Online scams: remain vigilant seniors
A book which helps people to identify scams was recently released and is free for seniors. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released the new edition of its warning book The Little Black Book of Scams.
A book which helps people to identify scams was recently released and is free for seniors.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released the new edition of its warning book The Little Black Book of Scams.
Online and phone scams are a growing problem in Australia, with the SCAMwatch website reportedly receiving more than 20 million hits last year, up a staggering 400% on 2010.
Queensland Fraud and Corporate Crime Group detective superintendent, Brian Hay, claims online scams are a major issue, with elderly and often ‘cash-rich’ retirees being targeted.
“Seniors tend to fall for email scams,” he told The Gold Coast Bulletin. “It is really becoming a massive problem.”
He warns seniors to always question what they are told and to be vigilant and sceptical.
“Seniors are more susceptible because they’re more trusting. Any community that includes a large number of elderly residents is going to have a problem with fraud.”
To obtain a copy of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s The Little Black Book of Scams , visit the SCAMwatch website. http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/693900
