How to Keep Safe Online - A Seniors Guide

Let's Outsmart the Scammers!

We Aussies are known for our sense of humour and laid-back nature, but sometimes that can make us a bit... trusting.

Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of that trust, preying on seniors like us with sneaky tricks and sweet-talkin' schemes.

But fret not! Today, we're armed with some cunning strategies to keep those pesky swindlers at bay.

First things first, let's sniff out the red flags:

• Too good to be true? It probably is. Grand prizes from unknown lotteries, miracle cures, or investments promising instant riches? Steer clear!

• Pressure tactics? Don't cave in. Scammers will try to rush you into decisions, claiming limited-time offers or dire consequences if you don't act now. Take a deep breath, mate, and politely say "no thanks."

• Threats and intimidation? Hang up or walk away. No legitimate business will resort to scare tactics. If someone's being pushy or aggressive, it's a big red flag.

Now, let's talk defence tactics:

• Guard your personal info like a magpie guards its shiny bits. Never share bank details, passwords, or Medicare numbers over the phone, email, or text unless you initiated the contact with a trusted source.

• Be sceptical of unsolicited calls and emails. Don't click on suspicious links or attachments, even if they seem familiar. Remember, scammers can spoof sender names and make websites look legitimate.

• If in doubt, don't be shy to double-check. Call the organization directly (using a phone number you know is correct) or visit their official website to verify any offers or claims.

• Talk to someone you trust. Share your concerns with a mate, family member, or trusted neighbour. Discussing things can help you see things clearly and avoid making hasty decisions. Ask someone young, they are normally seasoned at sniffing out the scam.

Remember, knowledge is power, and we seniors are a savvy bunch!

By staying alert, being sceptical, and protecting our personal information, we can outsmart those pesky scammers and keep our hard-earned cash safe.

Bonus tips:

• Register with the Do Not Call Register. This will reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls you receive.

• Install call-blocking software on your phone. This can help filter out known scam numbers.

• Consider using a password manager. This will help you create and store strong passwords for all your online accounts.

Let's spread the word and keep our community safe from scammers.

Share this post with your fellow seniors and let's all stay one step ahead of those swindlers!