In 2024, Australians aged 65 and over lost nearly $100 million to scammers. But the damage goes beyond money - scammers steal your identity, personal photos, medical information, and peace of mind.

The good news? Most scams can be stopped with simple common sense and knowing what to look for.

Why Scammers Target You

Scammers target seniors for specific reasons: you likely have savings, you grew up in a time when people were more trusting, and technology changes faster than anyone can keep up with. Being targeted doesn't mean you're naive - it means criminals are strategic.

The Top 3 Scams You Need to Know

1. Email and Text Message Scams (Phishing)

Fake messages pretending to be from your bank, Australia Post, or the ATO. They say things like: "Your package can't be delivered - click here," "Suspicious activity on your account - verify now," or "You owe money - pay immediately."

How to stay safe: Never click links in unexpected emails or texts. Type the website address yourself, or call them using a number from your statement or the official website.

2. Investment Scams

Get-rich-quick schemes that promise "guaranteed high returns," claim to turn $1,000 into $10,000 in weeks, or use fake celebrity endorsements to appear credible. These steal life savings - often through fake crypto platforms or managed investment accounts that simply disappear.

How to stay safe: If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Real investments always carry risk. Never invest in something advertised on social media, especially if you can't find the company registered with ASIC.

3. Phone Scams

Fake calls from people claiming to be Microsoft, your bank, or the ATO. Common scripts: "Your computer has a virus and we need to fix it remotely," "You owe the ATO money and police are on the way," or "Your grandchild needs help urgently - please send money now."

How to stay safe: Hang up and call them back using a number you look up yourself. Real organisations don't call unexpectedly asking for money or personal information. The ATO will never threaten immediate arrest.

The 5 Golden Rules

1. Slow down. If they rush you, it's a scam. Real emergencies can wait 5 minutes.
2. Never click links. Type website addresses yourself. Don't click links in emails or texts.
3. Hang up and call back. Use a number you look up yourself, not one they give you.
4. No gift cards. Real businesses never ask for payment via gift cards. Never.
5. Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Talk to someone you trust.

How to Tell a Scam from the Real Thing

Warning signs - it's probably a scam if they:

• Rush you to act immediately
• Ask for payment via gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer
• Threaten arrest, account closure, or legal action
• Contact you unexpectedly and ask for personal information
• Promise guaranteed high returns with no risk
• Ask you to keep the conversation secret

Signs it's legitimate:

• They give you time to think and verify
• They use normal payment methods (not gift cards or crypto)
• You contacted them first, not the other way around
• They're registered and findable through official channels
• They explain risks honestly and don't pressure you

Been Scammed? Act Fast

Don't feel ashamed. These are professional criminals. What matters is acting quickly - the sooner you act, the better the chance of recovering your money.

1. Stop all contact - hang up, block their number, don't respond to further messages
2. Call your bank immediately - use the number on the back of your card and tell them what happened
3. Change your passwords - if you shared any login details or gave remote access to your computer
4. Report to Scamwatch - call 1300 795 995 or visit scamwatch.gov.au. Reporting helps protect others.

What's at Risk (It's Not Just Money)

Scammers aren't just after your bank account. They want:

• Your identity - Medicare number, driver's licence, passport details for identity theft
• Your personal data - family photos, contacts, emails used in future scams
• Access to accounts - banking, myGov, email, social media
• Your privacy - personal information sold to other criminal networks

This is why acting quickly and protecting your information matters so much.

Scammers count on you feeling rushed, confused, or embarrassed. When something feels off: slow down, hang up, and talk to someone you trust. Real emergencies can wait 5 minutes. Real businesses respect that.