Scams target people of all ages and backgrounds, however, some scams are more likely to target older people.
Older Australians are more at risk due to a number of factors. Older Australians are more likely to have accumulated wealth than younger people, making them an attractive target for a scammer.
Scammers will also scour dating sites and social media for older Australians who have recently divorced or lost a long-term partner, taking advantage of their inexperience with these sites and their often-vulnerable emotional state.
Older Australians may also be seen by scammers as generally less internet and computer savvy or familiar with new technology.
Common scams targeting older Australians include those pertaining to dating and romance, investments, lottery/unexpected prizes, inheritance, non-existent rebates and door-to-door and home maintenance scams.
Protect yourself by:
• Not being pressured into making decisions. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency through short deadlines, fake emergencies or threats of legal action.
• If you find yourself in a suspicious situation you feel may be a scam, consult with a younger relative and run it past them.
• Scammers will often ask you to use an unusual payment method, including preloaded debit cards, gift cards, iTunes cards or virtual currency such as Bitcoin.
• Never respond to phone calls or emails offering financial advice or opportunities, just hang up or delete the email.
• Being suspicious of unexpected emails or letters advising you how to claim an inheritance or competition prize.
• Never give out your personal details and seek advice from an independent professional.
• Being suspicious of requests for money – even if they sound or look official. Government departments will never contact you asking for money upfront in order to claim a rebate.
• Being wary of people you meet social media or online dating sites who after just a few contacts profess strong feelings for you and try to move you away from the site and communicate via chat or email.
