam
Be alert if:
· Someone contacts you unexpectedly asking for personal information or money
· You're pressured to act immediately or keep things secret
· An offer seems too good to be true
· You're asked to pay via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer
· The caller or email has poor grammar or spelling mistakes
· Someone asks for remote access to your computer or device
· You receive unsolicited friend requests from strangers online
· A "government agency" threatens legal action unless you pay immediately
Remember: Legitimate organisations will never ask for your password, PIN, or full account details via phone, email, or text.