New year, same old scams
Criminals continue to target seniors in many ways. Make sure you know how to spot a financial scam and what to do if you fall victim.
We’ve got your back
National Seniors Australia (NSA) and its partners are on the frontline of the battle against scammers.
The NSA website offers a range of tips and tools to help you identify and neutralise scams.
For more information, visit our Scams Awareness page.
A lot of us are looking forward to this year and all it has to offer. But it’s important to remember that some things never change – including the fact that some unscrupulous people want to separate you from your money.
Financial scams are on the rise – and older Australians are often the prime targets.
Scammers know that many retirees have savings and may be less familiar with the latest technology, making it easier to exploit trust and goodwill.
These criminals use clever tactics to create a sense of urgency or emotional pressure, hoping you’ll act before thinking things through.
One common scam involves someone pretending to be a family member in distress, claiming to need money urgently for an emergency.
Others impersonate government agencies such as Medicare or Services Australia, asking for your personal details or payments.
Investment scams promise high returns with little or no risk, while romance scams prey on loneliness, building emotional connections before requesting money.
Tech support scams are also widespread, with fraudsters claiming your computer has a virus and asking for remote access.
In all these cases, the best defence is to pause and think. If you receive an unexpected call, message, or email asking for money or personal information, stop immediately.
Scammers rely on panic and secrecy, so take time to check. Contact the person or organisation directly using official details, not those provided in the message. Ask a trusted friend or family member for advice – because if something feels wrong, it probably is.
Protecting yourself also means being proactive. Keep your devices secure with updated software, use strong passwords, and never share banking details over the phone or online unless you are certain of who you’re dealing with.
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, act quickly: contact your bank to freeze accounts, change passwords, and report the incident to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au.
Emotional support is available through services such as Lifeline or Beyond Blue, because the impact of scams is not just financial, it can be deeply personal.
Remember, scammers are skilled at sounding convincing, but you have the power to protect yourself.
Trust your instincts, stay informed, and never be afraid to say no. By taking a moment to Stop. Check. Reject, you can keep your money safe.
Disclaimer: This article and any links provided are for general information only and should not be taken as constituting professional advice. National Seniors Australia is not a financial advisor. You should consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation, or other advice to check how any information provided relates to your unique circumstances.
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