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.
Lost in 2024
By Australian seniors to scams
The Top 3 Scams You Need to Know
Email & Text Message Scams (Phishing)
Fake messages pretending to be from your bank, Australia Post, or the ATO
"Your package can't be delivered - click here"
"Suspicious activity on your account - verify now"
"You owe money - pay immediately"
Never click links in unexpected emails or texts. Instead, type the website address yourself or call them using a number from your statement.
Investment Scams
Get-rich-quick schemes that steal your life savings
"Guaranteed high returns!"
"Turn $1,000 into $10,000 in weeks"
Fake celebrity endorsements
If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Real investments always carry risk. Never invest in something advertised on social media.
Phone Scams
Fake calls from "Microsoft," "your bank," or "the ATO"
"Your computer has a virus"
"You owe the ATO money"
"Your grandchild needs help urgently"
Hang up and call them back using a number you look up yourself. Real organizations don't call unexpectedly asking for money or personal information.
The 5 Golden Rules
Slow Down
If they rush you, it's a scam. Real emergencies can wait 5 minutes.
Never Click Links
Type website addresses yourself. Don't click links in emails or texts.
Hang Up & Call Back
Use a number you look up yourself, not one they give you.
No Gift Cards
Real businesses never ask for payment via gift cards. Never.
Trust Your Gut
If something feels wrong, it probably is. Talk to someone you trust.
Quick Scam Checklist
- Rush you to act now
- Ask for gift cards
- Threaten you
- Contact you unexpectedly
- Offer guaranteed returns
- Give you time to think
- Use normal payment methods
- Stay professional
- You contacted them first
- Explain risks honestly
Been Scammed? Act Fast
Stop contact - Hang up, block their number
Call your bank immediately - Number on back of card
Change passwords - If you shared login details
Report it - Scamwatch: 1300 795 995
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 license, passport details for identity theft
- Your personal data - Family photos, contacts, emails for future scams
- Access to accounts - Banking, myGov, email, social media
- Your privacy - Personal information sold to other criminals
- Your peace of mind - The emotional toll and stress of being violated
This is why acting quickly and protecting your information is so important.
The Bottom Line
Scammers count on you feeling rushed, confused, or embarrassed. Don't give them that power.
When something feels off: slow down, hang up, and talk to someone you trust. Real emergencies can wait 5 minutes. Real businesses respect that.
Print this guide and keep it near your phone or computer.
Share it with friends and family who need to see this.