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.

Scams Awareness

  • Finance
  • Read Time: 4 mins

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. 

Practical Tips


Track your spending for three months to identify trends. 

Use a calendar – either a physical one or an app on your phone – to mark due dates for major bills. 

Consider setting up automatic transfers to a special account for future expenses. 

By anticipating these fluctuations, you can enjoy the year without financial surprises. A little planning now means more freedom later – and that’s something everybody deserves.

Author

Brett Debritz

Brett Debritz

Communications Specialist, National Seniors Australia

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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National Seniors Australia Ltd ABN 89 050 523 003, AR 282736 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.

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