By Natasha Fujimoto
RECEIVING a required brain injury at birth, local resident Paul James has sadly been plagued by financial scammers, both online and by phone.
Falling prey to credit card fraud several times over the last few years, Paul was distraught in March when offshore scammers attempted to withdraw $20K from his personal account. Fortunately, Paul’s bank recognised the unusual withdrawal amount and put a hold on it.
Despite Paul’s repeated victimisation at the hands of scammers, financial counsellor at FamilyCare, Levi Boschetti said that while people with intellectual disability can be more susceptible to scams, the entire community remains at risk, as cybercrime becomes ever more prevalent and sophisticated.
“Romance scams, bank impersonation scams and text message scams are sent out to catch everyone, but I would assume they are more successful with vulnerable members of the community, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and the less educated.
“Recent arrivals and those with English as a second language also fall into this more vulnerable group,” Levi said.
Stating that a lack of awareness, social isolation and/or generally being more trusting contributed to the likelihood of being scammed, Levi also said at risk individuals who had been deceived once would more likely fall prey to subsequent attempts.
Nevertheless, as financial institutions continue to up the ante on personal security, Levi said it is important for victims of fraud not to feel at fault or ashamed.
“Scams are so prevalent and sophisticated that we can all be scammed no matter how intelligent or cautious we are. Falling victim to a scam is not a personal failing,” Levi said.
To verify an unsolicited request for money or personal information, Levi advised trying to contact the caller or text back, using their advertised number, for example, to confirm their legitimacy before taking any requested action.
