Keep SAFE
Resources to keep seniors safe online.
In our plight to Keep Cash accessible and accepted, we understand that conducting financial transactions online such as internet banking, paying bills, and online shopping is a technological progression.
While it brings many advantages such as convenience for some, it also brings disadvantages and even hardship for many older Australians who are not comfortable and confident online and with digital communications like email and text messaging.
NSA’s Keep SAFE campaign aims to protect older Australians so they are more aware, confident, and resilient online by providing information and education.
Emails which demand a missing payment or alert you to take action often feature exclamation marks, capital letters, threatening words, and prompts to ‘click immediately’ and ‘act now’. These emails are becoming increasingly elaborate and can often look like the ‘real deal’. Phone call and text message scams are just as elaborate and it can be frightening to receive one. If you receive an email, phone call, or text message that you are unsure of, Stop, Check, and Reject.
Click below to download our handy eye-catching STOP | CHECK | REJECT resource that you can chose to print, laminate, and stick to your fridge, wall, door, corkboard, or computer for a quick reference. It could save you from an unwanted situation.
HOT TIP: If you receive an unusual phone call from someone who sounds like a family member, a scammer could be using technology called voice cloning to deceive you. If you are unsure, be prepared to ask a question that only that family member would know the answer to. Keep SAFE.
Card fraud victimisation rate 2022-23
Could this be the result of older Australians favouring cash transactions over credit card use? Credit card scams are a huge area of concern, and these card fraud statistics aren’t saying seniors are less likely to be scammed but are potentially less likely to make credit card purchases – or even own a credit card. Further statistics indicate that those employed and on higher income are more likely to be targeted by credit card fraud.
Decline in bank owned ATMs
This graph shows a significant drop in the number of bank-owned ATMs available throughout Australia to less than 6,000 by mid-2024. Naturally, ATM usage has also decreased, however other data reveals that ATM withdrawals have plateaued. It seems people are still willing to use them but if ATMs continue to decrease, where will that leave cash users?
Number of cash withdrawals by debit card
The statistics in this graph could be indicative of the lack of withdrawal points now available. Not only are ATMs closing, many supermarkets and retailers no longer offer cash withdrawal at point-of sale. Interestingly, the figures have steadied after an inconsistent 2022 and are even more steady this year. We hope to see a steady rise in coming months with the push to Keep Cash.
The Be Connected initiative is dedicated to enhancing the confidence, digital literacy, and online safety of older Australians. Whether you're looking to learn new skills or explore a new topic, this program, supported by the Australian Government, offers access to free learning resources, available both online and through local community organisations. There are community centres and organisations across Australia, hosting in-person computer classes, providing hands-on guidance, and support.
National Seniors Australia is proud to be a network partner of Be Connected, supported by the Building Digital Skills grant. Through some of our branches, we are providing practical assistance to complete Be Connected courses and information sessions using Be Connected resources.
We invite you to explore the Be Connected learning platform and participate in one of their many free sessions to develop digital skills. Be Connected provides the tools and resources to make your online experience safe, enjoyable, and empowering.
For more information, visit the Be Connected website, beconnected.esafety.gov.au where you can find computer classes near you and free online safety presentations.
As scams and fraud continue to rise, National Seniors Australia is more committed than ever to keep your hard earned safe. In partnership with CommBank, we provide informative workshops, resources, and support to help you understand ways you can protect yourself online. Click below to view our scam awareness resources, including a handy downloadable e-Guide.
National Seniors Australia has access to a highly regarded selection of cyber safety instructional videos provided by the Australian Federal Police. These videos provide in-depth insights into business email compromise, malicious software and malware, botnets, keyloggers, viruses and worms, phishing, online shopping scams, money muling, and remote access trojans.
